What to Do If You Get Sick in China as a Foreigner

Step 1: Assess the Situation

If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness), call 120 immediately for an ambulance. Ambulance services in China are government-run and dispatch to the nearest public hospital.

For non-emergencies — fever, infection, minor injuries, dental issues, routine check-ups — you have time to choose the right hospital. Keep reading.

Step 2: Find the Right Hospital

China has two main types of healthcare for foreigners:

• Private International Hospitals (e.g., United Family, ParkwayHealth, Jiahui): English-speaking staff, international standards, higher cost, usually direct billing with major insurers.
• Public Hospital International Departments (e.g., Ruijin, Huashan): Lower cost than private, English-speaking international departments, variable direct billing coverage.

Search our hospital directory →

Step 3: Check Your Insurance

If you have international health insurance, check whether your insurer has a direct billing arrangement with the hospital. Direct billing means the insurer pays the hospital directly — you don't pay upfront.

Check your insurance direct billing network →

Important: For planned procedures, you may need pre-authorization (a "Guarantee of Payment") from your insurer. Contact them before non-emergency visits.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

Bring the following:

• Passport (required for all hospitals)
• Insurance card (if applicable)
• Pre-authorization reference (if applicable)
• Medical records related to your condition
• Our bilingual symptom card if you're worried about communication

Step 5: At the Hospital

At private international hospitals, the process is similar to Western hospitals: register, see a doctor, get treatment. English-speaking staff will guide you. At public hospitals, go to the international department to avoid the massive general queues.

Payment: If you have direct billing, present your insurance card at registration. Confirm they will bill the insurer. If asked to pay upfront, ask why — then contact your insurer.

Step 6: After Your Visit

• Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports
• If you paid out of pocket, submit a claim to your insurer promptly
• Take any prescriptions to a pharmacy — see our pharmacy guide

Common Concerns

"Can I use my home country insurance?"

Domestic insurance from your home country typically does not work in China. You need international health insurance or travel insurance that covers China. If you're on employer-provided insurance, check with your HR department.

"What about social insurance (医保)?"

If you work in China and pay into the social insurance system, you may have basic coverage at public hospitals. However, social insurance does not cover international hospital departments or private international hospitals.

"Will the hospital refuse me because I'm a foreigner?"

This has been reported (Reddit, 937 upvotes) but is not universal. International hospitals and public hospital international departments are specifically set up to serve foreigners. Always bring your passport — it is the accepted form of ID for foreign patients.