Locating English-Speaking Healthcare Providers in China
Expats can locate English-speaking healthcare providers by visiting international hospitals with multilingual staff, such as the United Family Healthcare Hospital, the Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, and others.
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Are you planning on relocating to China? Do you wish to work in China in the near future? Is healthcare and insurance a concern for you? This article will get you up to speed on what you should know before making the move to China.
International health insurance for expats in China is meant to be simple. Read this Pacific Prime article to learn all about where to find doctors and hospitals that speak English, Chinese healthcare, how much it will cost, and why having health insurance is crucial.
Finding English-speaking Healthcare Providers in China
For expats in China, getting treatment at international hospitals such as United Family Healthcare, Beijing Oasis International Hospital, and Raffles Medical is one way to receive English-speaking medical services. We’ll list other hospitals that offer multilingual staff as well.
These hospitals offer the highest standards of service, English-speaking staff, access to the most advanced medical equipment and facilities, a wide array of specialties, a wide range of payment options, and the highest levels of privacy.
Listed below are the most renowned English-speaking healthcare providers in China:
United Family Healthcare (UFH)
United Family Healthcare (UFH) is a highly regarded and extensive international healthcare provider in China. It provides a wide array of medical services, such as family medicine, emergency care, surgery, dentistry, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental health, and more.
OASIS International Hospital
OASIS International Hospital is a fully equipped hospital that adheres to the JCI (Joint Commission International) standard, an internationally recognized accreditation for healthcare organizations. The hospital boasts a team of international and local experts specializing in many medical fields.
Raffles Medical
Raffles Medical Group, a prominent healthcare group based in Singapore, is recognized as one of Asia’s top providers. They offer a comprehensive range of medical services, encompassing family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, cancer treatment, cardiology, mental health support, and more.
Beijing Vista Medical Center
Beijing Vista Medical Center, situated in Beijing’s CBD area, is committed to delivering high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services. The center offers a wide range of medical professionals, including family physicians, pediatricians, obstetricians, and specialists in different disciplines.
Shanghai Landseed International
Shanghai Landseed International is a collaborative hospital established by Landseed International Medical Group from Taiwan and Shanghai Fengxian Central Hospital. The hospital specializes in various medical services, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics.
Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital
Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital is a tertiary general hospital that operates in affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital. It boasts a capacity of over 500 beds and offers a wide range of medical services across 25 clinical specialties.
Sino United Healthcare
Sino United Healthcare Shanghai is a prestigious healthcare provider offering high-quality medical services. They have seven clinics located in Shanghai and one in Hangzhou. The clinics provide a broad range of specialties, including family medicine, dermatology, gynecology, and internal medicine.
Healthcare in China
Public healthcare in China is subject to long wait times for both common and life-threatening cases, whereas private healthcare will offer faster services so long as you are adequately covered by proper medical health insurance. Listed below are the key differences between public and private healthcare:
Public Healthcare
Public hospitals in China require expats to wait, do not offer English-speaking services, and the majority will not accept expat medical insurance for treatment. Whenever expats require treatment at public hospitals, they will be asked for a deposit beforehand.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals in China are most popular among expats due to their English-speaking services, internationally accredited facilities, convenient services, and shorter wait times. For expats looking for the most convenient and high quality medical services, private hospitals and clinics are recommended.
The Cost of Healthcare in China
In China, public healthcare is a utility service catered to the general public, enabling easy access to low-cost healthcare whenever needed. On the other hand, private healthcare has fewer patients due to its higher cost and exemption from social insurance coverage.
