View Frequently Asked Questions from Worldwide Patients

At the international departments of top hospitals — yes. Core doctors and patient coordinators speak fluent English, and many have trained or conducted research in English-speaking countries. Beyond English, several hospitals also offer Japanese, French, and German language support through dedicated interpreters or multilingual staff. For less common languages, professional medical translation services can usually be arranged with advance notice. We always recommend confirming language support when booking your appointment, and if you do not speak English, please contact the hospital's international office before your visit to arrange an interpreter.

On average, international patients save 40% to 80% on total medical costs compared to the US, and 30% to 60% compared to the UK — including surgery, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care. Some reports indicate that for certain procedures, costs in China can be 60% to 90% lower than in the US or Western Europe. For example, a coronary bypass surgery that might cost $100,000 or more in the US typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 at an international department in Beijing. Savings vary by procedure complexity and hospital tier. Private international hospitals (such as United Family) are at the higher end of China's pricing range, while public hospital international departments offer excellent value without compromising on quality.

From initial consultation to surgery, most procedures can typically be arranged within 48 hours to 2 weeks — dramatically faster than the months or even years of waiting common in many Western countries. Emergencies are handled immediately. For elective procedures, you can often begin the scheduling process even before arriving in China by sharing your medical records in advance. This remarkable speed is one of the most compelling reasons international patients choose China for their care.

Start by identifying hospitals with strong reputations in your specific condition or procedure. Look for hospitals with dedicated international departments that offer English-speaking staff and direct-billing options for your insurance. You can research online through hospital websites, government lists of international medical pilot institutions, and patient testimonials. In Beijing, for example, 15 hospitals now offer full English-language online appointment booking services through the 114 platform. If you need advice, you can contact us and we can guide you based on your medical needs and preferences.

Yes, TCM is a formal, regulated medical system in China with its own research institutions, national standards, and an evidence-based practice framework. Tertiary TCM hospitals and the TCM departments of comprehensive hospitals use standardized herbal granules, evidence-based acupuncture protocols, and modern quality control measures. TCM excels particularly in chronic disease management, pain conditions, post-surgical recovery, fertility support, and overall wellness. It can be used safely alongside Western medicine in an integrative approach. For the best results, we recommend seeking TCM treatment at established hospitals rather than unregulated clinics to ensure safety and quality.

Yes, you can use most international health insurance plans at China's top hospitals. However, coverage varies — so you should always confirm with your insurer that your plan covers mainland China, and check which hospitals are in their direct-billing network. Most international departments work with major providers like Aetna, Cigna, MSH, Allianz, Bupa, and AIA. Some hospitals, such as United Family Healthcare, offer direct billing with 100+ international insurance providers. There are two common scenarios: with direct billing, you simply present your insurance card and the hospital bills your insurer directly, with no upfront payment from you. Without direct billing, you pay the hospital upfront and receive detailed bilingual receipts and medical records to submit for reimbursement when you return home.

For short initial consultations or evaluations, you may be eligible for visa-free transit. As of December 2024, China extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of eligible countries, and as of June 2025, the policy applies to 55 countries. For planned longer treatment, you will typically need an S2 private affairs visa for medical purposes. The process is straightforward: after you confirm your appointment, the hospital's international department will issue an official invitation letter. You then submit this letter along with your passport, visa application form, and other standard documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing usually takes 4 to 7 business days, with expedited services available at most consulates for an additional fee. We recommend starting the visa process as early as possible, and we are here to guide you through every step if you need assistance.

Yes, China has strict customs regulations on personal medications. According to the Drug Import Management Measures, individuals may carry a reasonable quantity of personal-use medications. You should bring enough prescription medication for your entire stay plus a few extra days, but keep them in their original packaging with a doctor's prescription and a translated doctor's note (in English or Chinese). 'Reasonable quantity' is generally interpreted as up to approximately one month's supply. Most common prescription medications are allowed, but controlled substances (e.g., certain painkillers, sedatives, or psychoactive drugs) may require special permits or are limited to a single prescription's maximum dosage. We strongly advise checking with the Chinese embassy or customs authorities before you travel, and always carry a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity.

