If you have a fever, gastrointestinal upset, accidental injury or other health problems while traveling in China, where should you go to see a doctor? Can foreign tourists go directly to public hospitals? Do I need to make an appointment in advance? Can I register if I don’t have a Chinese mobile phone number? Does the hospital accept Visa and Mastercard? In an emergency, how should you contact 120?
These issues are related to actual safety during travel, and are often preparation items that foreign tourists tend to overlook before coming to China.
China has a nationwide public medical system, as well as international medical departments, private hospitals, international clinics and community health service centers. Different medical institutions have differences in appointment methods, language support, service items, charges and payment methods.
This guide starts from the actual medical treatment process and introduces the types of hospitals, registration methods, emergency treatment, medical payment, insurance and drug purchase that foreign tourists need to know when seeking medical treatment in China.
This article is mainly intended for tourists holding foreign passports and traveling to China for a short period of time. The specific requirements of different cities, hospitals and medical service projects may be different. For actual medical treatment, the information published by the medical institution shall prevail.
01｜Can foreign tourists seek medical treatment in Chinese hospitals?
Can.
If foreign tourists become ill or injured in China, they can go to medical institutions with corresponding diagnosis and treatment qualifications. There are corresponding medical service channels for general outpatient, emergency, hospitalization and necessary specialist treatment.
To see a doctor in China, you usually need to use a valid ID to complete patient identity registration. For tourists holding foreign passports, the most important document is the original passport.
However, being able to see a doctor does not mean that all hospitals provide the same services.
Different hospitals may have the following differences:
- Whether it is possible to use a passport to complete real-name registration.
- Whether overseas mobile phone number registration and SMS verification are supported.
- Whether services are available in English or other foreign languages.
- Whether to accept Visa, Mastercard and other overseas bank cards.
- Whether it is possible to directly settle international commercial medical insurance.
- Is there an international medical department or foreign-related clinic?
- Whether to accept short-term foreign tourists without Chinese long-term residence status.
Therefore, it is safer to understand the medical resources in the destination city before departure than to look for a hospital after a temporary illness.
If it is just a common cold, minor gastrointestinal discomfort or skin problem, you can usually consider general outpatient clinics, general practice clinics or community health service centers.
If you need complex examinations, specialist diagnosis or hospitalization, you can consider the corresponding specialties of general hospitals, or hospitals with international medical service capabilities.
If there are emergencies such as difficulty breathing, impaired consciousness, severe chest pain, or heavy bleeding, you should give priority to seeking emergency treatment and do not delay treatment just to find English services or compare hospital prices.
02｜How to choose a Chinese hospital? Public hospitals, international medical departments, private hospitals and community hospitals
When foreign tourists seek medical treatment in China, they can mainly consider four types of medical institutions.
1. Public general hospitals: relatively complete medical resources
Public general hospitals are an important part of China's medical system.
This type of hospital usually has relatively complete clinical departments, examination equipment and specialist resources, suitable for common diseases, specialist diagnosis, imaging examination and situations requiring further treatment.
Advantages:
- Medical departments and specialties are widely covered.
- Usually have relatively complete examination and treatment conditions.
- Medical expenses are charged according to the corresponding medical service prices and items.
- Suitable for patients requiring specialist diagnosis or further testing.
Need to pay attention to:
- Large hospitals have more outpatients and may need to make an appointment in advance.
- General outpatient clinics in some hospitals may not provide complete English services.
- Different hospitals may have different passport real-name registration and registration procedures.
- Some examinations, medicines and treatments may require separate payment.
If you want to use ordinary public medical services, you can give priority to hospitals with convenient transportation, matching departments, and the ability to accept passport registration.
2. International Medical Department or International Clinic: more suitable for tourists with language and service needs
Some large public hospitals have international medical departments, international outpatient clinics or special medical services.
This type of department mainly targets international patients and people with corresponding service needs.
Common features:
- Some doctors and medical staff have English communication skills.
- The appointment process may be more suitable for foreign patients.
- Some facilities provide multilingual service staff or medical coordinators.
- Examinations, consultations and follow-up treatments can be coordinated within the hospital.
- Some institutions are able to conduct direct settlement with international commercial medical insurance companies.
It should be noted that the International Medical Department does not necessarily have all the medical resources independent of ordinary hospitals. Specific diagnosis and treatment capabilities still depend on the hospital and department.
