Medical Guide - MyCNGuide

Healthcare System Overview

Understanding medical care options for foreigners

Types of Hospitals

1

Public Hospitals

Government-run hospitals with affordable care. Tier 1 cities have excellent facilities. Expect crowds and limited English.

2

International Hospitals

Private hospitals catering to expats. English-speaking staff, international standards, higher costs. Ideal for serious conditions.

3

TCM Hospitals

Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals offering acupuncture, herbal treatments, and holistic therapies.

Most expats recommend international hospitals for serious conditions and public hospitals for minor issues.

Recommended Hospitals

Top-rated medical facilities for expats

Beijing

Beijing United Family Hospital - International standards, English-speaking
Peking Union Medical College - Top public hospital
Beijing Friendship Hospital - International department

Shanghai

Shanghai East Hospital - International medical center
Huashan Hospital - Fudan University affiliated
Jiahui Health - Premium international care

Guangzhou/Shenzhen

Canton International Medical - Guangzhou
Guangzhou Women & Children's - Specialized care
Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital - Modern facilities

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Ancient healing practices still widely used today

Common TCM Treatments

Acupuncture (针灸)
Thin needles inserted at specific points to balance energy flow (qi). Effective for pain, stress, and various conditions.
Cupping (拔罐)
Glass cups create suction on skin to improve circulation. Leaves temporary circular marks.
Herbal Medicine (中药)
Customized herbal formulas prescribed based on individual constitution and symptoms.
Tuina Massage (推拿)
Therapeutic massage combining acupressure and manipulation for musculoskeletal issues.

Famous TCM Hospitals

Guang'anmen Hospital (Beijing) - Top TCM hospital nationwide
Longhua Hospital (Shanghai) - Renowned for cancer treatment
Guangzhou University of TCM - Teaching hospital with international services
Sichuan TCM Hospital (Chengdu) - Famous for herbal medicine

TCM treatments may not be covered by international insurance. Always check with your provider.

Health Insurance for Expats

Protect yourself with adequate coverage

Insurance Options

International Health Insurance

Cigna Global
Allianz Care
Aetna International
April International

Local Chinese Insurance

Ping An Insurance
China Life
PICC Health

What to Consider

Direct Billing: Does the insurance have direct billing with hospitals in China?
Evacuation Coverage: Medical evacuation to your home country if needed
Pre-existing Conditions: Are they covered or excluded?
Dental & Vision: Often sold as add-ons
Maternity: Important if planning a family

Average cost: $2,000-8,000/year depending on age, coverage, and deductibles.

Pharmacy & Medications

Accessing medicines in China

Important Information

Prescription Drugs: Many medications require a prescription from a Chinese hospital. Foreign prescriptions may not be accepted.
Common Medications: Bring sufficient supply of any regular medications. Some brands may not be available in China.
Pharmacy Chains: Watson's, Guardian, and local pharmacies are widespread. Many have English-speaking staff in major cities.
Restricted Medications: Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled in China (e.g., codeine, ADHD medications). Check before traveling.

Always carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's note explaining their necessity.

Emergency Information

Important numbers and what to do

Ambulance

120

Medical emergencies

Police

110

Police emergencies

Fire

119

Fire emergencies

Emergency Tips

Save your embassy/consulate emergency number
Keep your hotel address written in Chinese
Have travel insurance emergency hotline saved
Use translation apps to communicate symptoms

Medical Care in China