The most reliable way is to call the hospital's international department hotline directly — English-speaking staff will help you book the right specialist. You can also use official hospital WeChat accounts or mobile apps (some have English interfaces). For patients in Beijing, the 114 appointment platform now offers an English version — as of 2025, 15 hospitals provide full English-language online booking services through this platform, including Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Xuanwu Hospital, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. Walk-in appointments are possible but not guaranteed, so we always recommend booking in advance. Have your passport number and a brief description of your symptoms ready when calling.

Bring your passport, your medical visa (if applicable), all relevant medical records (test results, imaging reports, doctor's notes — preferably translated into English or Chinese), a list of current medications, and your insurance card if you have one. It is also helpful to bring a notebook to write down questions and the doctor's instructions. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete the registration process. The international department staff will guide you through every step.

You will start by going to the international department reception desk. Present your passport and any appointment confirmation you have. You will fill out a brief information form (available in English) and pay a one-time registration/建档 fee (typically $10–30). You will then receive a hospital card or an electronic health code — this is your key to appointments, tests, payments, and medication pickup. The staff will verify your insurance coverage if you have direct-billing insurance. After registration, a nurse will check your vital signs before you see the doctor.

Blood tests and basic X-rays are usually ready the same day — typically within 2 to 6 hours. More advanced imaging such as MRI, CT, or PET scans may take 1 to 2 business days for a full radiologist report. Your doctor will tell you when and how to receive your results — often via the hospital app, by phone, or by scheduling a follow-up visit. In some cases, you can get preliminary results verbally on the same day and the detailed report later.

All major international departments have 24-hour emergency care, and top-tier hospitals maintain dedicated emergency green channels for critical cases. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 120 (China's ambulance number). When the dispatcher answers, calmly say 'English, please' — most dispatchers in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are equipped to handle basic English requests. For non-life-threatening urgent issues, you can also call the hospital's international patient hotline directly. Most international departments have 24/7 on-call coordinators who can advise you and arrange care.

You can request a second opinion from another specialist within the same hospital or at a different hospital. The international department can help coordinate this. If you are already under the care of one doctor, simply inform your patient coordinator, and they will arrange a consultation with a senior specialist. Please note that additional consultations may incur extra fees, but they are usually affordable and can be covered by some insurance plans.

Most hospitals accept cash (RMB), international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay). As of 2025, 167 healthcare institutions in Beijing alone support foreign card payments. For mobile payments, you can now link your international credit card to WeChat Pay or Alipay, making digital payments easy. Always carry some cash as backup, especially in smaller cities or for small fees.

If you are admitted to the hospital, you will need to pay an upfront deposit — typically 30–50% of the estimated total cost for self-paying patients. The exact amount depends on your planned procedures and hospital policies. The deposit is usually charged to your credit card or paid in cash. You can also use direct-billing insurance to reduce or eliminate the deposit. The final bill is settled at discharge, and any overpayment is refunded to you. The international department will provide you with a detailed estimate before admission.

Request a bilingual medical record summary (出院小结) and copies of all test results, imaging reports, procedure notes, and medication details from the international department. These are usually prepared within 1 to 2 business days. The records will be provided in both English and Chinese, which is essential for your doctor at home to continue your care seamlessly. You can pick them up in person, or the hospital may send them to you by email or courier if you are already back home.

Yes, you can apply for an extension through the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau. You will need a letter from your hospital confirming the need for extended treatment, along with your passport and current visa. It is best to apply at least 7–10 days before your visa expires to avoid any overstay penalties. The international department staff can assist you with the necessary documentation and guide you through the extension process.

International departments fully understand this need and provide comprehensive bilingual discharge summaries, treatment plans, imaging reports, and pathology results — all in both English and Chinese. You can take these documents to your local doctor at home for continued care coordination. Many hospitals also offer remote follow-up consultations via video call, so you can check in with your treating physician after returning home. If you need medical records translated or additional test results sent after you leave, the international patient office is usually happy to assist via email. We want to make sure your care continues seamlessly, no matter where you are in the world.

Absolutely. China has strict data protection and medical privacy laws that align with international standards. International departments take special care with foreign patients' medical records, which are stored separately with restricted access. Your data cannot be shared with any third party without your explicit written consent. Hospitals follow rigorous data security protocols, and international patient coordinators are bound by strict confidentiality agreements. You have the right to access, correct, and request copies of your medical records at any time.

