The healthcare system in China is undergoing significant changes, transforming into a comprehensive network of medical services and facilities. Traditional Chinese medicine is harmoniously combined with Western treatment methods. Learn more about how foreigners can get medical services when traveling to China in 2024

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Getting sick or injured while traveling is always unpleasant. But this case becomes even more unfortunate when you have to deal with Chinese medicine. Although the country's authorities are actively trying to modernize the healthcare system, it still works inefficiently. The shortage of qualified specialists, the large number of patients (the Chinese go to the doctor for the slightest ailment), and the popularity of traditional medicine make a routine visit to the doctor a real quest. Given the language barrier for foreigners, this can be a mission impossible. 

China's healthcare system

In 2009, China implemented a healthcare reform to provide insurance healthcare to nearly 1.5 billion people, which is almost 1/5 of the world's population.

This ambitious reform covers a wide range of measures aimed at regulating the prices of medical goods and services, introducing medical treatment protocols for doctors, restructuring the primary and specialized medical care system, as well as the payment and accounting system for medical institutions.

The insurance fund for the employed urban population is replenished through mandatory contributions from both employers (6%) and employees (2%) of their income. However, the coverage is partial - approximately 80-85% of the medical bill, with limits on the annual amount of expenses.

For the unemployed urban population, the insurance fund is financed through annual contributions, but with a larger share of funding from the state.

However, the insurance system has faced shortcomings, in particular in limiting coverage for critically ill patients, so in 2015, additional insurance against critical illness was introduced.

To prevent overuse of medicines and uncontrolled medical prescriptions, China is introducing a DRG (Diagnosis Related Group) payment system, where costs are covered within a clearly defined amount depending on the diagnosis, age and other indicators, which contributes to more efficient use of resources in the medical sector.

Peculiarities of medical services in China

Over the past decades, the healthcare system in China has undergone significant transformations, turning into a complex network of medical facilities and services. This transformation applies not only to citizens, but also to foreign residents and tourists who need medical care.

Foreigners in China can benefit from a wide network of medical facilities that includes both public and private hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. While public hospitals can be overcrowded, many foreign visitors choose private facilities for their more personalized atmosphere. Especially large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have international hospitals that cater to foreigners and provide services in English and other languages.

A unique feature of the Chinese healthcare system is the integration of traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine, which provides a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Recent years have seen an increase in the quality of medical care for foreigners in China. This includes stricter standards and supervision, as well as agreements with other countries to provide medical care to their citizens.

Despite the improvement in the level of medical services provided to foreigners, it is very important to have comprehensive health insurance. This will provide financial security in case of unexpected medical expenses, as they can vary significantly.

Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling. You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal. 

What to do if you need emergency medical care

The easiest and most obvious way is to contact the organization at whose invitation you issued the visa. This can be a tour operator, a private individual or company, a government agency, etc. According to the laws of the PRC, this organization is obliged to provide you with medical care in the event of force majeure. If for some reason this is not possible, you can take the following steps:

1) Dial the emergency phone no: 122 or 999 (for Beijing). It is worth noting that there are no ambulances as such in China (except for resuscitation vehicles). If you are unable to get to a medical facility on your own, a taxi will be sent to pick you up;

2) Contact the International Ambulance Center under the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China: 64001746;

3) Call a taxi and get to the clinic or hospital on your own. The taxi driver will understand both the English word “hospital” and the Chinese word “yuan” (医院);

4) Сontact the embassy of the country of which you are a citizen. Within the framework of their powers, the consulate staff will provide the necessary information and assistance to protect your rights and interests in the PRC. 

Cost and conditions of medical services in China

All medical services for foreigners in China are subject to payment. Upon arrival at a medical institution, you will have to pay for registration (about $30). A card will be created for you, a medical history will be made, and then you will be referred to a doctor. The cost of an appointment can range from $15 to $35. If you are referred for tests, you can take them at the appointed time with a paid receipt. 

On average, emergency inpatient treatment can cost a patient from $450 to $1,800. For foreigners, payment will be charged at the maximum rates. In case of emergency hospitalization, a deposit equal to the estimated cost of treatment will be required. You should have this amount in the state currency of China (CNY). You will have to pay for the services of an interpreter separately. A visit to a traditional medicine specialist can cost from $20 to $50 per session. 

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.