Healthcare in China for Foreigners: Hospitals, Costs and Access

Travelers sometimes worry that receiving healthcare in China will be difficult because they do not speak Chinese or have a local medical insurance card. In practice, foreigners can receive treatment at many Chinese hospitals and clinics, particularly in major cities.

China’s healthcare system includes public hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, and international medical services. Major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai also provide dedicated resources for international patients.

The most suitable option depends on the medical problem, urgency, location, language requirements, insurance, and preferred level of service.

What Does Healthcare in China for Foreigners Look Like?

Healthcare in China for foreigners generally follows the same clinical system used for local patients, but international patients may encounter additional administrative steps.

The main healthcare options are:

• Public hospitals
• Private hospitals
• International medical departments
• Foreign-funded hospitals
• Local clinics
• Specialist medical centers
• Traditional Chinese medicine facilities

Public hospitals provide a broad range of specialties and are widely available. International departments within major public hospitals can provide additional language and administrative support for overseas patients.

Private and foreign-funded hospitals may offer more international-oriented services, but their prices can be substantially higher. For this reason, travelers should consider insurance coverage before choosing private care.

Public hospitals vs. private hospitals

There is no universal answer as to which type is better. A public tertiary hospital may be the more appropriate choice for a complex specialist condition, while an international clinic may be more convenient for a minor illness.

How Can Foreigners Access Healthcare in China?

The process depends on the hospital, but a typical outpatient visit follows a relatively straightforward sequence.

Appointment or registration → Identification → Consultation → Examination → Payment → Prescription or follow-up

Foreign patients should normally carry their passport and relevant medical documents.

Some hospitals allow appointments through their official apps, WeChat accounts, telephone services, or local registration platforms. Beijing’s official medical guide, for example, provides appointment information for international medical departments and lists facilities offering foreign-language services.

The practical process may include:

1. Find a hospital or relevant department.
2. Confirm whether it accepts international patients.
3. Check language and appointment arrangements.
4. Register using the required identification.
5. See the doctor.
6. Complete tests if necessary.
7. Pay for the consultation and treatment.
8. Collect medication or arrange follow-up care.

For planned specialist treatment, contacting the hospital before arrival is usually preferable.

How Much Does Healthcare in China Cost for Foreigners?

There is no single price for healthcare in China because costs vary considerably by hospital type, city, specialty, examination, medication, and treatment complexity.

Foreigners using public hospitals generally pay according to the applicable hospital charges. China’s National Health Commission states that foreigners can receive treatment at public hospitals and clinics and pay the same prices as local patients.

Private and international hospitals can be considerably more expensive.

A simple consultation and a complex procedure should not be compared using the same price expectations.

Diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests, specialist consultations, hospitalization, surgery, and medication can all add separate charges.

Beijing’s government also notes that private hospital prices can be comparable to those in North America or Europe, making insurance particularly important for patients using private facilities.

Does health insurance cover medical treatment in China?

Not automatically.

Before receiving planned treatment, check whether your insurance covers:

• Outpatient consultations
• Emergency treatment
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medication
• Specialist consultations
• Diagnostic testing
• Medical evacuation, if included
• Direct billing

Some international hospitals have direct-billing arrangements with specific insurers. Beijing’s official healthcare guide explains that eligible patients may avoid paying upfront when their insurer has a direct-billing agreement with the medical institution.

If direct billing is unavailable, you may need to pay first and submit documents for reimbursement.

Where Can Foreigners Find English-Speaking Medical Services?

Language support is one of the most important considerations for international patients.

Major cities have hospitals and medical departments specifically designed to improve access for foreign patients. Beijing reported 156 medical institutions providing comprehensive English-language services as of January 2025, covering both public and non-public facilities.

The availability of English does not mean every doctor or department speaks English fluently. Support can differ between departments within the same hospital.

Beijing’s official list includes international services at institutions such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and other facilities.

Shanghai also maintains an official directory of public and foreign-funded medical institutions. Its current list includes hospitals and clinics serving international patients, including facilities such as Huadong Hospital, Renji Hospital, Shanghai United Family Hospital, Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, and Raffles Hospital Shanghai.

When language is important, check the specific department, not just the hospital’s overall reputation.

Healthcare Access in Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai are two of the easiest Chinese cities for foreign visitors to navigate when medical care is needed.

北京

Beijing has a particularly developed network of international medical services.

The city’s official medical guide provides information about hospitals, appointment procedures, emergency services, payment methods, insurance, and foreign-language support.

For example, the International Medical Services department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital lists English, Japanese, French, Korean, Russian, and German services. Its Dongdan campus also provides 24-hour emergency services through its international medical service.

Other hospitals have different specialties and language arrangements. For example, Fuwai Hospital’s international medical department provides services across cardiology, cardiac surgery, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, rehabilitation, and other areas.

This means hospital selection should be based on the condition rather than simply choosing the most internationally known hospital.

上海

Shanghai also has an extensive network of public and foreign-funded medical facilities.

The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health maintains an updated directory covering public hospitals and foreign-funded facilities. The list includes general hospitals, specialist centers, international hospitals, and clinics.

Shanghai’s international medical services directory provides practical information such as specialties, opening hours, addresses, and contact details.