The charges for international outpatient clinics may also be higher than those for general outpatient clinics. The specific items, doctors and charging standards should be confirmed when making an appointment.
3. Private hospitals and international hospitals: pay more attention to service and communication convenience
Some cities in China have private general hospitals, international hospitals and foreign-funded medical institutions.
Such institutions usually place more emphasis on appointment experience, patient communication, and foreign language services.
Common services include:
- General outpatient clinics and specialist outpatient clinics.
- Family doctor or general practice.
- International Patient Coordination.
- Some hospitals provide 24-hour emergency services.
- Some hospitals cooperate with overseas commercial insurance institutions.
The advantage is that appointments and communication may be more convenient, and some institutions can provide English services and direct payment for international insurance.
However, there is a large difference in charges between private hospitals and international hospitals. Prices and service levels cannot be judged solely by the name "International Hospital" or "International Medical".
Before going for treatment, you should confirm whether the hospital has the required departments, examination conditions and emergency room capabilities.
4. Community health service centers: another option for minor and primary medical care
Community health service centers are an important part of China's primary medical service system.
Common services include:
- General practice clinic.
- Diagnosis and treatment of common and chronic diseases.
- Basic check.
- Common drug prescriptions.
- Some traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment and rehabilitation services.
- Health Counseling and Preventive Care.
Community health centers may be a more convenient option for minor colds, common gastrointestinal upsets, skin problems, and some conditions that don't require complex tests at a large hospital.
It is worth noting that Shanghai has already seen actual service cases providing community general medical diagnosis and treatment for foreigners.
For example, the Community Health Service Center in Dapuqiao Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai has provided general medical diagnosis and treatment, facial features examination, traditional Chinese medicine consultation and rehabilitation physiotherapy services to foreigners holding passports, and has improved the medical experience through bilingual guidance and English information.
But this does not mean that all community health service centers in China have the same foreign language service capabilities. Before visiting, short-term tourists should confirm whether the center accepts foreign passport holders, whether it has corresponding departments, and whether it can provide necessary diagnosis and treatment items.
Community medical care should not be simply understood as all items being cheaper than large hospitals. The actual cost should be based on local medical service prices and specific diagnosis and treatment items.
How to choose among the four types of medical institutions?
- Common cold and mild gastrointestinal discomfort: You can consider community health service centers or general outpatient clinics.
- Specialist examination and further diagnosis required: Priority is given to public general hospitals.
- English communication or international insurance services required: Priority can be given to contacting the International Medical Department or International Hospital.
- Serious emergencies and accidental injuries: Contact 120 directly or go to a hospital with corresponding first aid capabilities for emergency treatment.
03｜Which Chinese cities are easier to find international medical services?
Cities with a higher degree of internationalization, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, have more medical service resources for international patients.
Beijing: International medical service resources are concentrated
Beijing has a large number of large public hospitals, international medical departments and private medical institutions.
According to data released by relevant departments in Beijing in 2025:
- 52 medical institutions have international medical departments.
- 156 medical institutions provide full-process foreign language services.
- 167 medical and health institutions accept international bank card payments.
This shows that Beijing’s international medical services and foreign card payment network already have a good foundation for development.
However, the above figures are statistics for the entire city of Beijing, which does not mean that every window and every self-service device in every hospital supports wild cards.
If you wish to use international medical services, you can inquire in advance about the appointment methods, admissions departments and charging policies of the International Medical Department of the hospital.
Shanghai: Rich choices in international medical services and primary care
Shanghai has several large public hospitals, international medical departments and private international hospitals.
In addition, Shanghai has also been promoting the facilitation of international medical services in recent years, including:
- Promote the construction of a foreign language version of the appointment registration platform.
- Medical institutions are encouraged to provide foreign language web pages and appointment mini-programs.
- Promote the convenient application of passports and other foreign entry-exit documents in medical services.
- Provides various payment methods such as RMB cash, foreign currency bank cards, mobile payment and insurance direct payment.
- Promote multilingual medical services.
Community health service centers in Shanghai have also begun to provide general diagnosis and treatment and traditional Chinese medicine services to foreigners.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen: General Hospitals and International Medical Resources
Guangzhou has large public general hospitals, specialized hospitals and international medical institutions.
Some medical service platforms already support online appointments for specific foreign ID types, but whether ordinary foreign passports can be used to register requires the specific requirements of the platform and the hospital.
