Healthcare in China for Foreigners (2026): Hospitals, Insurance & What to Know
Getting sick or injured in a foreign country is stressful. Getting sick in China — where the healthcare system works very differently from what you're used to — can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how the system works, where to go, and how to prepare.
In this guide
Emergency Numbers
Memorize these:
120 — Ambulance (limited English)
110 — Police
119 — Fire
Important: 120 ambulances typically take you to the nearest public hospital, not an international one. If your situation isn't life-threatening and you prefer an international hospital, take a Didi instead.
Create your emergency contact card now — our Emergency Card tool generates a bilingual card with your personal info, emergency contacts, blood type, and allergies. Save it on your phone and print a copy.
Types of Hospitals
International Hospitals / Clinics
These are your best option as a foreigner. Staff speak English, medical records are in English, and the standard of care is comparable to Western countries.
Top international hospitals in Shanghai:
→ Shanghai United Family Hospital (上海和睦家医院) — Full-service, widely regarded as the best for expats
→ Parkway Health (百汇医疗) — Multiple locations, strong specialist network
→ Jiahui International Hospital (嘉会国际医院) — Modern facility, competitive pricing for an international hospital
→ Raffles Medical Shanghai — Good for general practice and urgent care
→ Columbia China (嘉会哥伦比亚) — Partnership with Columbia University Medical Center
Costs: Expect ¥500-1,500 per consultation without insurance. Specialist visits and procedures are significantly more. International hospitals are expensive — health insurance is strongly recommended.
Public Hospitals (三甲医院)
China's public hospitals provide good medical care at much lower costs, but the experience is very different:
→ Language: Staff rarely speak English. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend or use a translation app.
→ Wait times: Can be hours, especially at top hospitals. Arrive early.
→ Process: Register first (挂号), pay a registration fee (¥10-50), then wait to be seen.
→ Cost: Much cheaper — ¥20-100 for a consultation, procedures at a fraction of international hospital prices.
Top public hospitals in Shanghai:
→ Huashan Hospital (华山医院)
→ Zhongshan Hospital (中山医院)
→ Ruijin Hospital (瑞金医院)
Pharmacies (药房/药店)
Pharmacies are everywhere and sell most common medications without a prescription. The pharmacist can often help recommend treatments for basic ailments.
→ Look for: Green cross signs or chains like "大参林", "老百姓大药房"
→ Antibiotics and prescription drugs: Officially require a prescription, but enforcement varies
→ Bring your own: If you take regular medication, bring enough supply from home. Your specific brand may not be available in China.
Useful phrases: 感冒 (gǎnmào = cold), 头痛 (tóutòng = headache), 拉肚子 (lā dùzi = diarrhea), 过敏 (guòmǐn = allergy)
Health Insurance
If Your Employer Provides Insurance
Most employers who hire foreigners provide health insurance that covers international hospitals. Check your coverage details — some plans have co-pays, deductibles, or exclude certain treatments.
If You Need to Buy Your Own
International health insurance options:
→ Cigna Global, Bupa, AXA, Allianz — comprehensive global coverage, ¥1,000-4,000/month
→ Pacific Prime — broker that can compare plans for your situation
→ MSH China — popular among expats in Shanghai
Local Chinese health insurance:
→ Much cheaper (¥200-500/month) but coverage is limited
→ May only cover public hospitals
→ Policy documents often in Chinese only
Travel insurance (for short stays):
→ World Nomads, SafetyWing, or your credit card's travel insurance
→ Good for emergencies but limited for ongoing care
No Insurance?
Public hospitals are affordable even without insurance. A consultation might be ¥20-50, basic blood tests ¥100-200, and X-rays ¥50-150. International hospitals without insurance will be expensive — budget ¥1,000-3,000 for a basic visit.
What to Bring to a Hospital Visit
→ Passport (mandatory for registration)
→ Health insurance card or policy details
→ Cash or mobile payment (some hospitals don't accept international cards)
→ List of current medications (ideally in English and Chinese)
→ Translation app ready on your phone
→ A Chinese-speaking friend if going to a public hospital
Common Medical Situations
Getting a Prescription Filled
Prescriptions from international hospitals can be filled at the hospital's own pharmacy. For public hospital prescriptions, use the hospital pharmacy — outside pharmacies may not accept hospital prescriptions.
Dental Care
Shanghai has many international dental clinics with English-speaking dentists. Costs are lower than Western countries:
→ Cleaning: ¥200-600
→ Filling: ¥300-800
→ Crown: ¥2,000-5,000
Mental Health
English-speaking therapists and psychiatrists are available through international hospitals and private practices. Shanghai also has several expat-focused mental health services.
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine are widely available and very affordable. Many public hospitals have dedicated TCM departments. It can be worth trying for chronic pain or stress-related conditions.
Preparing Before You Arrive
Arrange health insurance before arriving
Bring a 3-month supply of any regular medications
Get a dental checkup before leaving home
Save hospital addresses in Chinese on your phone — use our Shanghai Address Book
Create your Emergency Card with blood type, allergies, and emergency contacts
Download a translation app for hospital visits
For more on healthcare costs, see our Cost of Living in Shanghai breakdown. For the full list of medical facilities and emergency info, visit our Medical & Emergency Guide.
Last updated: April 2026. Hospital information, insurance options, and costs may change. Always verify directly with the provider. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or official advice.
Found this helpful?
Share this guide with anyone moving to China. For the full first-day workflow, check our 72-Hour Task Flow.