China's largest life insurer launched a new service to protect Chinese international travelers against accidents occurring when they are overseas on business, travel and study.

The accidental injury and emergency aid insurance for Chinese citizens was provided by China Life Insurance Company Limited in association with AXA Assistance.

According to sources with China Life, the new insurance product not only covers the risk of unexpected injuries taking place in overseas tours but also includes emergency aid services provided by AXA Assistance.

Policyholders can contact AXA's 24-hour hotline to get professional aid such as medical care and arranging emergency return trips.

AXA Assistance will pay for all the emergency aid costs incurred overseas for the policyholders and make sure that rescue efforts will not be disrupted due to policyholders' financial constraints, said China Life.

As more Chinese citizens took overseas business, tourism and educational trips in recent years, the number of accidents that Chinese international travelers were involved also climbed. Some Chinese insurance companies and China operations of foreign insurers have launched a string of products and services aimed at meeting the increasing security needs of Chinese international travelers.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2005)