Shenzhen has large general hospitals, specialized medical institutions, international medical services and private medical institutions.
For tourists traveling in the Pearl River Delta, they can choose a hospital based on the area, required departments and transportation conditions. They do not have to travel across cities to seek medical treatment in search of international medical services.
Other tourist cities
Cities such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xiamen, Chongqing, Kunming, and Xi'an also have relatively complete public hospital systems.
However, international medical services, English support and foreign card payment capabilities are not necessarily the same as those in Beijing and Shanghai.
If you plan to travel to these cities, you can save the addresses, telephone numbers and emergency department information of large local hospitals before departure.
04｜What documents and documents do I need to prepare to see a doctor in a Chinese hospital?
When foreign tourists seek treatment in Chinese hospitals, it is recommended that they prepare at least the following information.
1. Original passport
This is the most important identity document for foreign tourists when seeking medical treatment in China.
Appointment registration, patient real-name registration, hospitalization and some payment processes may require the use of passport information.
Some hospitals may also ask for a copy of your passport or a registered passport number.
2. Mobile phone number
Hospital appointments, registrations and test notifications may be communicated via text message or phone call.
If you use an overseas mobile phone number, you should confirm whether you can receive verification codes and notifications sent by Chinese hospitals or appointment platforms.
3. Medical insurance information
If you purchase travel medical insurance or international commercial medical insurance, it is recommended to prepare:
- Insurance electronic policy.
- Insurance company name.
- Policy number.
- Insurance company emergency contact number.
- Instructions for direct payment or pre-authorization of medical expenses.
- Coverage and Exclusion Information.
If the insurance company has a list of cooperative hospitals in China, it is recommended to check in advance.
4. Past medical history and medication information
If you have a long-term illness, drug allergies, or are taking drugs, it is recommended to compile the information in English or Chinese in advance.
In particular, you need to record:
- Known drug allergy.
- Significant pre-existing conditions.
- Name and dosage of medications being taken.
- Recent surgeries or hospitalizations.
- Important inspection report.
If a Chinese and English version can be prepared, it will be more convenient for medical staff to understand the situation.
05｜How do foreign tourists make an appointment at a Chinese hospital?
Large public hospitals in China usually implement a combination of appointment registration and on-site registration.
Foreign tourists can choose the following methods based on the actual support conditions of their city, hospital and platform.
1. The hospital’s official WeChat public account or mini program
Many Chinese hospitals use WeChat public accounts or mini programs to provide appointment registration services.
Common processes are:
- Search the hospital’s official WeChat official account or mini program.
- Register or go to the patient services page.
- Select real-name registration.
- Fill in patient identification information.
- Select the department, doctor and appointment time.
- Complete the reservation as required by the platform.
It should be noted that different hospitals have different levels of support for foreign passports.
Some platforms can use your passport to complete real-name registration, while some platforms may only support Chinese resident ID cards, or you may need to complete file creation through a manual window first.
2. City unified reservation platform
Some cities have a unified medical appointment service platform.
For example:
Beijing 114 appointment registration platform
Beijing has launched an appointment service portal for international patients. Foreign tourists can search for the "International Service Beijing" related service portal through WeChat or Alipay, switch to the English interface, and follow the prompts to inquire about hospitals and make outpatient appointments.
Shanghai Health Cloud
Shanghai's "Health Cloud" platform supports overseas people to use passport information to complete real-name identity authentication, and register with mobile phone numbers and SMS verification codes to make appointments at some public medical institutions.
Shanghai’s “Submit Application” has also supported foreign passport holders to register using overseas mobile phone numbers. The relevant reply announced by the Shanghai Municipal Government in October 2026 made it clear that passport users are not required to use mainland China mobile phone numbers, but different service modules may have different requirements for mobile phone number formats and verification codes.
3. 114 phone number or hospital appointment phone number
If you have difficulty making an appointment online, you can try contacting the hospital by phone.
It is recommended to contact:
- Hospital International Medical Department.
- Hospital outpatient service center.
- Hospital appointment registration phone number.
- Local official appointment registration platform.
If you are a tourist with clear language needs, you can directly ask whether there are English services and whether you can complete the real-name passport registration and reservation by phone.
4. On-site manual window registration
If you are unable to complete online registration or SMS verification, you can bring your original passport and go to the hospital outpatient clinic or international medical department for consultation.
Whether you can register directly on site depends on the hospital's number source, department arrangements and identity registration requirements on the day.
