Seeing a doctor in China
Where foreign visitors can see a doctor in China's big cities, and how a visit works. In an emergency call 120 for an ambulance; for help in English, the hotlines in Emergency help.
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How seeing a doctor works in China
- At a public hospital you register first (挂号), see the doctor, then pay at a window, kiosk or by phone before each test or prescription.
- An ordinary public outpatient registration costs tens of yuan. International departments set their own, much higher prices, but their staff speak English.
- International departments are self-pay or commercial insurance only. Chinese basic medical insurance doesn't cover them.
- Bring your passport. It's your ID for registering, getting a patient card and using insurance direct billing.
- Without direct billing, you pay first and claim from your insurer later. Call your insurer before you go to ask which hospitals bill them directly.
- Pharmacies (药店) sell many medicines over the counter, but by law antibiotics need a prescription.
More on staying healthy, medicines and insurance: Health and safety.