For visitors staying in Shanghai, the best option may therefore depend on whether they need emergency treatment, a general consultation, or a particular specialist.

What Should Foreign Visitors Bring to a Hospital?

Good preparation can make registration and consultation easier.

Bring:

• Passport
• Travel or health insurance information
• Existing medical records
• Medication list
• Prescription information
• Allergy information
• Previous test results
• Relevant imaging reports
• Emergency contact details

If you take regular medication, keep the medicine in its original packaging and carry the prescription or supporting medical documentation when appropriate.

For a planned appointment, it is also useful to save the hospital’s Chinese name and address on your phone.

This can help when communicating with taxi drivers, ride-hailing services, hotel staff, or hospital reception.

What Happens in a Medical Emergency?

Emergency treatment should be handled differently from routine healthcare.

In mainland China, 120 is the emergency medical telephone number. Beijing’s official foreigner medical guide confirms that 120 emergency medical centers operate across Chinese mainland and that hospitals generally have emergency departments.

In an emergency:

1. Call 120 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
2. Bring your passport if it is immediately available.
3. Tell medical staff about serious allergies or existing conditions.
4. Contact your insurer after urgent care has been arranged.
5. Keep medical receipts and reports for possible reimbursement.

Do not delay emergency treatment while trying to determine which hospital offers the lowest price.

For travelers staying at a hotel, hotel staff can also help communicate the location and arrange transportation when necessary.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Available to Foreigners?

Yes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is practiced alongside Western medical treatment in China. China’s National Health Commission notes that Chinese hospitals may provide both Western medical treatment and traditional Chinese medicine, with some institutions combining the two approaches.

TCM services can include different diagnostic and treatment approaches from conventional Western medicine.

Foreign visitors interested in TCM should still check the qualifications and services of the specific medical institution. For serious or urgent conditions, conventional emergency medical services should not be replaced with informal treatment.

Healthcare Planning for Short Trips and Long Stays

Healthcare planning should reflect the length and purpose of your stay.

For tourists

Most short-term visitors do not need a complicated healthcare plan.

A practical preparation checklist is:

• Carry travel insurance information.
• Keep your passport accessible.
• Know the local emergency number.
• Identify a nearby hospital.
• Carry essential medication.
• Save your hotel address in Chinese.

For business travelers

Business travelers may spend time in industrial cities or areas outside major international centers.

Before a longer business trip, identify the nearest suitable hospital and determine whether English-language assistance is available.

This is particularly useful when traveling with colleagues who have existing medical conditions.

For long-term residents

Foreign residents may benefit from identifying a regular clinic or hospital before they need medical care.

They can also investigate whether their employer-sponsored or private health insurance has preferred hospitals or direct-billing arrangements.

A familiar healthcare provider can make future appointments and follow-up treatment easier.

What Makes Healthcare in China Easier for Foreigners?

The biggest improvement usually comes from preparation rather than simply choosing the most expensive hospital.

Consider these five factors:

1. Medical suitability
Choose a department capable of treating the actual condition.

2. Communication
Confirm whether English or another required language is available.

3. Appointment process
Check whether registration must be completed online, by phone, or in person.

4. Insurance
Determine whether the hospital accepts your insurance or direct billing.

5. Location
A nearby appropriate hospital can be more practical than a highly rated facility several hours away.

For international travelers, these factors are often more useful than comparing hospitals based solely on price.

FAQ About Healthcare in China for Foreigners

Can foreigners see doctors in Chinese public hospitals?

Yes. Foreigners can receive treatment in public hospitals and clinics in China. Some major public hospitals also operate international medical departments with additional services for overseas patients.

Is healthcare in China expensive for foreigners?

Costs vary significantly. Public hospitals are generally less expensive than private international facilities, while complex procedures can involve substantial costs regardless of hospital type.

Do foreigners need Chinese health insurance?

No, Chinese health insurance is not necessarily required to receive treatment. However, international visitors should check travel or private health insurance coverage before treatment.

Can I use a foreign credit card at a Chinese hospital?

Some hospitals accept international credit cards. Beijing’s official medical guide lists Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB among available payment options at international medical facilities.

Payment methods still vary between hospitals, so confirmation in advance is sensible.

Is English available in Chinese hospitals?

English support is available at many major hospitals and international medical departments, particularly in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, availability differs by hospital and department.

What is the emergency medical number in China?

Call 120 for emergency medical assistance in mainland China.

Should I choose a public or private hospital?

It depends on your medical needs, budget, insurance, language requirements, and location. A public hospital may be appropriate for complex specialist care, while a private or international facility may offer more convenient services for international patients.

Can I arrange a medical appointment before arriving in China?

Yes. Many hospitals provide online, telephone, app, or WeChat appointment options. Planned specialist consultations are usually easier when arranged in advance.

Reference Sources

1. National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China — Hospitals in China
2. Beijing Municipal Government — Medical Guide for Foreigners in Beijing
3. Beijing Municipal Government — Clear Consultation Process
4. Beijing Municipal Government — Medical Services
5. Shanghai Municipal Government — Shanghai’s Medical Institutions
6. Shanghai Municipal Government — International Medical Services