Therefore, on-site registration does not mean that you will be able to see a doctor on the same day. Popular experts and some specialties may still need to make an appointment in advance.
Special reminder: Overseas mobile phone numbers may not be able to directly complete all reservation processes.
We cannot simply assume that all hospital appointment platforms in China must bind +86 mobile phone numbers, nor can we assume that all overseas mobile phone numbers can receive verification codes normally.
Registration requirements may vary between platforms:
- Some platforms allow entering overseas mobile phone numbers.
- Some platforms require you to complete passport real-name registration first.
- Some platforms require SMS verification codes.
- Some platforms may only support mainland Chinese mobile phone numbers.
- Even if the platform supports overseas mobile phone numbers, it does not mean that all hospitals support foreign passport reservations.
If tourists do not have a Chinese mobile phone card, it is recommended to confirm the hospital appointment requirements before departure.
If the online authentication fails, you can directly contact the hospital's International Medical Department or Outpatient Service Center to inquire about the telephone appointment method; you can also bring your original passport to the hospital's manual window or international outpatient clinic counter for consultation.
If you plan to stay in China for a long time, getting a local Chinese mobile phone card that can receive text messages will usually make reservations, payments, and daily travel more convenient.
06｜What is the general process for seeing a general outpatient clinic in China?
The treatment process for general outpatient clinics in Chinese hospitals usually includes the following steps.
Step one: Real-name registration and registration
Bring your original passport and complete patient identity registration and registration in accordance with hospital requirements.
If you have made an appointment online, you need to confirm the appointment time, department and treatment location.
Step 2: Waiting
Follow the registration information and go to the corresponding department to wait for treatment.
Some hospitals use electronic call systems, and you need to pay attention to mobile phone notifications, waiting screens or on-site staff prompts.
Step 3: Doctor consultation
Doctors usually ask about:
- Main symptoms.
- Time of onset of symptoms.
- Past medical history.
- Drug allergies.
- Medications you are taking.
- Have relevant inspections been done?
If language communication is difficult, you can prepare an English description of symptoms in advance, or use a reliable translation tool to assist communication.
Step 4: Examination or Treatment
Depending on the condition, your doctor may order blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, or other medical tests.
Inspection items usually require payment according to hospital procedures and going to the corresponding area to complete.
Step 5: Follow-up consultation or medicine
After the examination is completed, return to the clinic for follow-up consultation as arranged by the doctor.
The doctor decides whether further treatment is needed or prescribes medication based on the test results.
If you need to pick up medicine at the hospital pharmacy, you should complete the payment and pick up the medicine according to the prescription and hospital procedures.
07｜In case of emergency in China, which number should you call?
The medical emergency telephone number in mainland China is:
120——Medical Emergency
When the following situations occur, you should call 120 in time:
- Severe chest pain or suspected heart problem.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loss of consciousness or coma.
- Severe trauma or heavy bleeding.
- Severe allergic reaction.
- Serious traffic accident injuries.
- Other potentially life-threatening emergencies.
When calling 120, try to provide the following information:
- The exact address of the incident or patient location.
- The patient's main symptoms or injuries.
- Number of patients.
- Contact name and contact number.
- A prominent nearby building, hotel or landmark.
If you are in a hotel, scenic spot or large shopping mall, you can also ask the staff to assist in contacting emergency personnel and arrange for people to wait for the ambulance at the entrance.
Beijing 120: Equipped with multi-language three-party call mechanism
The Beijing Emergency Center has established a three-party call mechanism with the Beijing Multilingual Service Center.
According to the public information of the Beijing Emergency Center, for emergency calls in English or other foreign languages that cannot be directly recognized, a three-way call can be established between the 120 dispatcher, the translator and the caller through the telephone translation service.
Publicly listed languages include:
- English
- French
- Russian
- German
- spanish
- Arabic
- Japanese
- Korean
This provides important language support for foreign tourists when encountering medical emergencies in Beijing.
Shanghai 120: English service and third-party translation transfer available
Shanghai’s 120 medical emergency hotline is provided by the Shanghai Medical Emergency Center.
Shanghai's official medical emergency guide clearly states that the 120 connection service is mainly in Chinese, but third-party translators can be connected to assist in communication, and waiting times may occur during the process.
Therefore, tourists are not advised to assume that Shanghai 120 can provide exactly the same eight-language three-way calling service as Beijing.
