If it's your first time seeing a doctor in China, it's normal to feel nervous. Most people's stress doesn't come from "can the doctor treat me," but from not knowing "what to do next and where to go."
The good news is that this uncertainty can be reduced in advance. You just need to first understand the types of hospitals, language support, medical process, and payment methods, and the entire medical process will go much more smoothly.
This article prepares 8 common questions. It is recommended that you read them in order to quickly understand the medical process in China.
1. When I'm sick, should I go to a public hospital, an international department, or an international hospital?
This choice will directly affect costs, waiting experience, communication quality, and the overall stress level of your visit.
First, look at the real differences among the four types of institutions:
- Public Hospitals (classified into three levels by medical capability; "Class A Grade 3 hospitals" refers to the highest-rated category among Grade 3 hospitals, which can be understood as the top-tier hospitals in China's medical system)
- Pros: Strong capabilities in complex diseases, comprehensive departments, and usually lower listed prices.
- Cons: Crowded, short consultation times, fast-paced, primarily Chinese-language environment.
- International Departments of Large Public Hospitals
- Pros: More friendly communication and guidance, while being able to connect with public hospital expert resources.
- Cons: Higher costs than ordinary public outpatient services.
- International Hospitals (private international medical institutions)
- Pros: English support, privacy experience, and usually better continuity throughout the process. Insurance direct payment partnerships are more common.
- Cons: Self-pay costs are usually the highest.
- Private Local Clinics/Hospitals
- Pros: Nearby, fast speed, suitable for common minor illnesses.
- Cons: Large quality differences between institutions.
Reference Suggestions:
- Minor illness + Chinese assistance available: Public hospitals are usually efficient.
- More emphasis on stable communication and controllable process: Prioritize international departments or international hospitals.
- Chronic diseases, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, oncology, and other scenarios: Prioritize continuous management and communication capabilities, don't just look at the first-visit price.
2. I don't speak Chinese. Can I see a doctor by myself?
Yes, but without additional Chinese assistance, it is often more difficult than expected.
Most foreigners don't get stuck on "how to talk to the doctor" first, but on having to complete all the medical processes by themselves without dedicated guidance, and these processes may be very dispersed. If the language is not understood, it can really be quite difficult.
If you want to minimize risks, you usually need to prepare:
- Bring a Chinese-speaking friend, colleague, or professional medical escort translator.
- Prepare a bilingual simplified version of symptom descriptions.
- Prepare your passport, medical records, allergy history, and list of current medications.
- Past examination reports and imaging results from different hospitals/clinics. Cross-institution data often cannot be automatically shared, so bringing your own data can significantly reduce repeated examinations and repeated descriptions of medical history.
Often, a reliable companion can turn "a chaotic day" into "a controllable day."
3. What is the process for visiting a Chinese hospital for the first time?
In China, you can usually go directly to a hospital specialist, rather than the欧美就诊体系 where specialist visits often require a referral from a family doctor first.
In public hospitals, the actual process usually follows this order:
- First, choose a hospital.
- Use the App/WeChat mini-program or go to the hospital's self-service machine/counter, select the corresponding department and doctor, register with your passport, and pay the fee
- Because public hospital号源 are usually relatively tight, it is recommended to register online one week in advance
- The first time you go to a public hospital, you usually need to go through a "file establishment" step (establishing the hospital's patient file/medical record file) before you can register and proceed with subsequent processes
- Online file establishment and other operations require receiving a mobile verification code. At this time, foreign mobile numbers may not receive it, so it is recommended to try in advance and prepare a Chinese mobile number if necessary
- After registration, you will receive a registration receipt, which usually indicates which building, floor, and department you should go to for your visit. If you registered online, you need to go to the hospital's self-service machine to get your number after arriving at the hospital
- Upon reaching the corresponding department, you need to use the self-service check-in machine (scan the barcode) or register at the triage desk to complete check-in
- After check-in, just wait outside the corresponding room number for your name to be called. There is usually a screen outside the room listing the current queue status
- After being called, enter the room to communicate with the doctor. The doctor will prescribe corresponding examinations based on your condition
- Pay the fee through the APP/WeChat mini-program or go to the hospital's self-service machine/counter. You will receive an examination form
- Go to the corresponding examination location to wait for your number to be called. After the examination, you can print the results at the APP/WeChat mini-program or hospital self-service machine with the examination form
- Ordinary examinations can usually be obtained on the same day, but if not, you can only re-register for a consultation after getting the results
- After getting the examination results, return to the corresponding department and use the self-service machine or go to the nurses' station for a follow-up registration
- Wait in line for your name to be called -> the doctor prescribes medication -> pay the fee -> wait in line at the pharmacy to get your medication -> complete the visit
- If you need an invoice for reimbursement, you can print it at the self-service machine where you previously paid
If you choose an international hospital, the process is usually closer to the familiar欧美就医体验:
- First, make an online or phone appointment for a specific time slot.
