Medical tourism to China has attracted an increasing number of international travelers in recent years due to the country's improved medical technology, cost-effective and specialty therapies (e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine). To ensure a smooth and safe trip, the following key considerations need to be planned in advance:
I、Pre-trip Core Preparations
1. Visa and Entry Policies
- Confirm the latest visa requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the destination: some countries may open “medical visa” for Chinese medical tourism visa (e.g., Malaysia, India, etc.), and you need to provide the official invitation letter issued by the Chinese hospitals, summary of the medical records, proof of funds and other materials; countries without special visas, you need to apply for a Ordinary Tourist/Business Visa, and state the medical purpose in the remarks.
- Check the entry health declaration in advance: e.g. whether vaccination certificate (e.g. yellow fever), new crown or other infectious disease test report is required (adjusted according to real-time policy).
2. Medical organization screening
- Priority to international accredited organizations: such as JCI (Joint Commission on International Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions) accredited tertiary hospitals (e.g., Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Guangzhou Zhongshan No. 1 Hospital, etc.), or specialized hospitals (e.g., West China Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin Hospital of Hematological Diseases), to ensure the quality and safety of medical care.
- Verify the qualification of the hospital: Check the official website of the National Health and Wellness Commission of China for the license of the medical institution to avoid choosing an unqualified clinic.
3. Preparation of medical records and information
- Organize complete medical records: including past examination reports (CT/MRI images should be on CD-ROM or in DICOM format), diagnostic certificates, medication records, surgical histories, etc., all translated into Chinese (professional medical translation agencies can be found to avoid machine translation errors). Bring assistive devices, such as hearing aids, to ensure the quality and safety of medical care.
- Carry auxiliary tools: such as hearing aids, insulin pumps and other medical equipment, confirm in advance whether the hospital supports the use and charging facilities.
4. Insurance and Expense Planning
- Purchase international medical insurance to cover the costs of hospitalization, surgery, and emergency transportation in China (e.g., high-end medical insurance from insurance companies such as Allianz, MSH, etc.), and make sure that the policy includes the responsibility of “medical tourism”.
- Budget: Medical expenses in China are about 1/3-1/2 of those in Europe and the United States (e.g., routine medical checkups are about $500-2,000 and heart stent surgery is about $30,000-80,000), but high-end items (e.g., proton therapy for tumors) may be close to the international level, so it is necessary to confirm with the hospitals in advance for the cost breakdowns (including checkups, medication, hospitalization, translation fees, etc.).
II、the medical process and communication
1. Appointment and consultation
- Appointment 1-4 weeks in advance: popular hospitals (e.g. oncology, plastic surgery) need to make an appointment through the hospital's international department or official platforms (e.g. the international version of “Good Doctor Online”), and some hospitals support overseas referral cooperation organizations to make appointments on behalf of the patients.
- On the day of consultation: bring your passport (as proof of identity), medical records, original insurance policy, and some hospitals require you to fill in the “Registration Form for Overseas Visitors”.
2. Language and Cultural Adaptation
- The international department of the hospital is usually equipped with free interpreters (English is the main language, small languages need to apply in advance), it is recommended to bring your own interpreter or use a regular translation app (e.g. DeepL) to assist in checking key information (e.g., diagnostic results, dosage of medication).
- Chinese medicine treatment requires patient communication: acupuncture, Chinese medicine adjustment, etc. need to explain the differences in body type, it is recommended to reserve more than 2 hours for the first visit to ensure that the doctor fully understands the medical history.
3. Notes on medicines and examinations
- Imported medicines: If you need to bring them back to China, you need to declare them to the Chinese Customs in advance and confirm whether the destination country allows the entry of the medicines (some countries have restrictions on Chinese medicines containing controlled ingredients).
- Imaging: Chinese hospitals mostly use digital systems, and images from foreign hospitals can be accessed through cloud platforms (e.g., some tertiary hospitals have access to the “Medical Union” platform), so as to avoid duplicate examinations.
III、Health and Safety
1. Infection and postoperative care
- Choosing regular hospitals to reduce the risk of infection: public tertiary hospitals have a strict sterilization process, and after the operation, you can ask the hospital to provide a “Discharge Summary” (including medication and review time), which can be translated and brought back to China for reference.
- Long-term medication: patients with chronic diseases need to confirm with the attending doctor the medication plan after returning to China (e.g. antihypertensive drugs, anti-cancer drugs), and some drugs need to be purchased in China with a doctor's prescription and then carried (subject to customs regulations on the entry of drugs).
2. Emergency response
- Remember the hospital's international department, the local emergency number (120) and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline (+86-10-12308). Some high-end hotels or hospitals provide 24-hour English services.
- Purchase an insurance policy that includes “medical evacuation”: if you need to be transferred to another country, you can use your insurance company to coordinate with an international rescue organization (e.g. SOS).
IV、Cultural and Legal Compliance
- Respect medical practices: Chinese doctors emphasize patient cooperation (e.g., taking medication on time, post-operative rehabilitation) and the need to follow doctor's instructions; some Chinese medical treatments (e.g., moxibustion) may have an odor, so inform your allergy history in advance.
- Avoid illegal medical practices: Do not choose “underground clinics” or informal intermediaries, which may be unqualified, charge exorbitant fees, or even be involved in illegal operations such as organ transplants (illegal organ trading is strictly prohibited in China).
V、Summary
Medical tourism in China requires “three early steps”: early planning (choosing the right hospital and visa), early communication (translation of medical records and language services), and early insurance (covering risks). By verifying information through regular channels and respecting local medical rules, you can maximize the safety and efficacy of your trip.