Healthcare System in China: everything you need to know

How does the Chinese healthcare system work?

China offers a universal, non-mandatory public health care system that covers the basic medical needs of its citizens. For urban workers (an individual category), there is a mandatory health plan financed by employer and employee taxes. Other residents may voluntarily enroll in the Basic Health Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents, financed mainly by the central and local governments through individual premium subsidies.

Basic medical insurance plans cover hospital care (selected provinces and cities), primary and specialty care, prescription drugs, mental health care, physiotherapy and emergency care, as well as traditional Chinese medicine. However, there are co-payments, deductibles, and reimbursement caps.

There is the option of joining the private health system, which is usually hired by individuals with the ability to pay and by companies for their employees. These cover the costs of the co-payments and deductibles of the public system. They also offer broader coverage and include high-cost treatments that are excluded from public coverage. 

In China you will find international clinics, where there are doctors who speak a variety of languages. These are the most expensive of all clinics, but they have high quality care, with short waiting times. In these clinics you can always be treated, but you will have to pay for the services. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

The only way you can access the public health care system as a foreigner is if you are a permanent resident of China. Otherwise, you can hire private health insurance, travel insurance, or international health insurance depending on the reasons for your trip.

It is important to consider that, due to the size of the country, the quality of health care is not the same throughout all the territory. The best clinics and hospitals are located in larger urban cities. Before traveling, check the best health options in the regions you are going to visit to know where to go in case of an emergency.

If you are going on vacation, the best option is to purchase travel insurance with coverage in China. This will allow you to have access to both public and private clinics, depending on the city you are in. If you want faster and better quality care, go to a private clinic. In some public hospitals you may find international areas, with English-speaking staff who can assist you better. If you go to a private clinic, you will have to pay up to twice as much for care compared to a public hospital.

If you are going to live in China for more than a year to study or work, a good option could be an international medical insurance. This covers all medical expenses you may incur during your extended stay in the Asian country.

To find the best options for travel insurance and international medical insurance, go to InternationalHealth.com to compare, quote and purchase your insurance online. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in China?

There are different emergency numbers for different institutions. If you need an ambulance, you should dial 120. For police it is 110, and for firefighters 119.

It is important to identify the clinic closest to where you will be living or temporarily residing. Find out if your health insurance has coverage in this health center, so you know where you can be referred in case of an emergency. 

How do pharmacies in China work?

In Chinese pharmacies you will find most of the medications found in the Western world. It is not necessary to go to a local doctor for an evaluation, since a pharmacist can recommend the medication you need.

There are many drugs that cannot be brought into China, so check with the local Chinese embassy to make sure that the drug you wish to bring is allowed into the country. If the medicine is legal, you should bring a letter from your doctor stating the treatment required and that it is for your personal use.

Locally the culture of traditional medicines is very popular. It is common for a pharmacy to offer you a traditional medicine, not a Western one. The instructions for use are in Mandarin, so you will need a translator to read them.

Medication costs are not very high as the government has taken care of reducing the costs. However, make sure that your travel insurance provides coverage for prescription drugs if you will need them during your stay. 

Entry Requirements

China maintains some of the strictest entry requirements worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These include the obligation to quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival.

People entering the country must must submit two PCR tests, one taken 48 hours before their flight, and the other less than 24 hours before boarding for China.

Be sure to check if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter China.