π₯ How to See a Doctor in China
A complete guide for international patients β from booking your appointment to completing your visit
π Part 1: Before You Come
Prepare and book your appointment from overseas
π₯ Choose Your Clinic Type
Chinese hospitals have two options for international patients. You can choose based on your needs and budget.
| Feature | International Department | Standard Outpatient Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Patients who need English service | Anyone β same as local patients More Economical |
| Language | English, Japanese, Korean available | Chinese only (bring translation app) |
| Overall Cost | 2-3x higher than standard clinics | Standard local prices |
| Facilities | Private rooms, shorter queues, better amenities | Standard hospital facilities |
| Wait Time | Shorter, appointment-based | May be longer |
| Expert Doctors | β Available | β Available (same doctors) |
| Insurance Direct Billing | β Supported (Allianz, Cigna, etc.) | Usually not supported |
| Best For | Higher budget, need language support | Limited budget (same medical quality) |
π‘ Tip: Standard Clinics Offer Same Medical Quality!
Foreign patients can use standard outpatient clinics β the medical treatment and doctors are the same, only the environment and language support differ. International departments offer better facilities and shorter waits, but at 2-3x the price. Choose based on your budget, not medical quality!
π± How to Make an Appointment
There are several ways to book. You can also choose to walk in without an appointment.
π Hospital Official Website Recommended
Most hospitals have official websites with online booking systems.
- Visit the hospital's official website
- Look for "Online Booking" section
- Register with passport number
- Use browser translation if in Chinese
- Book 1-7 days in advance
π₯ Hospital Official App
Major hospitals have their own mobile apps.
- Download from App Store / Google Play
- Search hospital's Chinese name
- Passport registration usually supported
- Interface mostly in Chinese
- Use with translation app
π Phone Booking
Call the hospital directly. Best for International Department.
- International Dept: English service
- Standard Dept: Chinese only
- Can discuss your condition
- Good for complex cases
- Find phone numbers on our hospital pages
β οΈ About WeChat Booking
Chinese hospitals use WeChat mini-programs for booking. However, the international version of WeChat used outside China may have limited access to these mini-programs. We recommend using the hospital's official website or app instead.
If you have access to Chinese WeChat, you can search the hospital name and use their official account for booking.
π What to Prepare
Documents
π³ Payment Methods
China uses mobile payment almost everywhere. Set up before you arrive!
Alipay Recommended
Easiest for foreigners. Link international cards (Visa, Mastercard). Works everywhere.
WeChat Pay
Very common. Can link international cards after identity verification with passport.
Cash (RMB)
Accepted but less convenient. Many places prefer mobile payment. Bring as backup only.
β οΈ Pay-First System
Chinese hospitals use a "pay-first" model. You pay before each service (registration, tests, medicine). Keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement.
π‘οΈ International Insurance
Many International Departments support direct billing with major insurers.
| Insurance Provider | Direct Billing in China | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz | β Widely supported | Large network including major hospitals |
| Cigna | β Widely supported | Cigna Global and Cigna CMB networks |
| Bupa | β Limited (Greater Bay Area) | Bupa HK expanding to mainland China |
| AXA | β At select hospitals | Contact hospital for coverage |
π‘ Before Your Visit
- Contact your insurer for a list of covered hospitals in China
- Get a pre-authorization letter for planned treatments
- Bring your insurance card and policy documents
- Direct billing usually only available at International Departments
π₯ Part 2: At the Hospital
What to expect when you arrive for your appointment
π Step-by-Step Hospital Process
Visit Pre-Triage Desk
Every hospital has a pre-triage desk near the entrance. Staff can help you understand which department to visit and guide you through the process.
Registration & Pay Fee
Go to a self-service kiosk or registration counter. Pay the registration fee (usually Β₯10-100). Kiosks often have English interface. Present your passport.
Wait for Your Number
Find the waiting area outside your department. Watch the screen for your queue number. When called, enter the consultation room.
Doctor Consultation
Describe your symptoms. The doctor will examine you and may order tests (blood work, imaging, etc.). Use your translation app if needed.
Pay for Tests
Take the test orders to a payment window or self-service machine. Pay using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash. Keep all receipts.
Complete Tests
Go to the relevant departments (blood draw, radiology, etc.). Show your payment receipt. Ask the technician how long results will take.
Get Results
Pick up test results from self-service machines or designated areas. Some results are available same-day, others take 1-3 days.
Return to Doctor
Go back to the department with your results. Some hospitals require you to check in again at the sign-in area outside the consultation room, then wait for your number.
Get Prescription & Medicine
Doctor prescribes medication. Pay at a payment window, then take your receipt to the pharmacy. Wait for your number and collect your medicine.
β Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Save the hospital's Chinese name and address on your phone to show taxi drivers
- Download offline translation for Chinese in Google Translate before visiting
- Screenshots of important info help when apps don't load
- Staff at information desks are usually helpful even with language barriers
- Arrive early β popular doctors' slots fill up fast