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Guide module

Medical Care

A clear pre-arrival and on-the-ground guide to clinics, hospitals, emergencies, insurance, and medical records for foreign visitors in China.

This guide is designed to help foreign visitors prepare for medical needs before and during a trip to China. It explains the main care options, what to prepare before departure, how to choose where to go, how to seek treatment, what to do in an emergency, and how to keep records for insurance and follow-up.

Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If symptoms are severe, worsening, unusual, or related to a known serious condition, seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Recommended default setup

PREPARE: Insurance + medical info
CHOOSE CARE: Clinic or hospital
EMERGENCY: Call 120
RECORDS: Keep invoices + reports

Before departure, buy travel medical insurance if possible, save one major hospital and one international clinic for each destination city, carry your passport and medication list, know the emergency number 120, and keep all medical invoices, prescriptions and reports after treatment.

1. Medical care options in China

Foreign visitors in China usually have several choices: large public hospitals, international departments in public hospitals, private international clinics or hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency medical services. The best choice depends on symptom severity, communication needs, location, cost, insurance coverage, and how quickly care is needed.

1.1 Large public hospitals

Overview: Large public hospitals, especially tertiary hospitals in major cities, usually provide the widest range of medical services.

Best for: They are often the better choice for serious symptoms, unclear conditions, injuries, imaging, lab tests, specialist review, or possible admission.

Main limitation: The process can be busy and complex. English support may vary by hospital and department, so a written symptom note and translation app are useful.

1.2 International departments in public hospitals

Overview: Some major public hospitals have international departments, VIP outpatient centers, or foreigner service counters.

Best for: These can provide easier appointment support, more foreign-language assistance, and a clearer process while still being connected to a large hospital system.

Main limitation: Costs are often higher than ordinary public outpatient services, and not every city or hospital has this type of department.

1.3 Private international clinics and hospitals

Overview: Private international clinics and hospitals are often easier for foreign travelers to navigate.

Best for: They may provide English-speaking staff, appointment-based visits, international insurance support, familiar service flow, and easier communication.

Main limitation: Costs are usually higher, and some private clinics may refer severe or complex cases to a large hospital or emergency department.

1.4 Pharmacies

Overview: Pharmacies can help with simple over-the-counter purchases such as basic cold medicine, bandages, oral rehydration salts, or simple first-aid items.

Main limitation: They should not replace medical care when symptoms are severe, persistent, unclear, or related to a chronic condition.

1.5 Emergency medical services

Overview: For medical emergencies in China, call 120 for ambulance and pre-hospital emergency medical services.

Tip: If language is difficult, ask hotel staff, a local helper, a shop assistant, or a nearby person to call 120 and explain the location in Chinese.

Simple comparison

Option	Use first when…	Main limitation
Large public hospital	Symptoms are serious, unclear, require tests, specialist review, emergency care, or possible admission.	Busy process; English support varies.
International department	You need hospital-level care with easier communication and clearer navigation.	Not available everywhere; often more expensive.
Private international clinic	Symptoms are mild to moderate and communication, appointments, and comfort matter most.	More expensive; may refer severe cases to a hospital.
Pharmacy	You need simple over-the-counter items or basic first-aid supplies.	Not suitable for serious, persistent, or unclear symptoms.
Emergency services 120	There is a life-threatening or urgent situation.	Location and language support may be challenging; ask locals or hotel staff to help.

2. Recommended preparation for different travelers

Different travelers need different levels of preparation. Use the table below as a practical starting point.

Traveler type	Typical situation	Recommended preparation
Short city trip	Major cities with good access to hospitals and clinics.	Travel insurance, passport, medication list, one saved hospital and clinic, emergency number 120.
Multi-city independent trip	Several cities, trains, flights, and different hotels.	Save providers in each city, keep insurance hotline offline, carry medication in hand luggage, keep hotel addresses in Chinese.
Rural, small-town, or scenic-area trip	Remote scenic routes, mountains, ancient towns, or smaller destinations.	Carry extra medicine, first-aid supplies, more cash/payment backup, hotel contact, and know the nearest larger hospital before leaving the city.
Family trip with children	Children may need pediatric care quickly if fever, dehydration, or injury occurs.	Save pediatric-capable hospitals, carry child medication records, emergency contacts, and insurance documents.
Pregnant traveler or chronic illness	Higher risk of needing planned or urgent medical support.	Consult your doctor before travel, carry medical summary, prescriptions, extra medicine, and identify suitable hospitals before departure.
Adventure or sports traveler	Skiing, trekking, diving, cycling, motorbike travel, or remote outdoor activities.	Check whether insurance covers sports injuries and evacuation; save emergency and hospital contacts near activity areas.

3. Before departure preparation

Most medical problems become easier to handle if you prepare before departure. The goal is not to expect illness, but to reduce uncertainty if something happens.