If you are not familiar with Chinese, you can clearly indicate that you need English assistance when dialing 120, or ask hotel staff or fellow travelers to help explain the situation.
What can you prepare in advance before first aid?
Foreign tourists are advised to save the following information on their mobile phones:
- Hotel Chinese name.
- Hotel Chinese address.
- Hotel contact number.
- Photo of passport information page.
- Important allergy information.
- Medications being used.
- Emergency Contact.
If an emergency occurs while traveling in China, an accurate address in Chinese is often more important than complex language explanations.
It should be noted that 120 is a medical emergency number and should not be used as a general outpatient appointment or general health consultation channel.
08｜What is the difference between emergency departments and general outpatient clinics in Chinese hospitals?
Emergency departments in Chinese hospitals primarily deal with conditions that require rapid evaluation and treatment.
General outpatient clinics mainly deal with non-urgent diseases, common diseases and specialist diagnosis and treatment that require appointment.
What situations are emergency rooms suitable for?
For example:
- Severe chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden disturbance of consciousness.
- Severe trauma.
- Profuse bleeding.
- Severe dehydration.
- Acute illness that may be life-threatening.
Emergency rooms are usually triaged according to severity of illness, not necessarily in the order of arrival.
This means patients with more severe conditions may be prioritized for medical care.
What situations are general outpatient clinics suitable for?
For example:
- Common cold.
- Mild sore throat.
- General gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Chronic disease review.
- Skin problems.
- Non-urgent specialist tests.
If the condition is not urgent, it is usually more reasonable to give priority to general outpatient clinics or appropriate specialist outpatient clinics than to go directly to the emergency department.
Foreign tourists need to pay attention
Not all hospitals provide 24-hour international medical services.
Even if a hospital has an international medical department, it does not mean that its international outpatient clinic is open all day.
If severe symptoms occur at night, you should first contact 120 or go to a medical institution that can provide emergency treatment. Do not delay treatment by waiting for the international clinic to open.
09｜How much does it cost to see a doctor in a Chinese hospital? Can I pay with foreign bank cards?
There is no uniform price for medical expenses in China that applies to all hospitals and all diseases.
Actual cost depends on:
- Type of medical facility.
- Outpatient or emergency department.
- Doctors and departments.
- Check items.
- Type of drug.
- Whether hospitalization is required.
- Whether to use special treatments or medical services.
There may be significant differences in charges between general public hospitals, international medical departments and private hospitals.
1. Ordinary public hospitals
Medical service charges in ordinary public hospitals are based on corresponding medical service prices and items.
If it is just a general outpatient visit and basic examination, the cost usually needs to be calculated based on the actual examination items and medicines.
Foreign tourists cannot simply assume that they must be eligible for a certain medical insurance payment method. Whether you can enjoy China's basic medical insurance benefits depends on your individual insurance status and relevant regulations.
2. International Medical Department and Private Hospital
Prices for services at international medical departments and private hospitals may be higher than those at general public outpatient clinics.
Some institutions provide services such as English communication, international patient coordination, and insurance direct payment.
If planning to use the International Medical Department, it is recommended to confirm when making an appointment:
- Initial consultation fee.
- Specialist outpatient fees.
- Check the fees.
- Drug costs.
- Is advance payment required?
- Whether to support insurance direct payment.
3. What payment methods are available to foreign tourists?
The payment methods of Chinese medical institutions are gradually improving.
Currently, foreign tourists may use the following methods to pay for medical expenses:
- RMB cash.
- Visa, Mastercard and other bank cards issued overseas.
- UnionPay card.
- Alipay.
- WeChat Pay.
- Direct payment for eligible international commercial medical insurance.
But the specific support method still depends on the hospital, payment window, payment terminal and medical system.
4. Wild card POS card swiping: medical payment convenience has improved in major cities
Beijing has released clearer data on the acceptance of wild cards by medical institutions.
Information released by relevant departments in Beijing in 2025 shows that 167 medical and health institutions in the city accept international bank card payments.
Some hospitals in Beijing have set up dedicated charging windows that support card types such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB.
For example, Beijing Tiantan Hospital has announced multiple outpatient, emergency and inpatient charging windows that support overseas bank card payment.
This shows that when foreign tourists seek medical treatment in Beijing, it is more convenient than before to directly use overseas bank cards to pay for medical expenses.
