Administrative checklist before a hospital visit in China: documents, medicines, booking and payment

A Chinese Visa Application Service Center page for category S2, headed family member of foreigner(s) staying or residing in China or person who needs to come to China for personal matters (no more than 180 days), lists the documents required for medical treatment.

The first item is an invitation letter, certificate of hospitalization, or proposed admission certificate issued by a hospital within China.

The second item is an original bank deposit certificate of no less than $10000.

Visa application materials

The National Immigration Administration's English page says a foreigner who applies for a visa shall submit a valid passport or other international travel document, fill in an application form for visas for foreigners, submit a photo conforming to relevant requirements, and submit supporting materials related to the purposes of the application.

The same page says the valid period of the acceptance receipt for visa and stay permit applications is not more than 7 working days from the date of acceptance.

Medicines in luggage

The Shanghai government English FAQ says that, according to the National Medical Products Administration, individuals can bring a small amount of medication for personal use when entering or leaving China.

The Chongqing government English FAQ says travelers carrying small quantities of medicines for personal use when entering or leaving China shall limit such medicines to reasonable quantities for personal use and accept Customs supervision.

The Chongqing FAQ says travelers carrying medicines into or out of China are advised to bring supporting documents, such as prescriptions, medical records, or Certificates of Diagnosis, and proactively declare the medicines to Customs officers at the port of entry or exit.

Booking an appointment

The Beijing Municipal People's Government English medical guide for foreigners says an outpatient appointment can be made through the "International Service Beijing" healthcare service of the Beijing 114 Appointment and Registration Service Platform. It describes the route as entering the "International Service Beijing" mini program on WeChat or Alipay, clicking "En" to switch to the English version and making an appointment according to your needs.

Payment and insurance

The Beijing guide lists these payment options for international patients: RMB cash, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Global Network, Diners Club, JCB), Union Pay debit cards and WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The Beijing guide says that when international patients seek medical treatment, the charge standard is the same as that of Chinese residents. It says patients can choose to pay out of pocket or buy commercial medical insurance to cover their medical expenses.

The guide says international patients with high-end commercial health insurance may access direct billing services when seeking medical treatment. It says that if their insurer has a direct billing arrangement with the medical institution, patients can simply present their insurance card and passport for identity verification.

A handbook for international students on the Shanghai government English site says that before visiting a hospital, one should contact one's insurance provider to confirm coverage details, the payment method, and the required documents.

Emergency number

The Beijing guide says there are "120" emergency medical centers across Chinese mainland, and that in Beijing, in case of an emergency, a caller may dial (+8610) 120 to request pre-hospital emergency medical services.

The Emergency Numbers page on the Beijing government English portal says some nationwide emergency calls are all free of charge. It says that if someone is in an emergency and needs to be taken to the hospital, you can call 120.

Questions people ask

Which documents does the visa center page list for medical treatment?

The visa center page for category S2 lists an invitation letter, certificate of hospitalization, or proposed admission certificate issued by a hospital within China, and an original bank deposit certificate of no less than $10000.

What number do I call for an ambulance?

The Emergency Numbers page on the Beijing government English portal says that if someone is in an emergency and needs to be taken to the hospital, you can call 120.

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general information. It is not published by the bodies named above and is not medical advice. If it differs from their own pages, their own pages prevail, and details may change after the check date.

Details come from the hospital’s own English or bilingual page as read on the dates shown in each source note; this is an unofficial summary, not medical advice, and may have changed since. Medical and legal notice.