3.1 Insurance and emergency support

Buy travel medical insurance or international health insurance that covers treatment in China if possible.
Check whether emergency medical evacuation is covered, especially for remote travel or higher-risk activities.
Ask your insurer whether any hospitals or clinics in your destination cities support direct billing.
Save the insurer emergency assistance number offline and in printed form.
Do not assume direct billing will work automatically. Be prepared to pay first and claim reimbursement later.

3.2 Phone, internet and useful apps

Keep a working phone number and internet connection during your trip.
Enable roaming or prepare a China-compatible SIM / eSIM for mobile data.
Install a translation app and download offline Chinese if possible.
Install a map app and save your hotel address in Chinese.
Install your insurance app and bank app, because hospitals or clinics may require payment before tests or treatment.

Power bank reminder: Keep a power bank with you. No phone battery can mean no map, no translation, no payment, and no emergency call.

3.3 Personal medical kit

Bring essential health items from home, especially if you use prescription medication or have allergies.

Keep important medicine in carry-on luggage, not only in checked baggage.
Bring prescription medicine for the whole trip plus extra days in case of travel delays.
Use original labeled containers showing your name, medicine name, and dosage where possible.
Keep copies of prescriptions, including generic names if available.
Carry a doctor letter for important chronic conditions or controlled medicines if applicable.
Include basic first-aid items such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, oral rehydration salts, and personal allergy medication if prescribed.
Do not bring medicines for other people, and check restrictions if a medicine may be controlled or heavily regulated.

3.4 Medical information to save

Prepare a one-page medical information card. Save it on your phone and keep a paper copy in your bag.

Full name and passport number.
Nationality and date of birth.
Emergency contact and hotel contact.
Allergies, especially medicine or food allergies.
Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, or severe allergies.
Current medications, including dose and frequency.
Insurance policy number and emergency assistance phone number.
Hotel name and address in Chinese.

4. How to choose where to go

If you feel unwell in China, choose the care option based on urgency, not only convenience. When in doubt, choose a higher level of care or ask hotel staff to help you contact a medical provider.

Situation	Best first action	Reason
Life-threatening or urgent symptoms	Call 120 or go to the nearest emergency department.	Ambulance and emergency care are needed quickly.
Severe pain, injury, high fever, breathing difficulty, or unclear serious symptoms	Go to a large public hospital or emergency department.	Hospital-level tests and specialists may be needed.
Mild to moderate symptoms and communication is important	Use an international clinic or international department if available.	Easier language support and appointment flow.
Simple issue such as minor cold supplies or first-aid items	Use a licensed pharmacy or clinic.	A pharmacy may be enough for basic supplies, but not for diagnosis.
Not sure which department to choose	Show a symptom note to front desk or nurse and ask for direction.	This is safer than guessing the wrong department.

Red-flag principle: Call 120 or seek emergency care immediately for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, seizure, suspected stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, major bleeding, serious head injury, major trauma, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

5. Step-by-step: seeing a doctor in China

The exact process differs by city and facility, but the following sequence is common and useful for foreign visitors.

Choose the provider. Decide between a public hospital, international department, private clinic, pharmacy, or emergency department based on urgency.
Bring documents. Carry your passport, insurance details, medication list, symptom note, and payment method.
Register or check in. First-time patients may need to create a patient record using passport information.
Choose the department. If you are not sure, show your symptoms to the front desk, nurse, or information counter.
See the doctor. Explain what happened, when symptoms started, whether they are worsening, and any allergies or chronic conditions.
Complete tests if ordered. You may need to pay first, go to a lab or imaging area, and return to the doctor after results are ready.
Collect medicine or treatment instructions. Check medicine name, dosage, timing, food restrictions, and side effects before leaving.
Keep records. Save diagnosis notes, prescriptions, test reports, imaging reports, discharge summaries, invoices, and itemized bills.
Arrange follow-up. Ask when to return, what symptoms require urgent reassessment, and whether you should avoid travel or certain activities.

What to bring to a hospital or clinic

Original passport and any entry/visa document if relevant.
Insurance card, policy number, and emergency assistance phone number.
Phone with translation app, map, payment app, and enough battery.
Written symptom note, ideally with Chinese translation.
Medication list and allergy list.
Old medical records, test results, or imaging if relevant.
Hotel address in Chinese and emergency contact details.
Payment backup: Alipay / WeChat Pay, card, and some RMB cash.

6. Emergencies and ambulance use

In China, call 120 for medical emergencies. Police can be reached at 110, fire at 119, and traffic accident reporting at 122 in many cities. For medical emergencies, 120 is the most important number to remember.

