Cancel insurance directly; avoid surrender agents and use China's 12378 line for unresolved complaints
“Full refund, no win no fee” intermediaries may take 30%–50% of the refund and demand identity, banking and verification information. Surrender also ends cover. If misled, contact the insurer first, then 12378 if unresolved. If premiums are temporarily unaffordable, ask about alternatives before canceling.
What it takes
Official requests and complaints are free, though you may need one or two additional visits.
What you may gain
A February 6, 2026 warning from China's financial regulator, cyberspace authority, police, central bank and securities regulator identifies blanket full-refund promises as inconsistent with insurance law. Agents charge high fees, may sue for supposed breach if you withdraw, and collect SIM cards, bank cards, policies, addresses and children's school details, creating fraud and account-theft risks if sold onward. Ningxia's June 2026 notice describes fees of 30%–50% of the refund and high cancellation penalties. Agents may coach fabricated mis-selling or forged-signature allegations; participating can violate public-security law or involve joint false-accusation or extortion offenses. Cover ends upon surrender, and later repurchase can cost more or be refused due to age or new health findings. Genuine complaints can go through official insurer service and then China's free 12378 banking/insurance consumer hotline. For temporary affordability problems, ask about reduced paid-up cover—no further premiums with a reduced sum insured—or policy loans where available.
Context & considerations
A Hunan case involved a woman persuaded by a “friend” to pay a consultation fee, yet she still received only contractual cash value. Three months after surrender she was diagnosed with breast cancer, with her critical-illness cover gone. Decide from your own continuing need; if cost is the problem, ask about reduced paid-up options first. See cooling-off cancellation. The beneficiary is you.
Research & references
National Financial Regulatory Administration, Cyberspace Administration, Ministry of Public Security, People's Bank of China and CSRC (February 6, 2026). Warning on unlawful rights-protection agents using short videos and livestreams. https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-02/06/c_1772110875635198.htm ; Ningxia Financial Regulatory Bureau (June 16, 2026). Warning on illegal insurance-surrender agents. https://www.nfra.gov.cn/branch/ningxia/view/pages/common/ItemDetail.html?docId=1261442&itemId=2188 ; Hunan Financial Regulatory Bureau (July 23, 2025). Warning on the illegal insurance-surrender industry. https://www.nfra.gov.cn/branch/hunan/view/pages/common/ItemDetail.html?docId=1218753&itemId=1480