China’s healthcare system has improved dramatically but can be confusing for foreigners. This guide covers hospitals, insurance, and medical services.
Healthcare System Overview
| Hospital Type | Cost | Wait Time | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public (Tier 3) | ¥¥ | Long | Limited |
| Public (Tier 2) | ¥ | Medium | Rare |
| International | ¥¥¥¥ | Short | Fluent |
| Clinics | ¥¥ | Short | Some |
Top International Hospitals
Beijing
- Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU)
- Peking University First Hospital (International Dept)
Shanghai
- Shanghai East International Medical Center
- Raffles Hospital
Medical Insurance Options
- Social Insurance: Mandatory, employer pays ~70%
- Private Insurance: MSH, BUPA, Cigna, Aetna
- Cost: ¥10,000-50,000/year
Emergency Numbers
- 120: Medical emergency (ambulance)
- 110: Police
- 119: Fire
- International SOS: +86-10-6462-9100
Health Tips
- Get vaccinated before arrival
- Drink bottled/filtered water
- Bring prescription meds from home
- Monitor AQI for air pollution