6.1 When to call 120

Chest pain or pressure.
Severe difficulty breathing.
Loss of consciousness or seizure.
Suspected stroke symptoms, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty.
Severe allergic reaction, especially swelling, breathing difficulty, or collapse.
Major bleeding, serious injury, head injury, or traffic accident.
Severe abdominal pain, severe dehydration, confusion, or rapidly worsening condition.
Any situation where moving the patient without help may be unsafe.

6.2 How to call or ask for help

If you do not speak Chinese, ask hotel staff, a shop assistant, a local friend, a driver, or a nearby person to call 120 for you. Show the Chinese phrase card in Section 11 if needed.
Give the exact location. A Chinese address or map location is very helpful.
Describe the main problem: chest pain, breathing difficulty, bleeding, injury, allergic reaction, unconsciousness, etc.
Give the patient age, gender, and whether the patient is awake or breathing normally if you know.
Keep your phone reachable and send someone to meet the ambulance if possible.
Bring passport, insurance information, medication list, and allergy information to the hospital if possible.
Contact your insurer emergency line as soon as practical, especially if admission, surgery, or evacuation may be needed.

7. Insurance, payment and medical records

Medical care in China is generally not free for visitors. Some international clinics or hospital departments may support insurance direct billing, but this depends on the insurer, the policy, and the provider network. Always be ready for the possibility that you need to pay first and claim later.

7.1 Payment methods at medical providers

Payment options vary by provider. Large international departments and international clinics are more likely to accept international cards.

Some hospitals may also accept RMB cash, UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
At some facilities, payment may be needed before tests, medicine, or admission steps continue.

7.2 Direct billing is not guaranteed

Before travel, ask your insurer for a list of network hospitals or clinics in your destination cities.
Before treatment, ask the clinic or hospital whether your insurance can be billed directly.
Even if direct billing is possible, some services may still require pre-authorization.
Keep a payment backup in case direct billing is not accepted.

7.3 Records to keep for reimbursement and follow-up

Official invoice or fapiao if provided.
Itemized expense list.
Diagnosis note or outpatient record.
Prescription and medicine list.
Lab reports, imaging reports, and ECG reports if performed.
Discharge summary if admitted.
Payment receipts and card statements.
Doctor instructions for follow-up or travel restrictions.

Backup tip: Photograph or scan every document before leaving the hospital or clinic. Paper records can be difficult to replace later.

8. Medication, pharmacies and prescriptions

Medication names, packaging, and availability may differ from your home country. The safest approach is to bring important medicine from home in original labeled containers and carry prescriptions or a doctor letter when appropriate.

8.1 Bringing medicine into China

Bring enough medicine for the full trip plus extra days in case of travel delays.
Keep medicine in original labeled containers when possible.
Carry medicine in hand luggage, especially essential daily medicine or emergency allergy medicine.
Bring copies of prescriptions, including generic names.
Check destination rules before bringing controlled or restricted medication.
Do not carry prescription medicine for people other than yourself or close family unless properly documented.

8.2 Using pharmacies in China

Use licensed pharmacies rather than informal sellers.
Show the generic name, active ingredient, or a photo of your medicine if you need a similar item.
Do not assume a medicine with a similar-looking package is the same.
If symptoms are serious, persistent, or unclear, go to a clinic or hospital instead of only buying medicine.
Ask a doctor before combining herbal medicine, traditional remedies, or new medicine with your regular prescriptions.

9. Common medical scenarios

The table below does not diagnose or treat illness. It helps visitors decide what level of help to seek.

Scenario	Practical first step	Seek urgent care if…
Stomach upset or diarrhea	Rest, hydrate, consider oral rehydration salts, and seek clinic advice if symptoms persist.	There is blood, severe dehydration, high fever, severe pain, pregnancy, or symptoms in a child / elderly person.
Fever or flu-like symptoms	Monitor temperature, rest, and contact a clinic if symptoms are significant or persistent.	Breathing difficulty, confusion, chest pain, stiff neck, severe weakness, or high fever occurs.
Minor cuts or sprains	Clean the wound, use basic first aid, and visit a clinic if pain, swelling, or wound concerns continue.	There is heavy bleeding, deep wound, head injury, inability to walk, numbness, or severe swelling.
Allergic reaction	Use prescribed allergy medicine if you have it and seek help if symptoms do not improve.	There is breathing difficulty, swelling of face / throat, dizziness, collapse, or severe rash. Call 120.
Lost or finished prescription medicine	Contact your insurer, a clinic, or a hospital with your prescription and generic name.	The medicine is essential for diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergy, or mental health stability.
Dental problem	Ask hotel staff or insurer for a dental clinic; save receipts and records.	There is facial swelling, fever, severe trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding.

10. Common problems and practical solutions

10.1 I do not know which hospital to choose

If the situation is urgent, call 120 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If it is not urgent, ask your hotel, insurer, or embassy / consulate information page for international clinics or major hospitals in the city.

