Travelers who acquired diseases abroad must prove that they were healthy before leaving Hong Kong to claim compensation, according to legi-leung legislator.

Chan, who also serves as general manager of China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong), advised citizens to avoid being “too frugal” when buying travel insurance and carefully review the details of the coverage.

His warning occurs following the Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, known as “Big S”, who died in Japan after suffering the influenza complicated by pneumonia on Sunday.

Chan said that while travel insurance generally covers accidental situations, the flu is not classified as an “accident.”

However, if it can be demonstrated that the disease was contracted in Japan and not in Hong Kong, relevant medical expenses and unique compensation can be reimbursed according to the terms of the policy, even in case of death.

Regarding the impact of vaccination on insurance reimbursement, Chan said that vaccination is not mandatory, and insurance policy does not specify that the insured must be vaccinated, which suggests that the reimbursement should not affect.

However, Steve Huen Kwok-Chuen, executive director of Egl Tours, said that Hong Kong Tour groups have not been affected by flu shoots in Japan, without Hongkongers reports that require medical assistance or experience unfortunate deaths.

He said that while travel insurance generally covers acquired diseases abroad, it is crucial for travelers to maintain personal hygiene and consider vaccination.

Timothy Chui Ting-Pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, described the death of “Big S” as an isolated incident, but urged citizens to buy travel insurance before traveling.

He also said that the seriousness of the flu situation in Japan, encouraging travelers to wear masks and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of infection.