Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting medical treatment in China as a foreign patient.
Hospital Quality
Are Chinese hospitals safe for foreign patients?
Yes. The hospitals we work with are Grade 3A — the highest rating in China's hospital classification system. Many have dedicated international departments with English-speaking staff, and they follow strict medical safety standards. Several are ranked among the top hospitals in Asia by independent rankings.
What does "Grade 3A" mean?
Grade 3A (三级甲等) is the highest hospital classification in China, equivalent to a top-tier teaching hospital. It reflects hospital size, equipment, staff qualifications, research output, and patient safety standards. All hospitals in our directory are Grade 3A or equivalent.
Can I choose my own doctor?
You'll typically be assigned to a department team rather than a specific doctor. Through our concierge service, we can try to arrange an appointment with a particular specialist, but availability depends on their schedule and cannot be guaranteed.
Costs & Payment
How much does medical treatment in China cost?
Treatment costs in China are generally lower than in the US, Europe, or Japan — often 30-60% less for comparable procedures. Our concierge service fees: • Basic: Free — hospital matching, visa guidance, and travel advice • Standard: $500 — airport pickup, hospital booking, and hotel arrangement • Premium: $1,000 — everything in Standard, plus 1 day medical translation and 1 day city car service. Additional translation at $300/day, additional city car service at $300/day • VIP: Custom quote — tailored to your full needs All prices are concierge service fees only. Medical treatment costs at the hospital are billed separately.
Does Chinese hospital accept international insurance?
Some top hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai accept international insurance directly. In most cases, you'll need to pay upfront and submit a claim to your insurer. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before traveling. We can help verify which hospitals work with your insurer.
What payment methods do hospitals accept?
Major hospitals accept cash (RMB), Chinese bank cards (UnionPay), and some accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely available. We recommend carrying some cash and notifying your bank before traveling.
Visa & Travel
Do I need a visa for medical treatment in China?
Most nationalities need a visa. For medical treatment, you typically need an L visa (tourist) or S2 visa (private visit). Some nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays. Our visa tool on the Visa Guide page can tell you exactly what you need based on your nationality.
How do I get a hospital invitation letter?
An invitation letter from a Chinese hospital is required for medical visas. You can request one directly from the hospital's international department, or we can arrange it as part of our concierge service. The letter typically takes 3-7 business days to process.
How long should I plan to stay in China?
It depends on your treatment. Initial consultations typically require 1-2 weeks. Major procedures may require 2-4 weeks including recovery time. We help you plan your entire itinerary, including hotel recommendations near the hospital.
Language & Communication
Do doctors speak English?
In international departments of major hospitals, you'll find English-speaking staff. However, not all doctors are fluent in English. Our concierge service includes professional medical translation, so language is never a barrier to your care.
Will I be able to read signs and navigate the hospital?
International departments are typically bilingual. General hospital areas may have limited English signage. With our coordination service, we arrange airport pickup, hotel booking, and hospital escort to make navigation effortless.
Our Service
How does the concierge service work?
Simple: fill out our intake form with your medical needs, preferred travel dates, and budget. We respond within 24 hours with hospital recommendations, cost estimates, and a logistics plan. If you accept, we handle everything — from visa support to airport pickup to your hospital appointment.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The Basic package — hospital matching, visa guidance, and general travel advice — is completely free. Standard and Premium packages include additional on-site services at $500 and $1,000 respectively. VIP is custom-quoted. All prices are concierge service fees only and do not include medical treatment costs.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand medical plans can change. Here are our policies: Refund policy (based on days before your original appointment date): • 15+ days before: 90% refund • 8–14 days before: 80% refund • 3–7 days before: 60% refund • 1–2 days before: 50% refund • Same day or no-show: 30% refund Reschedule policy: • Free rescheduling available 15+ days before your appointment. • Within 14 days: first reschedule costs $50, second reschedule costs $100. • Maximum 2 reschedules per order. • Rescheduling does not reset the refund countdown. If you cancel after rescheduling, the refund percentage is calculated based on your original appointment date. Third-party costs (e.g., visa invitation letters, hotel booking fees) already incurred may be deducted from your refund. Refunds are processed within 7 business days.
Still Have Questions?
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