Getting sick in China is manageable — here's how the system works and where to go.
If it's an emergency
Call 120 for an ambulance (it's a paid service), or take a taxi to the nearest big hospital's emergency department (急诊). For anything serious in Beijing/Shanghai, head straight to an international hospital.
International hospitals (English-speaking)
- Beijing United Family Hospital and Oasis
- Shanghai: Parkway, United Family, Jiahui
- Expect Western prices ($150–300 consultation) — this is what your travel insurance is for. They bill insurers directly if you call your insurance hotline first
Public hospitals (how locals do it)
- Register (挂号) at the window or kiosk — ¥10–50 for general, ¥100+ for specialists; go before 8am for same-day
- See the doctor (minutes, not hours — Chinese medicine is fast)
- Pay for tests/medicine at each step — it's pay-as-you-go via QR code
- English is rare outside VIP/international departments (特需门诊) — bring a translator app or a hotel staffer if it's complex
Pharmacies (药店)
Green-cross signed pharmacies are everywhere. Common meds available without prescription: cold medicine, painkillers, stomach remedies, bandages. Pharmacists rarely speak English — show a photo of what you need or a translated name.
Costs cheat-sheet
- Public hospital visit + basic meds: ¥100–500
- International clinic visit: ¥1,000–2,500
- Always keep itemized receipts (发票) for insurance claims
Traveler's diarrhea? The most common tourist ailment. Rehydrate, rest, loperamide from any pharmacy. Fever over 38.5°C or blood in stool = doctor, same day.