Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely yes! China's hospitals welcome international patients. Many major hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have dedicated International Departments with English-speaking staff, bilingual doctors, and services tailored for foreign patients. Most importantly, foreigners have access to the exact same medical resources, doctors, and equipment as Chinese patients — from world-renowned specialists to cutting-edge technology like Da Vinci robots and proton therapy centers. There is no 'tourist tier' of care; you receive the same treatment.

Very safe. China's top hospitals meet international standards — over 130 hospitals have JCI accreditation. Medical equipment is state-of-the-art, and many doctors trained at top Western institutions. Hygiene standards are strictly enforced. China also has low crime rates, making it one of the safest countries for medical tourists. The biggest challenges are language barriers (solved with translation apps) and navigating hospital procedures (follow our guides).

Medical costs in China are significantly lower than Western countries: Outpatient visits: $20-80, Hospitalization: $100-300/day, Major surgeries: 1/5 to 1/3 of US prices. For example, a heart bypass surgery costs around $15,000-25,000 in China vs $100,000+ in the US. Even basic medical tests are surprisingly affordable — see our complete price guide → to understand just how much you can save on lab tests, imaging, and procedures.

It depends on your insurer and hospital. Major international insurers like Allianz, Cigna, Bupa, and AXA have partnerships with many Chinese hospitals for direct billing — mainly at International Departments. Check with your insurer before traveling. If direct billing isn't available, pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports for claims.

Extremely well-trained! Top Chinese hospitals employ doctors with impressive credentials: 1) Many trained at leading Western institutions (Harvard, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins). 2) Rigorous 8-11 year medical training programs. 3) Continuous education requirements. 4) Publication records in international medical journals. 5) Membership in international medical associations. What makes Chinese doctors exceptional is their clinical volume — a surgeon at a top Beijing hospital may perform 500+ surgeries annually, compared to 50-100 in Western countries. This experience translates to exceptional skill levels.

Extremely worth it! A comprehensive health checkup in China costs only $200-500 USD — about 1/10th of US prices. Top hospitals offer VIP checkup packages with full-body CT, MRI, blood panels, ultrasound, and specialist consultations. You can complete everything in one day and receive an English report. Many medical tourists combine travel and checkups in China.

Absolutely! China has world-class oncology centers with the latest treatments including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, CAR-T cell therapy, proton therapy, and robotic surgery. Top cancer hospitals like Beijing Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center rank among Asia's best. Costs are typically 50-80% lower than in the US, making cutting-edge treatments accessible.

Definitely! China is the birthplace of TCM with 5,000+ years of heritage. Top TCM hospitals include China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Dongzhimen Hospital, and Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and Tui Na massage. Many conditions benefit from combining TCM with Western medicine, especially chronic pain, digestive issues, and stress-related conditions.

Extremely! Dental costs in China are 60-80% lower than Western countries. Dental implants: $800-1,500 USD (vs $3,000-6,000 in US). Crowns: $150-400 USD. Root canals: $100-300 USD. Teeth whitening: $100-200 USD. Major dental hospitals have international departments with English-speaking dentists. Many use the same brands (Nobel, Straumann) at a fraction of the cost.

Yes! China has excellent pediatric hospitals including Beijing Children's Hospital, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. These hospitals have dedicated international departments with English-speaking pediatricians. Note: Children need their own visa or can travel on parent's visa-free transit. Bring vaccination records and any medical history translated to Chinese if possible.

Yes! China excels in treating age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint replacement, and cataracts. Many hospitals offer VIP wards with comfortable accommodation, allowing family members to stay overnight. Consider hiring a local medical guide to help navigate hospitals. The 240-hour visa-free transit is perfect for health checkups and follow-up consultations.

Yes, but with restrictions for foreigners. China has excellent fertility centers, but regulations require marriage certificates for IVF treatment. If you qualify, costs are significantly lower: $3,000-8,000 per IVF cycle (vs $12,000-20,000 in US). Top centers include Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH), which performed China's first IVF baby. Important: Egg donation and surrogacy are not available for foreigners.

China is a top destination for cosmetic surgery with excellent plastic surgery departments at major hospitals. Popular procedures include double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, face lifts, and body contouring. Costs are 40-70% lower than Western countries. Important: Choose accredited hospitals over private beauty clinics. Major hospital plastic surgery departments (like PUMCH or Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital) have the best safety records.

Yes, and this is one of China's hidden strengths! With 1.4 billion people, Chinese doctors encounter rare diseases far more frequently than doctors elsewhere. Conditions that Western doctors might see once in a career, Chinese specialists may treat dozens of times annually. Top hospitals have dedicated Rare Disease Centers and participate in international research networks. Notable examples include complex liver tumors, rare blood disorders, unusual neurological conditions, and difficult-to-diagnose autoimmune diseases. The combination of vast clinical experience and lower costs makes China an excellent destination for rare disease patients seeking expert care.

Absolutely! Getting a second opinion in China is affordable and fast. Many international departments offer remote consultation services — send your medical records and receive expert opinions within days. In-person consultations are even more valuable: China's top specialists can review your case with fresh eyes and may suggest treatment options unavailable in your home country. This is especially valuable for: cancer treatment plans, complex surgical decisions, and rare diseases. Some patients discover previously unknown treatment options that change their prognosis entirely.

