Seeing a doctor in China: fast, affordable care
Public hospitals in big cities are well equipped, fast and inexpensive by international standards. Here's how registration and payment work.
Choosing where to go
Public hospitals are graded; look for Grade 3A (三甲) for the most complete care. Many large hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen run an International Medical Department (国际医疗部) with English-speaking staff and appointments. It costs more than the general clinic but usually far less than private care in the US or Singapore.
Private international clinics offer the most familiar experience and direct insurance billing, at the highest price.
How a hospital visit works
Chinese hospitals separate registration, consultation, tests and payment. It feels busy, but it is efficient once you know the flow.
- 1Register (挂号) at the counter or a kiosk with your passport, choosing the department. Many hospitals also take bookings through their WeChat account.
- 2Wait for your number to be called at the department's waiting area.
- 3See the doctor. Tests and medicines are ordered electronically.
- 4Pay for tests or medicine at a kiosk or counter, usually by Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- 5Go to the lab or pharmacy window with your receipt, then return to the doctor with results.
Costs and insurance
Basic consultations at public hospitals are inexpensive, and tests like blood work or imaging often cost a fraction of Western prices. Foreign travel insurance is generally not billed directly at public hospitals, so pay first and keep every receipt and medical record for your claim.
- Ask for an itemized invoice (发票) and copies of your records for insurance.
- Bring a translation app. Connect GotoChina first if you rely on Google Translate.
- For anything life-threatening, call 120 for an ambulance.
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