But please note:
- The 167 hospitals are statistics from Beijing, not the number of hospitals nationwide.
- It cannot be assumed that all hospitals in Beijing support wild cards.
- The same hospital may also only have designated window support.
- Self-service payment machines, pharmacies, and inpatient payment windows may have different capacities.
- Whether overseas bank card transactions are successful may also be restricted by the issuing bank and card organization.
Cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are also promoting the facilitation of payment for medical services, but the acceptance status of specific hospitals should still be confirmed in advance.
5. Alipay and WeChat can be bound to overseas bank cards
Foreign tourists can bind their eligible overseas bank cards to their payment accounts according to the registration requirements of Alipay or WeChat Pay, and use them to scan QR codes to pay at some merchants in China.
Common supporting card organizations include:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- JCB
- Discover
- Diners Club
- UnionPay and other bank cards that meet the platform’s requirements.
It should be noted that successful binding depends on platform rules, card-issuing bank authorization, bank card type and identity verification.
It cannot be understood that all overseas bank cards can be bound unconditionally, nor can it be assumed that all medical institutions will definitely support scan-code payment after successful binding.
6. Handling fees for binding mobile payment with overseas bank cards
According to the current public payment rules, when using a bound overseas bank card to pay via Alipay or WeChat:
- If the amount of a single transaction does not exceed RMB 200, additional platform service fees are usually waived.
- If the amount of a single transaction exceeds RMB 200, a service fee of 3% of the transaction amount may be charged.
The actual charges and preferential activities may change due to the payment platform, transaction methods and activity rules, and should be subject to the payment page display.
In addition, overseas card-issuing banks may charge currency conversion fees or other cross-border transaction fees, which are not the same fees as the service fees of Alipay and WeChat payment platforms.
7. Don’t rely on just one payment method for hospital payments.
Even if you have already linked Alipay or WeChat, it is recommended to prepare at least one backup payment method.
Reasons include:
- Some hospitals may not support overseas bank cards.
- Some charging windows may only support specific payment channels.
- Some medical systems may be temporarily unable to complete scan-code payment.
- Overseas bank cards may trigger bank risk controls.
- The hospital emergency and hospitalization payment process may be different from ordinary consumption scenarios.
A safer way is to bind mobile payment in advance, carry a physical international bank card, and prepare an appropriate amount of RMB cash.
10｜For foreign tourists seeking medical treatment in China, will their travel insurance reimburse them?
Whether it can be reimbursed mainly depends on the coverage of the insurance product, medical liability, medical treatment conditions and claims rules.
When purchasing travel insurance, you should not just look at the insurance amount, but also pay attention to medical expenses, emergency assistance and illness exclusions.
1. General travel medical insurance
Common coverage includes:
- Accidental Injury Medical.
- Medical treatment for emergencies.
- Emergency treatment.
- Hospital expenses.
- Emergency medical transport.
- Medical repatriation.
The coverage of different insurance products varies greatly.
For example, some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, certain illnesses, dangerous sports, or non-emergency treatments.
2. International commercial medical insurance
Some international commercial medical insurances can cover medical expenses in China.
If the insurance company establishes a direct billing cooperation with the hospital, the patient may not need to pay the entire cost up front.
But whether it can be paid directly requires that:
- The hospital is a cooperative medical institution of the insurance company.
- The current medical treatment items are in line with the insurance coverage.
- The insurance company completes the necessary pre-authorization.
- Patient identity and policy information passed verification.
If there is no direct settlement arrangement, tourists may need to pay themselves first and then apply for a claim according to the insurance terms.
3. Do I need to contact the insurance company before seeing a doctor?
If it is not a life-threatening emergency, it is recommended to contact the insurance company or its emergency assistance service first.
Need to confirm:
- Whether it is necessary to report in advance.
- Which hospitals can use it.
- Whether pre-authorization is required.
- Whether it can be settled directly.
- Is there a single claim limit?
- Are medical certificates, inspection reports and payment vouchers required?
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, priority should be given to receiving necessary medical treatment and not delaying emergency care while waiting for approval from your insurance company.
11｜How to communicate through language when seeing a doctor in China?
General outpatient clinics in large hospitals in China may not always provide English services.
Even in cities with a high degree of internationalization, it cannot be assumed that every doctor, nurse, pharmacist and bill collector can communicate in English.
If your language skills are limited, you can prepare the following information in advance:
- Symptoms and time of onset.
