Medical Care & Pharmacy Payment
Understanding healthcare payment options in China helps you get treatment quickly and confidently.
Types of Medical Facilities
Public Hospitals
公立医院The most affordable option with high-quality care, especially at top-tier (三甲) hospitals. Expect longer wait times and limited English-language support.
International Clinics
United Family 和睦家, Raffles MedicalWestern-style medical care with English-speaking doctors. More expensive but offers direct billing with international insurance and shorter wait times.
Pharmacies
药店Purchase over-the-counter medications without a prescription. Pharmacists can recommend treatments for common ailments like colds, stomach issues, and minor pain.
Community Health Centers
社区卫生中心Local clinics for minor health issues. More affordable than hospitals and typically shorter wait times. Good for basic consultations and common treatments.
Payment at Public Hospitals
Public hospitals in China follow a pay-as-you-go system. Here's the typical flow:
Registration (挂号 guàhào)
Pay the registration fee at the front desk or self-service kiosk. Fees range from ¥10-100 depending on the department and doctor's seniority. Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards are accepted.
Consultation and tests
After seeing the doctor, any ordered tests (blood work, X-rays, etc.) require payment at the cashier window before the test is performed. The doctor's computer sends orders directly to the billing system.
Hospital pharmacy
If prescribed medication, pay at the pharmacy cashier. Same payment methods apply — Alipay and WeChat QR codes are fastest. Present your prescription slip from the doctor.
Self-service kiosks
Most modern hospitals have self-service kiosks where you can register, pay for tests, check test results, and print receipts. All accept Alipay and WeChat Pay via QR code scan.
Info: Bring your passport for registration. Some hospitals require foreigners to register at a special window rather than using self-service kiosks.
Payment at Private/International Clinics
Direct billing
Visa and Mastercard are accepted directly at the reception desk. No need for Chinese mobile payment apps.
Insurance direct billing
Most international clinics have agreements with major insurers including Bupa, AXA, Cigna, and Aetna. Show your insurance card and they handle the billing directly.
Pricing
General consultation typically costs ¥500-1500. Specialist consultations and procedures are proportionally higher but include English-language service and shorter waits.
English-speaking doctors
All doctors at international clinics speak English fluently. Appointments can be made by phone or online, and walk-ins are usually accommodated with minimal wait.
Pharmacy Purchases
Chain pharmacies are widespread in China and easy to identify by their green cross signage. Major chains include Tongrentang (同仁堂), Dashenlin (大参林), and Yixintang (一心堂).
Payment Method
Present your items at the counter and the cashier will display a QR code for you to scan with Alipay or WeChat. Some locations also accept cash, but mobile payment is preferred.
Common OTC Medications
Cold medicine
感冒药 (gǎnmào yào)
Stomach medicine
胃药 (wèi yào)
Pain relievers
止痛药 (zhǐtòng yào)
Bandages & first aid
创可贴 (chuàngkětiē)
Tip: Pharmacists can recommend appropriate medications if you describe your symptoms. Bring a translation app or show symptoms written in Chinese on your phone for better communication.
Alipay Health Features
Alipay includes integrated health services that can be extremely helpful for travelers:
Search "医疗健康" (medical health) in Alipay to find nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies with ratings and reviews.
Book appointments (挂号预约) online at some hospitals, reducing wait times and ensuring you see the right specialist.
Access medical records and test results in some cities through the integrated health platform.
Travel Insurance & Emergencies
Warning: Always purchase travel insurance that covers medical care in China before your trip. Medical costs at international clinics can be substantial, and emergency evacuation is extremely expensive without coverage.
Emergency Numbers
120
Ambulance
110
Police
119
Fire
For Serious Emergencies
Go to the nearest top-tier hospital (三甲医院 sānjiǎ yīyuàn). These hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments and the highest level of medical care in China.
Keep Accessible
Insurance policy number and emergency contact hotline
Copy of your passport and visa in case original is lost
List of any allergies or current medications (in Chinese if possible)
Info: Many international insurers provide 24-hour English-language hotlines specifically for China. They can direct you to appropriate medical facilities, arrange direct billing, and coordinate emergency care. Save this number in your phone before traveling.