Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your nationality. China currently grants visa-free entry (up to 30 days) to citizens of 50 countries, including most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, and Russia — this covers medical visits as well. Citizens of 55 countries (including the United States and Indonesia) may also enter visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) under the transit visa-exemption policy, provided they hold an onward ticket to a third country. China does not have a dedicated “medical visa” category. For short-term treatment, a tourist visa (L visa) is commonly used. For longer stays, you can obtain an invitation letter from the hospital and apply for an S2 visa (private affairs), which allows stays of up to 180 days and can be extended within China. We recommend checking the latest policy with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulting our team for guidance.

Our hospital directory includes a language filter that lets you search for hospitals offering services in your preferred language. Private international hospitals (such as United Family Healthcare, Raffles Medical, and Columbia China) typically provide full English-language services with bilingual doctors and staff. Public hospital international departments in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen usually have English-speaking coordinators, and some also offer Japanese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish support. If you cannot find a hospital matching your language needs, our team can help arrange professional medical interpreters or accompany you to your appointment. We recommend confirming language availability when booking, as staffing may vary by department and time of day.

Private international hospitals and public hospital international departments in China generally accept major international insurance plans with direct billing (cashless settlement), meaning you pay only your co-pay at the time of service. Insurers commonly accepted include Cigna, Bupa, Allianz, AXA, MetLife, Aetna, and MSH. However, standard public hospital departments typically do not offer direct billing — you would need to pay upfront and submit receipts to your insurer for reimbursement afterward. We strongly recommend contacting both your insurance company and the hospital's international department before your visit to confirm coverage scope, pre-authorization requirements, and whether direct billing applies to your specific plan. Our team can also assist you in verifying insurance acceptance with your chosen hospital.

JCI (Joint Commission International) is a U.S.-based organization that evaluates healthcare facilities worldwide against rigorous international standards. A JCI-accredited hospital has passed comprehensive assessments covering patient safety, infection control, medication management, staff qualifications, facility standards, and continuous quality improvement. As of 2026, there are approximately 50-60 JCI-accredited hospitals in mainland China. For international patients, JCI accreditation provides assurance that the hospital follows globally recognized protocols, maintains transparent processes, and prioritizes patient rights — including informed consent, privacy, and access to medical records. Our directory clearly marks JCI-accredited hospitals so you can easily identify them when choosing a facility.

Most private international hospitals offer appointment booking via phone and email. Public hospital international departments generally accept phone appointments or WeChat Mini Program bookings during business hours only. Since many international travelers are unfamiliar with WeChat Mini Programs, our concierge team can make appointments on your behalf. If you are unable to reach the hospital directly, simply submit a request form to us and we will process your inquiry within 24 hours. We recommend booking specialist consultations at least 1–2 weeks in advance.

Essential items to bring include: your passport (required for registration at all hospitals), insurance card or policy documents, any previous medical records or imaging results (English or Chinese translations are helpful), and a list of current medications with dosages. For payment, international hospitals generally accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards, while public hospitals increasingly require mobile payment (WeChat Pay or Alipay — both now available to foreign passport holders). Bringing some cash in RMB is advisable as a backup. For inpatient admissions, most hospitals require a deposit (typically 5,000–20,000 RMB depending on the procedure). We also recommend having your hotel address written in Chinese, a working phone number for the hospital to reach you, and downloading a translation app in case of language needs during your visit.

Yes, China's top hospitals maintain high safety standards. Grade 3A hospitals — the highest tier in China's national classification system — are required to meet strict standards for medical equipment, physician qualifications, infection control, and clinical outcomes. Many have invested heavily in modern facilities comparable to leading hospitals worldwide. JCI-accredited hospitals additionally follow international patient safety protocols. Chinese doctors in major hospitals are highly trained, with many having completed fellowships or training abroad. China is particularly strong in specialties such as oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, and reproductive medicine. International departments are specifically designed to serve foreign patients with familiar service standards, clear communication, and streamlined processes. Overall, medical care quality at top Chinese hospitals is on par with developed countries, while costs remain significantly lower.

Medical costs in China are substantially lower than in the US, Europe, and most developed countries — typically 50–70% less for comparable procedures. Private international hospitals and public hospital international departments offer transparent pricing. For surgical procedures, examples include: coronary artery bypass $15,000–35,000 (vs. $100,000–150,000 in the US), hip replacement $8,000–15,000 (vs. $40,000–60,000), and cataract surgery $1,500–2,500 per eye (vs. $3,500–6,000). Most hospitals require upfront payment or a deposit for inpatient services. Payment methods include credit cards (Visa/Mastercard at international hospitals), WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash (RMB).

Absolutely. China is the birthplace of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and you can access authentic treatments from highly experienced licensed practitioners. Common TCM therapies available to international patients include acupuncture, herbal medicine (customized prescriptions), cupping, moxibustion, Tuina therapeutic massage, and Tai Chi-based rehabilitation. Many major hospitals offer integrated medicine departments that combine TCM with modern Western diagnostics and treatment, allowing for a comprehensive approach. TCM is particularly sought after for chronic pain management, musculoskeletal conditions, digestive disorders, neurological rehabilitation, fertility support, and post-surgical recovery. We recommend choosing hospitals with dedicated TCM international departments or clinics specifically experienced in treating foreign patients, as they can provide English-language consultations and explain treatment plans clearly.

In a medical emergency in China, dial 120 for an ambulance (free to call, transport fees apply). In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, some 120 dispatchers speak basic English, but be prepared for Chinese-language communication — having your address written in Chinese characters is essential. Ambulances typically transport patients to the nearest public hospital emergency department, which operates 24/7. If your condition allows, you may request transport to a specific international hospital instead. Private international hospitals (such as United Family Healthcare, Raffles Medical, and Columbia China) offer 24-hour English-language emergency departments with no language barrier. Other useful emergency numbers include: 110 (police), 119 (fire), and 122 (traffic accidents). We recommend saving your hotel address in Chinese on your phone, keeping your passport accessible, and noting the nearest international hospital's emergency number before traveling. If you have travel insurance, contact your insurer's 24-hour assistance hotline as they can help coordinate care and arrange medical evacuation if necessary.