- Pain area.
- Past medical history.
- Drug allergies.
- Medications you are taking.
- Insurance information.
Important information can be prepared in Chinese and English text and presented during registration, consultation and medicine collection.
If you go to the International Medical Department or International Hospital, you can ask in advance whether there are English-speaking staff and whether additional appointments are needed.
For complex conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and informed consent documents, you should not rely solely on automated translation tools. Important medical information should be confirmed by professional medical personnel or translators whenever possible.
12｜How do foreign tourists buy medicines in China?
The sales of pharmaceuticals in China are subject to pharmaceutical management regulations.
Different medicines have different purchase methods and prescription requirements.
1. Over-the-counter drugs
Some common medicines are over-the-counter and can be purchased at regulated pharmacies.
But even for over-the-counter drugs, you need to pay attention to the drug ingredients, dosage, applicable groups and contraindications.
Do not judge the purpose of a drug just by its Chinese name on the package.
2. Prescription drugs
Some medicines require a prescription from a doctor before they can be purchased.
If a visitor requires antibiotics, prescription pain relievers, or other prescription medications, they should first be evaluated by an appropriately qualified physician.
Do not try to purchase prescription drugs through informal channels.
3. Drug name and ingredients
Foreign tourists may find that the brands of medicines sold in China are different from those in their own country.
It is recommended to check the generic name and active ingredients of the drug first, rather than just comparing the brand name.
If you are taking long-term medications, you should prepare the English drug name, ingredients and dosage in advance to facilitate doctors to determine whether there is a drug interaction.
4. Pharmacies and hospital pharmacies
Chinese hospitals usually have their own pharmacies, and after doctors issue prescriptions, they can follow hospital procedures to pick up medicines.
Over-the-counter medicines that comply with regulations can be purchased at ordinary pharmacies.
Some hospital pharmacies and pharmacies may not have English services. It is recommended to prepare the name of the medicine in advance or ask medical staff to help confirm it.
13｜After seeing a doctor, what medical information needs to be saved?
If you have received medical treatment in China, it is recommended to keep complete medical records.
Especially tourists who need follow-up consultation, insurance claims or return to their home country to continue treatment.
It is recommended to save:
- Outpatient medical records.
- Diagnosis certificate.
- Doctor's prescription.
- Inspection report.
- Laboratory results.
- Imaging examination data.
- Proof of drug purchase.
- Medical expense receipts.
- Hospitalization records and discharge summary.
If you need to apply for a claim from the insurance company later, you should pay special attention to retaining the hospital’s official bill of charges and information that can prove the diagnosis and treatment process.
If you need to return to your home country to continue treatment, you can ask the hospital whether it can provide English versions of medical certificates, examination reports or discharge records.
Not all hospitals can provide complete medical documents in English. If necessary, you need to consult in advance about translation or document processing requirements.
14｜FAQs for foreign tourists seeking medical treatment in China
Q1: Can foreign tourists go directly to Chinese public hospitals for medical treatment?
Can. Under normal circumstances, you can go to medical institutions with corresponding diagnosis and treatment qualifications with a valid passport. The specific registration and identity registration procedures are stipulated by the hospital.
Q2: Do foreign tourists have to use a Chinese mobile phone number to see a doctor in China?
uncertain.
Different hospitals and booking platforms have different requirements. Shanghai Suishin Office already supports foreign passport holders using overseas mobile phone numbers to register, but some hospital appointment systems still require mobile phone numbers and SMS verification codes.
If your overseas mobile phone number cannot receive the verification code, you can contact the hospital's International Medical Department or Outpatient Service Center to inquire about telephone appointments and on-site manual registration methods.
Q3: Can I register on-site at a Chinese hospital if I don’t have a Chinese mobile phone number?
You can bring your original passport to the hospital manual window for consultation, but whether you can register on the same day depends on the hospital number source, real-name registration and specific department requirements.
It is recommended to contact the hospital first for confirmation.
Q4: Can foreign tourists use Visa or Mastercard in Chinese hospitals?
Some hospitals can.
There are 167 medical and health institutions in Beijing that accept international bank card payments, but this does not mean that all hospitals across the country support it. Whether the card can be swiped depends on the acceptance window and payment method announced by the hospital.
Q5: Can I bind Alipay or WeChat with an overseas bank card?
Overseas bank cards that meet the requirements of the platform and the issuing bank can be bound to Alipay or WeChat Pay.
