What Foreigners Should Prepare Before Visiting a Hospital in China

Short answer: Bring your passport, payment method, insurance details, medical history, medication list, allergy information, and any previous reports. If you do not speak Chinese, prepare key phrases before you arrive.

Documents

  • Passport
  • Visa or residence permit if available
  • Chinese phone number if you have one
  • Hotel address or China address
  • Emergency contact

Payment and insurance

  • Insurance card or policy PDF
  • Insurer emergency hotline
  • Credit card, cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay
  • Employer or school insurance contact if relevant

Medical information

  • Current medicines
  • Allergies
  • Past diagnoses
  • Recent test results
  • Imaging files or reports if available
  • Discharge summaries or operation notes for complex cases

Before leaving the hospital

  • Ask for the diagnosis record.
  • Ask for itemized bills and official receipts.
  • Keep prescriptions and medicine packaging.
  • Ask how to get test results.
  • Ask whether follow-up is needed.

Before you act: This guide is based on public healthcare information, practical China healthcare experience, and official safety guidance where relevant. Hospital policies, prices, insurance rules, and appointment routes can change. Always confirm details with the hospital or insurer before making a medical decision.

Medical disclaimer: China Healthcare Navigator provides practical information for foreigners trying to understand healthcare in China. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment advice, insurance advice, or a substitute for professional care. In an emergency, call 120 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Detailed preparation checklist

Identity and registration

  • Passport.
  • Chinese mobile number if available.
  • Hotel address or local address.
  • Emergency contact.

Medical information

  • Current symptoms and when they started.
  • Medication list with generic names.
  • Allergies.
  • Previous diagnoses, operations, and chronic conditions.
  • Recent test results or imaging reports.

Payment and insurance

  • Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank card, or cash backup.
  • Insurance card, policy number, and assistance phone number.
  • Pre-authorization requirements for non-emergency care.
Good habit: keep a folder on your phone with passport photo, insurance card, medication list, allergy list, and previous reports. Show documents; do not rely on pronunciation.

Update note: This page is written as a practical guide for foreign patients. It should be checked against the hospital's current rules, your insurer's policy, and your own medical situation before you act.