This guide focuses on the core healthcare needs of international students in China, streamlining procedures and clarifying key points to facilitate swift and convenient access to medical services.
I. On-Campus Medical Care
During your studies in China, the university hospital or medical centre should be your first port of call for healthcare. These facilities can meet the majority of medical needs.
- •Price concessions: Most university health centres or clinics operate a zero-markup pricing system and offer fee reductions for certain services.
- •Flexible payment options: Many institutions support multiple payment methods including student campus cards, bank cards, online payments, and cash.
- •Referral services: Should your condition exceed the scope of treatment available at the university health centre, medical staff will arrange a referral pathway for you.
Tips: Keep all receipts and certificates for insurance claims or follow-up medical treatment.
II. Off-Campus Medical Care
China's medical institutions mainly include public and private hospitals. Public hospitals, government-established and fiscally supervised, offer more affordable services and follow a tiered accreditation system.
- •Tertiary hospitals (highest tier): Notably Grade A tertiary hospitals, boast top-tier comprehensive medical capacity, handling critical/complex conditions as a reliable safeguard.
- •Level II hospitals: Undertake regional healthcare, balancing technical expertise and accessibility.
- •Level I hospitals: Often community health service centres near campuses, providing basic preventive care (e.g., vaccinations), treating minor illnesses, managing chronic conditions with high convenience.
Three Main Medical Systems in Chinese Hospitals
- •Western Medicine: Modern medical-based, primary approach in general hospitals.
- •Traditional Chinese Medicine: Ancient Chinese medical tradition, focusing on holistic regulation via herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage.
- •Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine: Combines both strengths for comprehensive treatment.
Hospital Types
- •General hospitals: Full departments (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics) for common/frequent illnesses, a top choice.
- •Specialist hospitals: Focus on specific fields (e.g., ophthalmology, dentistry, mental health) for targeted medical needs.
III. Consultation Process at Public Hospitals
1. Appointment Booking
- •Hospitals in China operate on a real-name registration system. Please bring your valid ID for registration.
- •You can book appointments in advance through:
- •The hospital's official WeChat account or mobile app
- •The "Healthcare" service in Alipay or WeChat
- •For on-site registration:
- •Go to the "Registration Desk" in the outpatient lobby
- •First-time visitors will receive a Patient Card and Medical Record Booklet — keep these for all future visits.
2. Triage & Waiting
- •After registration, go to the corresponding department's nurses' station for triage.
- •Watch the electronic screens or listen for audio announcements — wait until your number is called.
3. Consultation & Payment
- •Describe your symptoms clearly during consultation.
- •If you don't speak Chinese:
- •Bring a Chinese-speaking companion
- •Prepare key notes in Chinese (symptoms, allergies, etc.)
- •After consultation:
- •The doctor may prescribe tests or medication
- •Payment must be made first — use the cashier counters or self-service machines
- •Prescription medications require a doctor's prescription
Insurance Tips Before Your Visit
Before seeking medical care, contact your insurer to confirm these key details:
1. Coverage Scope
- •Does your plan include outpatient and inpatient care?
- •Which hospitals are covered under your insurance?
2. Reimbursement Method
- •Direct payment by the insurer
- •Pay first, claim later
- •Advance payment
3. Required Documentation
- •What materials are needed for claims?
- •Typically includes:
- •Medical records
- •Itemized expense lists
- •Official invoices