In reality, even for trips as short as a day or an overnight stay, travel insurance can provide meaningful protection if medical care or unexpected incidents arise. In this article, I, Kenneth, Chief General Insurance Officer at AXA Hong Kong and Macau, will walk you through three common scenarios faced by Hong Kong travellers heading north, and explain why travel insurance can play an important role.

Recent reports of a hantavirus (Hantavirus) cluster on a cruise ship have raised public concern. Unlike common illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19, hantavirus is closely linked to rodent exposure, prompting questions about potential risks in Hong Kong.

The latest 2026-27 Hong Kong Budget^* has introduced several tweaks for cross-border elderly care, including expanding the "Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong" to all nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area and trialling an inpatient medical subsidy of up to 30,000 RMB a year^*. Below is a full overview of senior living options in the Greater Bay Area, covering policy insights, healthcare planning, and insurance arrangements — offering those thinking of moving north for their retirement a complete guide.