Health insurance in China
Have you thought about taking out health insurance in China before or after your departure? Mondassur can help!
Planning a move, study program, retirement, or trip to China? At Mondassur, we help you find the best health insurance in China based on your profile — whether you’re an expat, international student, or traveler. With our China expatriate insurance, you’re fully covered for everyday medical care, emergencies, and more — so you can focus on enjoying life in China.
If you’re a student heading to China, our international student insurance offers reliable and affordable protection, helping you focus on your studies with peace of mind. And for short stays, our travel medical insurance for China ensures you’re protected from the moment you land.
Choosing China as your retirement destination? Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with the reassurance of comprehensive medical coverage. Whatever brings you to China, Mondassur’s customized health insurance plans are here to support you every step of the way.
Student insurance China
Insurance to cover your stay for your studies in China.
From
27€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 35
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €250,000 per year
- Standard dental and optical expenses up to €550
- Contraception coverage + vaccines
- Maternity care
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate insurance China
Health insurance to cover your expatriation to China.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs up to €370
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
China Travel Insurance
International health insurance to cover your trip to China.
From
30€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 85
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Up to €500,000 per trip
- Covers loss, theft or destruction of baggage
- Repatriation assistance
- Travel assistance
- Civil liability
Any questions? Need some advice?
Information on health insurance in China
Political system: People’s Republic
Capital: Beijing
Area: 9,596,960 km²
Population: 1.386 billion
Languages spoken: Mandarin
Currency: Yuan
China's healthcare system
China’s healthcare system is largely driven by the public sector, with over 60% of qualified doctors working in public hospitals and clinics. These institutions are responsible for a large portion of outpatient care and account for nearly half of the country’s total healthcare expenditure. However, following decades of economic reform, healthcare costs in China have surged, placing a growing financial burden on households. Since the 1980s, Chinese families have had to pay significantly more out of pocket for medical treatments. If you’re planning to expatriate to China for work, you’re now required by law to register with the national Chinese health insurance system.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s healthcare system operates under a separate model. Public health insurance is fully state-funded, with no contributions from employers or employees. While the care provided is high-quality, access is restricted to those holding a Hong Kong identity card. Around 40% of residents also carry private health insurance for extra coverage. For non-residents or expatriates, medical care in Hong Kong is extremely costly — some of the highest in the world. That’s why having international private health insurance in Hong Kong is essential to avoid overwhelming medical bills during your stay.
Local Chinese insurance
China’s commitment to providing universal healthcare access is reflected in its structured system of basic medical insurance, which includes three primary public schemes based on residency and employment status:
- Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI): This scheme is mandatory for salaried workers and available voluntarily to self-employed individuals. It’s the most comprehensive of the three.
- Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI): This plan covers urban residents who are not formally employed — such as children, retirees, and the unemployed.
- New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) : Specifically designed for rural populations, this scheme helps bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility between urban and rural China.
In addition to the public schemes, civil servants in China benefit from a special insurance plan funded by the government. This exclusive coverage has no deductibles or annual limits, significantly lowering their out-of-pocket costs.
However, public insurance often falls short for serious illnesses or private hospital access. That’s why many expats in China choose to take out private health insurance for more comprehensive and international coverage.
How do I consult a general practitioner or specialist in China?
China’s primary healthcare system is underdeveloped, with over 90% of doctors being specialists and fewer than 10% working as general practitioners. As a result, most people seek medical care directly at hospitals rather than visiting a family doctor.
A general consultation at a public hospital costs CNY 50 (€6.50) in a standard ward and CNY 300 (€38) in a VIP or Western-style ward. In private hospitals, consultations range from CNY 300 to 1,200 (€38–€153), while specialist visits cost between CNY 600 and 2,100 (€76–€270), depending on urgency.
For expats in China, having private health insurance is highly recommended. With good coverage, you can access foreigners’ medical centers, which offer modern facilities, English-speaking doctors, and shorter wait times than public hospitals though at a much higher cost.
Pharmacies in China
China is the second-largest pharmaceutical market in the world, so finding familiar medications is usually not a problem. You can purchase conventional medicines from pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and even convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle-K, PARKnSHOP, and Wellcome.
Pharmacists will often ask whether you prefer traditional Chinese medicine or modern Western treatments, giving you the option to choose. For prescription drugs, you’ll typically need to pick them up directly from the hospital or clinic pharmacy where you received treatment.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications make up around 95% of the market, meaning most common drugs don’t require a prescription. Additionally, online pharmacies are growing in popularity, offering a convenient way to purchase medications across China.
How do I see a dentist in China?
If you need dental care in China, your best bet is to visit a major international medical center. These clinics typically have English-speaking dentists, which makes communication smoother and helps ensure high-quality treatment. While the costs are higher than at local hospitals, the trade-off is peace of mind and a more comfortable experience.
Local hospitals may also offer dental services with skilled specialists, but language barriers and inconsistencies in care quality can make the experience more challenging for foreigners.
In the private sector, a dental consultation will generally cost between 260 and 460 CNY (roughly €33 to €59). More complex procedures, such as getting a crown, can range from 6,300 to 7,200 CNY (around €805 to €920).
Emergency numbers in China
- Dial 110 in case of emergency.
- Call 119 to contact the fire department directly.
- Dial 120 for first aid and ambulance service.
- Dial 112 for traffic accidents.
