Important
In a medical emergency, call 120 for an ambulance. For life-threatening situations, go directly to the emergency department (急诊科) of the nearest large hospital.
Emergency Numbers
120
Ambulance
Medical emergency
110
Police
Crime, accidents, public safety
Types of Medical Facilities
Public Hospitals (公立医院)
The standard healthcare system. Affordable but often crowded and bureaucratic.
- Registration: You must register (挂号) before seeing any doctor. Bring your passport.
- Payment: Pay at each step — registration, tests, prescriptions. Keep all receipts.
- Language: Staff rarely speak English. Bring a translator or use a translation app.
- Wait times: 1-3 hours is normal for non-emergencies. Arrive early (7-8 AM).
International Clinics / VIP Departments
Found in major cities. English-speaking staff, Western standards, but expensive.
- Examples: ParkwayHealth, United Family Healthcare (UFH), Vista-SK
- Cost: ¥800-2000 for a consultation (vs ¥50-200 at public hospitals)
- Insurance: Direct billing with most international insurance plans
- Booking: Appointment required — call ahead or book online
Pro Tip
For non-urgent issues, international clinics are worth the cost for the language support and shorter wait times. For emergencies, go to the nearest large public hospital's emergency room.
What to Do in a Medical Emergency
1
Assess Severity
Life-threatening? Call 120 immediately. Non-urgent? Proceed to nearest hospital or clinic.
2
Go to the ER (急诊科)
Large public hospitals in every city have 24/7 emergency departments. Bring your passport.
3
Register and Pay
Go to the registration desk (挂号处), show your passport, and pay the registration fee (¥10-50).
4
See the Doctor
Wait for your number to be called. Describe symptoms. The doctor may order tests.
5
Get Treatment
Pay for prescribed tests/medications at the cashier, then collect at the pharmacy/lab.
Important
Public hospitals require payment at every step. Even in an emergency, you may need to pay before receiving treatment. Keep cash and mobile payment ready. International insurance may require you to pay first and claim later.
Pharmacies (药店)
Pharmacies are everywhere — look for the green cross sign. Most medications are available without prescription, including many that require prescriptions in Western countries.
- Chain pharmacies: 老百姓大药房, 益丰大药房, 海王星辰
- Hours: Most open 8 AM - 10 PM. Some 24-hour pharmacies in major cities.
- Language: Staff rarely speak English. Show them the medication name in Chinese or use a translation app.
- Payment: WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash
Common Medications (Chinese Names)
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Pain reliever | 止痛药 | Zhǐtòng yào |
| Fever reducer | 退烧药 | Tuìshāo yào |
| Anti-diarrheal | 止泻药 | Zhǐxiè yào |
| Antihistamine | 抗过敏药 | Kàngguòmǐn yào |
| Cold medicine | 感冒药 | Gǎnmào yào |
| Band-aid | 创可贴 | Chuāngkětiē |
| Antibiotic | 抗生素 | Kàngshēngsù |
Travel Insurance
Do not travel to China without medical insurance. Even minor treatments can be expensive at international clinics.
- What to check: Coverage limits, pre-existing conditions, adventure activities, evacuation coverage
- Direct billing: Ask if your insurer has direct billing agreements with clinics in China
- Claim process: Keep ALL receipts, medical reports, and prescriptions
- Emergency hotline: Save your insurer's 24/7 international hotline
Pro Tip
Screenshot your insurance policy details, emergency hotline, and policy number. Also save a copy in cloud storage. If you are unconscious or unable to communicate, medical staff can access this information.
Recommended Hospitals by City
| City | Public Hospital | International Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Peking Union (北京协和医院) | United Family (和睦家) |
| Shanghai | Huashan Hospital (华山医院) | ParkwayHealth (百汇医疗) |
| Guangzhou | Sun Yat-sen Memorial (中山一院) | United Family (和睦家) |
| Chengdu | West China Hospital (华西医院) | ParkwayHealth |
| Xi'an | Xijing Hospital (西京医院) | — (limited options) |
Water and Food Safety
- Tap water: Not safe to drink anywhere in China. Always drink bottled or boiled water.
- Ice: In reputable restaurants it is fine. Avoid from street vendors.
- Street food: Cooked fresh = generally safe. Raw or pre-cut = higher risk.
- Air pollution: Check AQI (Air Quality Index) daily. Wear N95 masks on high-pollution days.
Important
If you experience severe stomach issues, dehydration from food poisoning, or any symptoms that worry you, do not wait — seek medical attention. Chinese healthcare is efficient once you are in the system.