In news that sounds like it escaped from a comedy sketch, Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited has proudly announced a new product for modern travellers: “Bear Attack Additional Coverage.” Yes, insurance for when a bear physically assaults you on holiday. Truly, civilisation has peaked.
Apparently, bears across Japan have stopped minding their business and started roaming around tourist zones like they’re checking hotel availability. Blue Cross saw this and said, “You know what travellers need? HK$3,000 for getting slapped by a bear.” Sensible.
And for SmartClub members, because loyalty must be rewarded, Blue Cross is offering a HK$50 premium coupon. Finally, a discount to celebrate the moment you get chased through a forest by a confused brown bear named Probably-Takeshi.
When Bears Attack, Blue Cross Has Your Back (Literally)
Due to climate change, bears are no longer hanging out in deep forests like respectable wildlife. No. They’re in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Shirakawa-go. Basically, everywhere tourists go to take photos of snow and pretend to be in a Studio Ghibli film.
And for all those travellers thinking: I can outrun a bear — Blue Cross gently clarifies: no, you absolutely cannot.
Their solution?
If a bear attacks you between now and March 31, 2026, and you need medical help abroad, the company will hand you HK$3,000 in cash. The catch is that you must first survive long enough to file the claim.
Also, this insurance covers bear attacks anywhere in the world — so good news if you’re planning a romantic getaway to Alaska, Yosemite, or your cousin’s backyard if he keeps wild pets.
Blue Cross’s Official Bear Survival Tips, or How to Pretend You’re Not Delicious
The press release also includes a “Bear Encounter Self-Rescue Guide,” which, by accident, is the funniest thing ever printed on corporate stationery.
According to Blue Cross, if you run into a bear:
- Stop immediately
- (As if you weren’t already frozen in primal terror.)
- Do not run
- Because nothing says “eat me” like sprinting.
- Retreat slowly
- Preferably without crying loudly, though not guaranteed.
- If attacked, lie on your stomach
- Protect your abdomen, cover your neck and head, and pray the bear has dinner plans elsewhere.
- If you’re in a car, stay inside
- Keep windows closed, no honking, and resist the urge to shout “Go away, Mr Bear!” in any language.
Apparently, honking may provoke the bear. Good to know. Nothing ruins a rental car deposit quite like a grizzly punching your hood.
A Coupon For Your Next Bear-Free Holiday
To celebrate the season of travel (and hopefully not the season of bear encounters), SmartClub members will receive a HK$50 ePremium coupon. This can be used on Travel Smart Single Trip, Multi-Trip, and Annual Cover.
Even better, you can combine it with other discounts. So in theory, you could insure yourself against bears, save a few dollars, and still have money left for snacks—truly modern living.
Where To Learn More About Protecting Yourself From Wildlife With Anger Issues
If you need more information — either about the insurance or about your life choices that led you to needing bear attack coverage — you can visit the Blue Cross website or download the app.
The press release then gently reminds readers that Blue Cross is unrelated to the American “Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association,” which is a polite way of saying:
“If you try to claim bear-attack money from the wrong Blue Cross, that is on you.”
