Healthcare in China

Healthcare in China is a significant point of contention for many expats. You can get treatment at public hospitals, international clinics inside public hospitals, or private facilities designed for expats. The system focuses on hospitals, so you won’t need to look for a general practitioner.

As can be expected from such a vast country, the quality of care, the ease of access and the associated costs vary tremendously between different places and institutions. Most expats in China do, however, take out private health insurance and seek treatment at private facilities.

Public healthcare in China

China's public healthcare system can be hit or miss. In cities, you’ll find plenty of hospitals and medical services, but in rural areas, it might take hours to reach the nearest clinic.

In general, however, China’s public healthcare system is considered substandard. While this may not be the case with every facility, the language barrier, slow service and long queues dissuade most Westerners from seeking treatment in a public hospital. Once expats overcome these inconveniences, the quality of treatment itself is often decent, even if the methods used by doctors are different.

International wings in public hospitals

Some public clinics have opened international wings in an attempt to bridge the gap between the quality of care at costly private hospitals and the poor service at public facilities. These exist as partnerships between the state and the private sector and aim to provide access to public healthcare with Western standards.

Many of these share doctors with public facilities but don't have long waiting times. International wings are a relatively new phenomenon and are only found in China's largest commercial centres. They also focus more on customer care, are more likely to have English-speaking staff, and can offer treatments at a lower cost than private hospitals.

Useful links

• National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China – Hospitals

Private healthcare in China

Almost 90 percent of hospitals in China are state-run, so private healthcare only accounts for a small percentage of healthcare services in China. International hospitals are well represented in larger cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, but will be absent in most smaller cities and rural communities. 

While these private facilities often have English-speaking medical staff with Western training, the high standards and service-orientated treatment come at a high price, though. Many expats find the cost worth it, as private hospitals frequently offer shorter waiting times and private rooms, which are a rarity in public facilities. 

Health insurance in China

Public health insurance in China is facilitated through three main programmes: 

• Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance is compulsory for all urban workers who contribute to the scheme through their taxes.

• Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance is a voluntary programme for those who are unemployed. 

• The New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme was designed to ensure access to healthcare for rural citizens.

Though 95 percent of the Chinese population has at least basic health insurance, coverage isn't as comprehensive as perhaps expected. Public health insurance, for instance, generally only covers half of the medical bills. Premiums also tend to be high, even for the most basic insurance plans.

It's, therefore, essential that you negotiate private health insurance as part of your employment package. If this isn't possible, you may consider securing your policy. We also recommend ensuring that the hospital of your choice recognised the insurance policy you hold. 

Medication and pharmacies in China

Expats in Chinese cities will have access to the prescription medicines they're used to, as well as a range of traditional Chinese medicines. Some pharmacists have expertise in both areas, and those who do make for valuable resources.

Prescription regulations vary between countries, so you should do some research to find out if any medication you take regularly is available over the counter in China or if you need a prescription. 

Pharmacies are widely available in urban areas and are conveniently organised into different departments. Most labels are in Chinese, so you might need assistance from a local friend, colleague or bilingual pharmacist.

Health hazards in China

Pollution is a concern in many Chinese cities, and may be an issue for any expats with pre-existing respiratory problems. If you live in an urban area, you should try to exercise regularly and use an air purifier at night.

The safety of drinking water in China is another health concern. It's best to avoid drinking tap water and rather consume bottled water.

Different areas pose varying health risks. Regions with higher altitudes, such as Qinghai Province, could cause altitude sickness. It's advised to follow instructions from the Chinese authorities regarding any health alerts.

Vaccinations for China

There are several vaccinations that are necessary to enter China, depending on where you are coming from. Although it's possible to enter with a negative PCR test, China requires that travellers be vaccinated against Covid-19. If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must show proof of recent vaccination against the disease. 

Since polio is still a risk in certain parts of China, a booster shot may be necessary, especially if you are moving to one of the areas where the disease is still active. Those who are travelling during the Japanese Encephalitis season (June to October) must also be vaccinated. 

We also recommend ensuring your routine vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, influenza, rabies, and measles are up-to-date before your trip. 

Emergency services in China

The state’s emergency medical services provide emergency services in China. These are widespread and efficient in urban areas, but are less reliable or absent in rural regions. Ambulances often have a physician on board, but it's best to look out for and avoid so-called 'black ambulances' – unlicensed, private ambulances that could charge you a fortune.

• 120 – Ambulance services
• 119 – Fire department
• 110 – Public Security Bureau