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Hospital Guide

Medical guide for foreign travelers in China

Understanding the medical system when traveling in China is essential. This guide covers the hospital visit process, international hospitals and clinics, pharmacy guide, useful medical Chinese phrases, and insurance and payment methods to help foreign travelers navigate healthcare in China. The ambulance number 120 works nationwide, and major Class-A hospitals have international departments with English service.

Features

Hospital Visit Process

Registration -> Consultation -> Payment -> Pharmacy. Chinese hospitals require registration first (on-site or online). Then wait at the assigned department. After the doctor writes a prescription, pay at the cashier, and pick up medicine at the pharmacy. Major Class-A hospitals have international departments with English service.

International Hospitals & Clinics

Beijing: United Family Hospital (full English service), Beijing International SOS Clinic. Shanghai: Huashan Hospital International Dept, Parkway Health. Guangzhou: Guangzhou United Family. These offer English and multilingual services with international insurance direct billing.

Pharmacy Guide

Prescription drugs (Rx) require a doctor's prescription. OTC drugs can be bought directly at pharmacies. Major chains: Dashenlin, Laobaixing Pharmacy, Neptunus. Some pharmacies operate 24 hours - search "24-hour pharmacy" in map apps.

Medical Emergency Phrases

These Chinese phrases are very useful when visiting a doctor in China. Save them on your phone to show the doctor. You can also use translation apps to help communicate.

Insurance & Payment

Most international travel insurance is valid in China. Pay out-of-pocket first, then submit receipts and medical records for reimbursement. Some international hospitals support direct billing, so you don't need to pay upfront.

Usage Guide

1

Step 1

Go to the information desk first and describe symptoms

2

Step 2

Bring your passport for registration (real-name required)

3

Step 3

Wait at the assigned department for your number to be called

4

Step 4

Doctor will examine and write a prescription

5

Step 5

Pay at the cashier - accepts WeChat Pay, Alipay, or bank cards

6

Step 6

Pick up medicine at the pharmacy, verify drug names and quantities

7

Step 7

Keep ALL receipts and medical records for insurance claims

8

Step 8

If follow-up is needed, the doctor will advise the schedule

Pro Tips

  • Call ahead to book and request English-speaking doctor
  • International hospitals cost more but communication is easier
  • Some international hospitals support insurance direct billing
  • Class-A hospital international departments are also a good option
  • Cold medicine: 999 Ganmaoling (999 ganmao ling)
  • Fever reducer: Ibuprofen (buluofen)
  • Diarrhea: Smectite Powder (mengtuo shi san)
  • Band-aids: Chuangketie (chuangketie / band-aid)
  • 我头疼 - wo tou teng - I have a headache
  • 我肚子疼 - wo duzi teng - I have a stomachache
  • 我对...过敏 - wo dui...guomin - I am allergic to...
  • 我需要看医生 - wo xuyao kan yisheng - I need to see a doctor
  • Request bilingual (Chinese-English) diagnosis certificate
  • Keep all original medical receipts and records
  • Hospitals accept cash, bank cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay
  • Direct billing vs reimbursement: direct billing = no upfront cost

FAQ

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