In international departments, the waiting time is generally shorter than in public general clinics. Most patients are seen within 15 to 45 minutes of their scheduled appointment time, though this can vary depending on the specialist's schedule and whether any emergency cases arise. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 30 minutes early to complete registration. If the doctor is delayed due to an emergency or a complex case, the international coordinator will usually inform you and offer you a comfortable waiting area. You can also ask the coordinator for an estimated waiting time so you can plan accordingly.

Yes, in most international departments you can request a specific doctor, subject to their availability. When making your appointment, you can ask for the doctor's name and area of expertise, and the coordinator will do their best to accommodate your request. For highly sought-after specialists, you may need to book further in advance. If you do not have a specific doctor in mind, the department will assign a senior specialist based on your medical condition. In some hospitals, you can also request a change of doctor during your treatment if you feel the need.

Yes, you can bring family members or companions. For the S2 medical visa, accompanying family members must provide authenticated proof of kinship, such as marriage or birth certificates. Many international departments offer family-friendly facilities and can assist with accommodation arrangements for companions. Some hospitals provide VIP wards with en-suite bathrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms that can accommodate family members. We recommend discussing your companion's needs with the international department when booking your appointment.

Chinese hospitals, especially public ones, can be very crowded and may appear chaotic if you are used to hospitals in Western countries. GP clinics are uncommon — most patients go directly to hospital specialists. Privacy norms may differ: medical consultations sometimes take place in the same room as other patients, though you can usually request a private consultation. Some hospitals may assume foreign patients want VIP treatment without asking — you should clearly communicate your preferences. Doctors in China may use more cautious language ('maybe,' 'possibly') rather than giving absolute answers, which reflects cultural communication styles rather than uncertainty. Understanding these differences can help you navigate the system more comfortably.

The number has grown dramatically. According to the National Health Commission's 2025 foreign medical service report, China's key foreign-facing hospitals received 1.28 million international patient visits in 2025 — an increase of 73.6% from three years ago. European and American patient numbers have doubled. In 2024, 850 medical institutions across 57 cities offered international medical services. The Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone alone recorded 865,300 medical tourism visits in 2025, a 109.18% surge from the previous year. This growth reflects China's rising competitiveness as a cost-effective, high-quality healthcare destination.

No. China uses a dual-track system where international departments operate separately from general public services. Policy requires that international medical services — classified as 'special needs' services — do not exceed 10% of a hospital's total capacity. International departments have dedicated facilities, staff, and resources that do not draw from the public healthcare system used by local residents. International patients are treated in these separate international departments and do not compete with local patients for basic medical resources. Hospitals also have dynamic resource allocation mechanisms to ensure that senior specialists first fulfill their regular public clinic duties before seeing international patients.

Chinese hospitals, particularly top-tier 3A hospitals and their international departments, are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. China is at the forefront of many cutting-edge fields including gene therapy, cell therapy, cardiovascular intervention, neurosurgery, precision radiotherapy for tumors, and rare disease treatment. The Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone has introduced over 570 innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices approved overseas. Many hospitals have advanced imaging equipment (3T MRI, PET-CT, Da Vinci surgical robots) and perform complex procedures at volumes that rival or exceed leading Western institutions. Chinese hospitals also lead in AI-assisted diagnosis and 5G remote surgery applications.

Chinese hospitals offer a range of accommodation options. Standard wards may have multiple beds (2–6 patients per room) with curtains for privacy, similar to many public hospitals worldwide. For greater privacy, most international departments offer private or semi-private rooms. VIP wards feature greater privacy and higher levels of care — some are equipped similarly to apartments with en-suite bathrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. Fees for VIP services are considerably higher than standard care. Staff may assume foreign patients require VIP treatment without first consulting them — you should make it clear if you do not wish to receive VIP treatment, and if you do want it, check with your insurer whether this is covered under your policy.

International departments of top hospitals employ staff translators who provide real-time interpretation during consultations, translation of medical records and consent forms, and preparation of bilingual discharge summaries. These services are often bundled in the hospital's service fees or included in premium packages. All 30+ Chinese hospitals with dedicated International Patient Departments provide in-person English medical interpretation as a standard service. Arabic, Russian, French, and Japanese interpretation are available at major international hospitals, though advance booking is required. Some hospitals also use AI-powered medical translation tablets and remote video interpretation services connecting patients to certified medical interpreters within 3–5 minutes. Some hospitals offer free translation services — feel free to ask the hospital staff for help. For less common languages, professional medical translation services can usually be arranged with advance notice, though they may incur additional fees.