Blue Cross launches bear coverage for travellers

Bear encounters have grown in Japan.

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance has launched a limited-time “Bear Attack Additional Coverage” in response to increasing wild bear sightings in Japan and other tourist areas.

The add-on, available across its travel insurance products until 31 March 2026, provides an extra $385.29 (HK$3,000) cash allowance if a traveller is attacked by a bear and requires overseas medical treatment. 

The coverage applies to bear-prone destinations worldwide.

Bear encounters have grown in regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano, and Shirakawa-go as climate change and habitat shifts push bears closer to populated areas.

Blue Cross also issued safety advice, reminding travellers not to run, to retreat slowly, and to protect their head, neck, and abdomen if attacked.

To encourage travel coverage uptake, the insurer is offering SmartClub members a $6.42 (HK$50) electronic premium coupon, which can be used on Travel Smart plans and combined with other promo codes.