Chengdu United Family Hospital — 48 South Kehua Road. Altitude sickness expertise for Tibet/Yunnan travelers.
West China Hospital International — 37 Guoxue Alley. Top-tier public hospital, affordable care.
2. How does a hospital visit work?
Bring: Passport, insurance policy number, any current medications
Registration (挂号): Provide passport, fill short form, pay registration fee (¥300–1,500)
Wait: 10 min (private international) to 1–2 hours (public hospital)
Consultation: Doctor examines you, orders tests if needed
Pay for tests/medication (收费): Pay upfront unless insurance covers direct billing
Complete tests / pick up medication (药房): Results usually within 1–2 hours
Follow-up: Book at registration desk before leaving
Pro tip: If you don't speak Chinese, bring a translation app or book a medical translator in advance.
3. What travel insurance do I need?
Minimum ¥1,000,000 (≈$140,000) medical coverage including emergency evacuation
Repatriation coverage is non-negotiable (can exceed $100,000)
Most Chinese public hospitals do NOT accept direct billing — pay upfront, claim later
Recommended providers: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, SafetyWing.
Keep digital and physical copies of your policy with your passport at all times.
4. Pharmacy and medication
Bringing prescription medication
Up to 3 months personal supply allowed
Must not be on China's controlled substances list (check NMPA website; Adderall, certain opioids, some sleeping pills are controlled)
Carry original prescription (English + Chinese translation preferred) in original packaging
Over-the-counter medication
Watsons: In all major cities, some English-speaking staff, imported OTC meds
Neptune Pharmacy: Large chain, wide selection of Chinese and imported medications
5. Common health issues for travelers
Traveler's diarrhea: Most common issue. Avoid tap water, ice from street vendors, raw vegetables at cheap restaurants. Bring Imodium and oral rehydration salts.
Air pollution: Northern China, winter months (Nov–Mar). Wear N95 mask if AQI > 150. Use the Air Matters app.
Heat exhaustion: Southern China (Jun–Aug), often above 35°C. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, take AC breaks.
6. Mental health support
All United Family Hospital locations have English-speaking psychiatrists and psychologists
Crisis hotline: Shanghai Mental Health Center 24/7 English line: +86 21 6438 7250
Independent clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer therapy in English
7. Dental and optical
Dental: Cleaning ¥300–600, filling ¥500–1,500, crown ¥2,000–4,000 (70% cheaper than US prices)
Optical: Prescription glasses ¥200–800, ready in 1–2 hours. No prescription needed for contacts. Mojing Glasses chain in all major cities.
8. Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations required for entry as of 2026
Recommended: Hepatitis A and Typhoid, especially for street food and rural travel
Malaria: Only in very remote Yunnan/Hainan border areas near Myanmar/Vietnam. Not a risk in major cities.
Routine vaccinations (measles, tetanus) should be up to date
9. COVID-19 and respiratory illness in 2026
All COVID-19 entry requirements were lifted in early 2024. No testing, quarantine, or vaccination required. Mask wearing is optional but common on public transport in winter. Buy OTC fever/cold medication at any pharmacy for mild symptoms.
10. Emergency medical/dental
Call 120 for ambulance (most operators don't speak English — ask hotel staff or locals to call)
Go directly to nearest international hospital emergency department (24/7)