10.2 I do not know which department to register for

Prepare a short symptom note and show it at the front desk or nurse station.
It is better to ask staff to direct you than to choose a department only by guessing.

10.3 English support is limited

Use a translation app, write symptoms clearly, show your medication / allergy list, and ask whether an international department or English-speaking staff member is available.
Hotel staff may also help call ahead.

10.4 I forgot my passport

Return to get it if the situation is not urgent.
For emergency care, seek help first and explain that the passport is at the hotel.
Carrying your passport when seeking treatment can reduce registration delays.

10.5 My insurance is not accepted for direct billing

Ask for all invoices, itemized bills, and medical records. Pay using available methods if necessary and contact your insurer about reimbursement.
Keep digital copies of every paper document.

10.6 I need medicine but cannot find the same brand

Use the generic name or active ingredient, not only the brand name.
If the medicine is important or prescription-only, consult a doctor rather than substituting it yourself.

10.7 I feel worse after leaving the clinic

Return for reassessment or go to emergency care if symptoms worsen, new severe symptoms appear, or the doctor told you to return if there is no improvement.

11. Useful Chinese phrases for medical situations

Save this section as screenshots and show it directly to hotel staff, drivers, clinic staff, or hospital staff when needed.

English	Chinese to show
I need to see a doctor.	我需要看医生。
Please help me call 120.	请帮我拨打120。
Please take me to the nearest hospital.	请带我去最近的医院。
I do not speak Chinese.	我不会说中文。
I need an English-speaking doctor or staff member.	我需要会英语的医生或工作人员。
I have a fever.	我发烧了。
I have chest pain.	我胸口疼。
I have difficulty breathing.	我呼吸困难。
I feel pain here.	我这里疼。
I am allergic to this medicine / food.	我对这种药/食物过敏。
I have diabetes / asthma / heart disease.	我有糖尿病/哮喘/心脏病。
I am pregnant.	我怀孕了。
I take this medicine every day.	我每天服用这种药。
I lost my medicine.	我的药丢了。
Please help me contact my hotel.	请帮我联系我的酒店。
Can I have the invoice and medical records?	可以给我发票和病历吗？

12. Final checklist

[ ] Buy travel medical insurance that covers China if possible.
[ ] Check whether emergency medical evacuation is included.
[ ] Save your insurer emergency assistance number offline.
[ ] Prepare a medical information card with allergies, medications, chronic conditions, and emergency contacts.
[ ] Bring enough prescription medicine for the whole trip plus extra days.
[ ] Keep medicine in original labeled containers when possible.
[ ] Carry copies of prescriptions and generic medicine names.
[ ] Save at least one large hospital and one international clinic in each destination city.
[ ] Save your hotel name and address in Chinese.
[ ] Install translation, map, insurance, and bank apps before departure.
[ ] Carry your passport when seeking treatment.
[ ] Know the emergency number: 120.
[ ] Keep payment backup: Alipay / WeChat Pay, card, and some RMB cash.
[ ] Save useful Chinese medical phrases as screenshots.
[ ] Keep every invoice, prescription, test report, and medical record after treatment.

13. Verification notes and sources

Medical procedures, hospital lists, insurance rules, and app interfaces may change. Before publishing this guide to users, the team should re-check local hospital pages, insurer requirements, and current official guidance. This version was prepared using the following factual reference points:

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China medical assistance guidance: travelers are encouraged to buy foreign medical care and medical evacuation insurance before arrival.
Travel.State.gov China guidance and international travel insurance guidance: medical care is not free in China, and travelers should check medical insurance and evacuation coverage.
CDC Travelers Health guidance: travelers should carry medicines in original labeled containers, bring prescription copies, and prepare extra supply for travel delays.
Beijing Municipal Government Medical Guide for Foreigners: 120 is the emergency medical number; emergency departments are widely available; international patients may use payment options such as RMB cash, credit cards, UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay depending on the provider.
Payment and insurance practice note: direct billing depends on insurer, policy terms, and provider network; travelers should keep invoices, itemized bills, and medical records.

Traveler questions

Should I buy travel medical insurance before going to China?

Yes. Travel medical insurance that covers treatment in China — ideally including emergency medical evacuation — is one of the most effective ways to reduce uncertainty. Save your insurer emergency assistance number offline, and ask the insurer for a list of network hospitals or clinics in each destination city before departure.

When should I call 120 versus going to a clinic or hospital?

Call 120 or go straight to the emergency department for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, seizure, suspected stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, major bleeding, serious head injury, major trauma, or rapidly worsening symptoms. For mild to moderate symptoms, an international clinic or the international department of a public hospital is usually the easier first stop.

What if my passport is not with me and I need urgent care?

Seek care first and explain to the staff that your passport is at the hotel. For non-urgent situations, go back to get the passport, since carrying it speeds up registration. Either way, keep digital photos of your passport and visa in your phone so you can show identification quickly.