Sometimes yes! China runs thousands of clinical trials, including cutting-edge immunotherapy, gene therapy, and novel drug studies. Some trials accept international patients, particularly for: advanced cancer treatments, stem cell therapies, and rare disease research. Access to experimental treatments often comes at reduced or no cost. Contact hospitals directly about ongoing trials for your condition. Note: Not all trials accept foreigners, and eligibility depends on specific study criteria.

Dramatically faster! This is one of the biggest advantages. Comparisons: Specialist appointments: Days in China vs weeks/months elsewhere. MRI/CT scans: Same-day or next-day vs weeks of waiting. Surgery scheduling: 1-2 weeks vs months or years for non-emergency procedures. Cancer treatment start: Often within days of diagnosis. For conditions requiring urgent treatment, China's efficient system can be life-changing. No endless waiting lists for surgeries, imaging, or specialist consultations.

You have several options: 1) 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit — Citizens of 54 countries can stay up to 10 days without a visa (free!), perfect for checkups and consultations. 2) Tourist Visa (L) — For stays up to 30-90 days. 3) Medical Visa (M) — For extended treatment, requires hospital invitation letter. Learn more about visa options →

It depends on your needs: Health checkup: 1-2 days. Specialist consultation: 3-5 days. Minor surgery: 1-2 weeks. Major surgery: 3-4 weeks (including recovery). Cancer treatment: Varies by protocol. The 240-hour visa-free transit (10 days) is ideal for checkups and consultations. For longer treatment, apply for a tourist or medical visa.

Yes, with precautions. Bring medications in original packaging with prescription labels. Carry a doctor's letter listing your medications and dosages. Note: Some medications common in Western countries may be restricted in China (certain painkillers, sedatives). Check with the Chinese embassy before traveling. Most common medications are available at Chinese pharmacies at lower prices.

Absolutely! Bring: 1) Recent test results (blood work, imaging), 2) Doctor's notes or referral letters, 3) List of current medications, 4) Imaging files on CD/USB (CT, MRI, X-rays). Having records translated to Chinese helps, but most international departments can read English reports. Digital copies on your phone are useful backups.

Top tips from experienced medical tourists:

1. Research hospitals thoroughly — Use our guides and check hospital rankings.
2. Prepare documents in advance — Medical records, imaging files, medication lists translated if possible.
3. Download essential apps — WeChat, Alipay, translation apps before arriving.
4. Book accommodation nearby — Choose hotels within walking distance of the hospital.
5. Bring a companion if possible — Having someone to help navigate is invaluable.
6. Plan buffer days — Allow extra time for unexpected tests or follow-ups.
7. Save emergency contacts — Hotel, hospital, embassy phone numbers on your phone.

Yes, solo medical travel is absolutely possible! Here are three ways to overcome the language barrier:

1. DIY Preparation — Use AI translation apps (DeepSeek, Doubao), follow our step-by-step hospital guides, and prepare key medical terms in advance. Many young Chinese doctors understand basic English medical terminology.

2. International Department — Most major hospitals have dedicated international departments with English-speaking staff who handle everything from registration to consultation.

3. Hire a Local Guide — Medical interpreters or local guides ($50-100/day) can accompany you throughout and handle all communication.

💡 Cost Tip: Options 1 and 3 allow you to use standard outpatient departments (the same departments Chinese patients use) instead of International Departments — you can still book specialist consultations and access the same expert doctors, but save 50-70% on costs!

International Departments have English-speaking staff and bilingual doctors — no translator needed. For standard outpatient clinics (lower cost), we recommend: using AI translation apps like DeepSeek or Doubao, preparing your medical history in Chinese beforehand, or hiring a medical interpreter if needed. See recommended translation apps →

Recommended but not required. You can book via hospital websites, phone, or apps. Walk-ins are also accepted — arrive before 7 AM for same-day registration. International Departments typically have shorter queues and appointment-based scheduling. See our complete booking guide →

Call 120 for ambulance services (available 24/7). All major hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments. Large hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou often have English-speaking staff in emergency rooms. Save the Chinese name and address of nearby hospitals on your phone. Your hotel concierge can also help coordinate emergency care.

Comprehensive care is available. Options include: 1) Hospital recovery wards — Many hospitals have comfortable VIP rooms for international patients during recovery. 2) Extended stay hotels — Nearby hotels cater to medical tourists with longer stays. 3) Telehealth follow-up — Many doctors offer video consultations after you return home. 4) Detailed discharge documents — Request English-language summaries for your home doctors. Plan your visa accordingly if recovery requires extended stay beyond the 240-hour visa-free period.

Yes, and hospitals help facilitate this. Before leaving China: 1) Request comprehensive English-language medical reports. 2) Get copies of all test results, imaging, and pathology reports. 3) Ask for medication prescriptions with generic names. 4) Request doctor's recommendations for ongoing care. Many Chinese hospitals offer international patient coordinators who can communicate with your home doctors directly if needed. For ongoing treatments (like chemotherapy cycles), discuss scheduling with both your Chinese and home doctors.