However, whether the bank card is successfully bound, whether transactions can be carried out normally, and whether the merchant supports the payment method all need to be based on the actual situation.
Q6: If an overseas bank card is bound to Alipay or WeChat, will the handling fee be waived if the amount is less than 200 yuan?
Current public rules show that overseas bank card transactions with a single amount not exceeding RMB 200 are usually exempt from additional platform service fees; transactions exceeding RMB 200 may be charged a service fee of 3% of the transaction amount.
The details are subject to the payment page. The card-issuing bank may also charge additional cross-border transaction fees.
Q7: Which number should foreign tourists call if they encounter an emergency in China?
For medical emergencies, dial 120, for fire alarms, dial 119, and for police calls, dial 110.
If you dial 120 in Beijing, you can use the local multi-language three-party calling service; in Shanghai, 120 can assist in communication through a third-party translator, but you may need to wait.
Q8: What foreign language services can Beijing 120 provide?
The foreign languages listed in the Beijing Emergency Center’s public information include English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Korean.
For emergency calls in foreign languages that cannot be directly recognized, three-way calls can be made through the Beijing Multilingual Service Center.
Q9: Can English be used in Shanghai 120?
Shanghai's official medical first aid guide states that 120 mainly uses Chinese, but third-party translators can be connected to assist communication. In case of emergency, you should dial 120 first. Do not delay first aid because of language problems.
Q10: Can foreign tourists go to Chinese community hospitals for medical treatment?
Some cities and community health service centers have already launched primary medical services for foreigners.
For example, some community health service centers in Shanghai can provide general diagnosis and treatment and traditional Chinese medicine-related services to foreigners holding passports. However, different community hospitals have different treatment scopes, language support and specific projects, so they should be confirmed in advance.
Q11: Can foreign tourists use international medical insurance in Chinese hospitals?
Some hospitals have established cooperative relationships with international insurance institutions and can provide direct billing services.
If the hospital does not cooperate with an insurance company, tourists may need to pay themselves first and then apply for reimbursement according to the policy requirements.
Q12: Can I get English medical records after seeing a doctor in a Chinese hospital?
Some international medical departments and international hospitals can provide English medical records or related medical documents, but general outpatient clinics may not necessarily provide complete English versions.
If you need to make insurance claims or return to your home country to continue treatment, it is recommended to make your request in advance during the consultation.
15｜What medical information should foreign tourists prepare before departure?
Before traveling in China, it is recommended to save the following information on your mobile phone and keep necessary paper backups.
ID AND CONTACT INFORMATION
- Passport information page.
- Travel insurance e-policy.
- Insurance company emergency contact number.
- Emergency contact information.
- Hotel Chinese name and Chinese address.
Medical Information
- Important past medical history.
- Drug allergies.
- Medications you are taking and their dosage.
- Important disease diagnosis records.
- Necessary inspection reports.
Payment Preparation
- Try to bind Alipay or WeChat payment in advance.
- Confirm that the overseas bank card can be used normally.
- Have a physical bank card ready as a backup.
- Prepare an appropriate amount of RMB cash.
Medical channels
- Destination large hospital address.
- Emergency address of nearby hospital.
- The telephone number of the International Medical Department of the hospital.
- Local 120 emergency number.
- Hotel front desk contact number.
If you travel to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, you can check the local official medical service guide in advance to learn about hospital distribution and international patient service channels.
16｜Conclusion: Understanding medical channels in advance is more important than finding a hospital temporarily after falling ill.
China's medical service system covers a wide range of areas. Foreign tourists can choose public hospitals, international medical departments, private hospitals or community health service centers according to their actual conditions.
In recent years, some cities have also continued to improve the convenience of medical treatment for international patients, including real-name passport registration, appointment registration, foreign card payment, mobile payment and multilingual medical services.
But these conveniences are not uniformly available in all hospitals across the country.
For foreign tourists, the most practical preparations are not complicated:
Find out in advance the medical institutions near your destination, save your passport and insurance information, confirm whether mobile payment and bank cards can be used, and remember the 120 emergency number.
For common diseases, you can choose outpatient or community medical care according to the actual situation; when a specialist examination is required, choose an appropriate general hospital; when a serious emergency occurs, give priority to contact emergency services.
Medical preparation during travel is not to increase the burden of the trip, but to be able to find the right medical help faster when you really need it.