- Upon arrival at the hospital, complete document and insurance information verification at a single front desk.
- After the doctor's consultation, handle fees at a relatively centralized payment/settlement counter (direct payment can be used when supported).
- The paths for examinations and medication pickup usually have clearer guidance.
4. Are Chinese hospitals very efficient?
Often, yes. Visits, examinations, follow-ups, and medication pickup can be completed in one go, and most issues can be resolved within a day.
But efficiency doesn't necessarily mean ease. When doctors face a large number of patients, your consultation time will be compressed, communication is often quickly pushed forward, and the whole process can easily feel tense and rushed.
So the key is not "fast or not," but choosing based on your priority needs:
- Want to quickly deal with a clear minor issue: Public hospitals are usually fast.
- Want sufficient communication and a smooth experience: International channels are usually more worry-free.
5. How should I prepare for costs and insurance?
Public Hospitals
- Payment methods: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most common; some windows/self-service machines support bank cards (mainly UnionPay, foreign bank card support is unstable, so it is not recommended to rely solely on this payment method); a few windows support cash.
- Insurance: China's public medical insurance can be directly settled (if already enrolled); commercial insurance usually does not support direct payment and requires pay-first-then-reimbursement.
International Hospitals
- Payment methods: Alipay, WeChat Pay; credit cards/bank cards (generally support international bank cards).
- Commercial insurance: Generally support direct payment.
6. If it's an emergency, what should I do first?
First, remember the most important number: 120 (China's emergency number, equivalent to 911/112 in Europe and America).
Try to prepare key information in advance:
- Chinese address (try to include obvious landmarks for easy positioning)
- Current symptoms
- Allergy history, chronic disease history, medications currently in use
- Passport/document location
- Emergency contact
If you are staying in China for a short period, it is recommended to prepare in advance:
- Save the address of 1 nearby public hospital emergency room
- Save the 24-hour phone number of 1 international hospital
7. What are the approximate costs at different types of hospitals?
Public Hospitals
- Registration fee: Ordinary outpatient ¥10–¥50; Expert outpatient ¥50–¥300
- Common examinations: Blood draw ¥50–¥200; CT ¥300–¥800
Public Hospital International Departments
- Registration fee: ¥300–¥1000+
- Common examinations: Blood draw ¥100–¥500; CT ¥500–¥1500
International Hospitals
- Usually: ¥1000–¥3000+
- Common examinations: Blood draw ¥300–¥1500; CT ¥1500–¥4000
8. Common Class A Grade 3 Public Hospitals and International Hospitals in China's First-Tier Cities
Beijing
Public Hospitals: Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, China-Japan Friendship Hospital International Hospitals: Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing New Century Hospital, Peking University International Hospital
Shanghai
Public Hospitals: Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine International Hospitals: Shanghai United Family Hospital, Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital
Guangzhou
Public Hospitals: The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University International Hospitals: Guangzhou United Family Hospital
FAQ
Can Chinese hospitals definitely not use English?
No. Many international hospitals and international departments of large public hospitals can provide English support, but the level varies by city and institution.
Are public hospitals definitely worse than international hospitals?
No. The common advantages of public hospitals are specialist capabilities and prices. The differences are usually in communication experience and process friendliness, not in core medical capabilities themselves.
Can I still see a doctor without insurance?
Yes, self-pay is very common. The key is to assess your cost-bearing capacity in advance.
What is the most practical payment configuration?
Insurance, Alipay/WeChat, bank card, and cash as backup.