Skip to content
China Travel Notes
Saved

Living in China

How to See a Doctor in China: A Guide for Visitors

Where to go, what to bring, and what happens during your visit.

Last checked

Getting medical help in an unfamiliar place is easier when you know the next step. Foreign visitors can use hospital services in mainland China with a passport. For a planned visit, confirm the appointment route, language support and payment arrangements with your chosen provider.1, 3

On this page

Choose Where to Go

You can choose a regular public hospital clinic or a service with dedicated international-patient support. Confirm the exact campus, department and consultation fee before a non-emergency visit.

Your main options
OptionWhat to check
Public hospital: regular outpatient clinicPassport registration, department choice and whether language help is available.
Public hospital: international departmentA separate booking route, language services and fees.
Private or international clinic / hospitalAvailable specialties, English support and your insurance network.

Not every clinic has an emergency department. An international department’s services do not automatically apply to the rest of the hospital.2, 3

Book and Bring the Essentials

Use the hospital’s official website, app, WeChat account or appointment phone line. Register in your own name, matching your passport. If you do not know which department to choose, describe your symptoms to the hospital’s service desk and ask for guidance.1, 3

Bring your original passport, appointment confirmation, insurance details, payment method and relevant medical records. Have your current medicines and allergies written down.

The booking form will not accept my passport or phone number

Look for “Passport” or “Other document.” If that fails, contact the hospital’s registration desk or international-patient service and ask how a visitor can book. Ask your hotel to help call if needed. Confirm availability before travelling; walk-in appointments are not guaranteed. Always use your own identity.

What Happens at the Hospital

A public-hospital outpatient visit commonly involves these steps. Follow your hospital’s instructions if its arrangements differ.1, 7

  1. Register and check in.

    Show your passport and booking. Ask where to pay the consultation fee and check in for the department’s queue.

  2. See the doctor.

    Explain your symptoms, when they started, allergies and current medication.

  3. Complete any tests.

    You may pay separately before going to another area. Ask where to go, whether preparation is needed and when results will be ready.

  4. Review the results.

    Ask how to return to the doctor and whether another appointment is needed.

  5. Collect prescribed medicine.

    Follow the payment and pharmacy instructions. Confirm how to take it and when to seek further care.

I am leaving the city before my results are ready

Tell the doctor before you leave. Ask how results will be delivered, who will explain them and how follow-up can be arranged. Test any patient-portal access while staff can help. Request copies for your next clinician. Do not assume that no news means normal results; confirm how they will be reviewed.

Make Communication Easier

Ask when booking whether an English-speaking clinician or interpreter is available and whether there is a charge. A translation app can help with simple questions; ask staff to confirm important instructions, allergies and medicine doses.3, 7

Prepare a short note: what hurts or feels different, when it began, medicines taken and known allergies. Before leaving, make sure you understand the next step.

A sentence to show at reception

I have a foreign passport and would like to see a doctor. Please help me with registration.

我持外国护照，想看医生，请帮我办理挂号。

Also show your appointment confirmation if you already have one.

I need more of my regular medication

Arrange help before you run out. Bring the packaging, active ingredient and strength, existing prescription and relevant records to a local clinician or licensed pharmacist. Prescription medicines require a valid prescription; do not assume your overseas prescription will be accepted or the same brand will be available. Ask the clinician or pharmacist to confirm any alternative and its instructions.6

Paying and Using Your Insurance

Before a non-emergency visit, ask your insurer whether the hospital and treatment are covered, whether approval is required, and whether you should pay first or use direct billing.

Direct billing: the hospital bills an eligible insurer, but you may still owe a deductible, co-payment or uncovered charge. Pay and claim: you pay the hospital, then submit documents for your insurer to assess. Reimbursement depends on your policy.5, 7

Ask about consultation, test and medicine charges separately, and confirm accepted payment methods. Keep your medical record, test reports, itemized bill, payment receipt and official invoice; check your insurer’s exact requirements.2, 7

The hospital cannot bill my insurer directly

Ask the billing desk and insurer whether the issue is your plan, the provider network or missing approval. If you need to pay first, confirm the claim documents and deadline with your insurer and keep the originals. Do not postpone emergency care while this is resolved.

For payment setup and card problems, see Money & Payments.

Sources & Updates

Checked on 24 October 2026 using Chinese government and hospital guidance. City and hospital examples are not nationwide guarantees: booking, language support, fees and insurance arrangements vary. This guide explains access to care; clinical advice should come from your treating professional.

Sources by section and question