- Hospitals in China
In China, you can visit a hospital or clinic, whatever your medical reason. In fact, there are several types of medical establishment, both private and public: Local hospitals ; International hospitals ; The clinics. Most expatriates choose international hospitals for their medical care. As a result, expatriate doctors practice in these establishments. International hospitals are therefore more expensive than local hospitals. Here are some examples of average medical costs in a private hospital :
- First outpatientvisit : CNY 1130 – 1840 (between €145 and €235)
- Specialist consultation : 1930 – 2840 CNY (between €245 and €365)
- Outpatient emergency : CNY 1450 – 2840 (between €185 and €365)
- Hospitalization : 900 – 2000 CNY (between €115 and €255)
- Neonatalintensive care : CNY 1,000 (approx. €128)
- Urine pregnancy test : 110 CNY (approx. €14)
- Bed in common room : 7000 CNY (approx. €895)
- Superior suite bed supplement : CNY 13000 – 19000 (between €1,660 and €2,430)
- MRI : CNY 10000 – 15500 (between €1,278 and €1,980)
- Natural childbirth : CNY 66,000 (approx. €8,435)
- Cesarean delivery : CNY 88,000 (approx. €11,250)
Paramedical care in China
China offers a diverse range of paramedical services, including physiotherapy, psychology, and orthoptics, with different levels of specialization.
Physiotherapy in China often blends Western techniques with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), guided by the Yin/Yang and Five Elements theories. While some of the practices may look similar to what you’re familiar with in the West, the approach is distinct, and Chinese physiotherapy is highly regarded for its effectiveness. A private physiotherapy session typically costs around 800 CNY (roughly €102). Some complementary health insurance plans may cover these sessions, but universal coverage usually doesn’t.
In contrast, orthoptists are scarce in China, and the profession remains underdeveloped. However, you can easily find opticians in working-class neighborhoods who can make affordable glasses. For those seeking more specialized care, expatriate orthoptists are typically based in larger cities.
Psychology services are more readily available, with psychologists working in hospitals and clinics. Fees vary based on the practitioner’s experience:
A newly qualified psychologist typically charges 100 to 300 CYN (approximately €13 to €38). Those with 2 years of experience, often with foreign training, charge 400 to 600 CYN (around €51 to €76).
More formal psychological counselors with advanced qualifications can charge 800 to 1200 CYN (roughly €102 to €153), and some may charge up to 1500 CYN (around €190).
Maternity in China, from pregnancy to childbirth
China boasts excellent international hospitals with highly trained healthcare professionals, offering a high standard of care for pregnant women. You can expect regular monitoring by an obstetrician or gynecologist throughout your pregnancy. Many hospitals offer comprehensive pregnancy packages that include consultations, examinations, and tests, making it easier to plan and budget for your pregnancy.
Birth preparation classes may not always be available, as not all hospitals offer them. In China, Caesarean deliveries are often prioritized over natural or epidural births, so be sure to clearly communicate your birth preferences.
If you choose to give birth in a private international hospital, you’ll enjoy luxurious service and state-of-the-art equipment, but it’s crucial to choose your health insurance carefully. A vaginal delivery can cost 70,000 CYN (around €8,950), while a Caesarean delivery can cost 90,000 CYN (around €11,505). Make sure to arrange for direct billing, where your insurance will pay the hospital directly.
Pediatric service in China
In China, many hospitals and clinics have dedicated pediatric departments, and pediatricians are widely available to provide care for children. A typical consultation with a pediatrician costs around 100 CYN (approximately €13), although prices have been rising recently.
To consult a pediatrician, head directly to the hospital and visit the pediatric ward. Many hospitals also allow you to book consultations online through their website, making the process more convenient.
What vaccinations should I have before leaving for China?
Before traveling to China, it’s essential to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. The following vaccines are recommended based on the duration and nature of your stay, Hepatitis A : Required for all travelers.
For extended stays (more than 90 days), including expatriation, internships, or school semesters, additional vaccinations are strongly recommended:
- Japanese encephalitis
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Malaria was eradicated from China in 2019, so you no longer need to worry about contracting it while in the country.
Why take out health insurance before a stay or expatriation in China?
One of the key reasons to secure health insurance before heading to China is to ensure access to private healthcare when necessary. With the shortage of General Practitioners (GPs), especially in the public sector, getting timely care can be a challenge. There is approximately 1 GP for every 23,000 patients in China, making it difficult to receive quick attention, even in the private sector.
By taking out private health insurance, such as Gold Expat, you can bypass long waiting times and ensure quick access to medical care. Moreover, private insurance will help cover high medical costs, including hospitalization—a critical consideration given the sometimes steep fees for healthcare in China.
What international health insurance should I take out in China, and for whom?
With increasing numbers of students and workers moving to China for study or work, having appropriate health insurance is essential to ensure medical care is available when needed.
For Expatriates : If you are an expatriate, employee, entrepreneur, or digital nomad in China, it’s crucial to take out an expatriate health insurance plan like Gold Expat or Gold Start. While salaried employees in China are required to join the Chinese social security system, it’s important to note that this system offers limited coverage, with low reimbursement rates for medical services. For more significant treatments or operations, especially in private hospitals, the out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitively high.
For Students : If you are a student planning to spend a semester or part of your studies in China, it’s essential to have international health insurance. The Chinese government requires students to have health insurance to study there. Insurance options like Gold Student provide 100% coverage for hospital and medical expenses, giving you access to the best healthcare in the country.
For Travelers : If you’re visiting China, we highly recommend taking out China travel insurance like Travel Pass. Due to the scarcity of doctors in the public sector, finding a General Practitioner on short notice can be difficult, potentially ruining your trip. Travel insurance ensures that you have quick access to medical care, protection from unexpected medical expenses while traveling and have your China visa travel insurance.