For a better overview, we’ve listed below the average costs of consultations in public and private hospitals in China:
Public Hospitals and Community Clinics:
- Consultation cost: 20-50 RMB (approximately $3-8 USD). Please note that the general consultation cost does not exceed 100 RMB (approximately $15 USD)
- Consultation cost at VIP wards: 300-1,000 RMB (approximately $46-154 USD) for top specialist consultations
Private Hospitals and Clinics:
- Consultation cost: 500-3,000 RMB (approximately $77-462 USD) per consultation
- Family GP: 500-600 RMB (approximately $77-92 USD) per consultation
- Specialist: 1,000-2,000 RMB (approximately $154-308 USD) per consultation
- Top specialists: More than 2,000 RMB (approximately $308 USD) per consultation
The Reasons Behind the Difference in Cost
The reason why public hospitals in China are less expensive is due to government subsidies, lower service standards, and social medical insurance schemes. The reasons why private hospitals are more expensive are due to privatization, international accreditation, and higher standards of service.
For a better overview, we’ve listed the reasons below:
Public Hospitals and Community Clinics:
- Considered basic healthcare services in China
- Covered by national social medical insurance schemes
- Lower cost due to government ownership and subsidies
- High patient volume and long queues
- Limited English services and lower service standards compared to private healthcare providers
Private Hospitals and Clinics:
- Privately run, some domestically or foreign-owned
- Excluded from social insurance coverage, except for a few with limited coverage
- Adapt international healthcare standards (e.g., JCI standards)
- Higher cost due to private ownership, international standards, and exemption from social insurance coverage
- Lower patient volume leads to shorter waiting times and higher service standards
- Accept private and international health insurance with direct billing options
The Importance of Health Insurance in China for Expats
Expats moving to China should prioritize securing health insurance coverage to navigate the potentially high costs and ensure access to top-quality public and private healthcare facilities. Additionally, they’ll receive comprehensive coverage and financial protection in the event of emergencies.
Listed below are the key advantages of taking out private health insurance in China:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services, including consultations, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests.
- Protection against Unexpected Medical Expenses: Health insurance safeguards individuals from unexpected and potentially high medical expenses, offering financial security and peace of mind.
- Access to Specialized Care: Health insurance grants access to specialized medical care and treatments, such as advanced procedures, specialized surgeries, and specific therapies that may be necessary for certain conditions.
- International Coverage: Some health insurance plans offer international coverage, allowing individuals to seek medical treatment outside of China when necessary, including in their home countries or other preferred locations.
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Health insurance often includes provisions for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, ensuring individuals can be transported to the appropriate medical facilities in case of serious illnesses or injuries.
- Support for Chronic Conditions: Health insurance provides ongoing support for managing chronic conditions, including regular consultations, medications, and necessary treatments, enabling individuals to maintain their health and well-being.
- Access to Preventive Services: Health insurance plans often cover preventive services, such as vaccinations, health screenings, and wellness programs, facilitating early detection and prevention of potential health issues.
- Multilingual Assistance: Many health insurance providers offer multilingual customer support services, assisting individuals with policy-related inquiries, claim processing, and other administrative needs in their preferred language.
- Flexibility and Choice: Health insurance allows individuals to choose their preferred healthcare providers, whether public or private, giving them the flexibility to select the most suitable options based on their needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find English-speaking healthcare providers in China?
For expats in China, there are several renowned English-speaking healthcare providers. Some of the most well-known are United Family Healthcare (UFH), Oasis International Hospital, and Raffles Medical.
What is the cost of healthcare in China?
In public hospitals and community clinics, the consultation cost ranges from 20-50 RMB (approximately $3-8 USD). In private hospitals and clinics, the consultation cost can range from 500-3,000 RMB (approximately $77-462 USD) per consultation, depending on the specialist.
Is health insurance important in China?
Health insurance is crucial when living in China. It provides comprehensive coverage, financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, and access to top-quality public and private healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
When relocating to China, it is crucial for expats to familiarize themselves with the healthcare system and ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage. This will provide them with access to English-speaking doctors, reduce costs, and guarantee high-quality medical care when needed.
Are you still planning to move to China? Do you have concerns about healthcare and insurance? Consult with Pacific Prime‘s brokers for expert guidance on health insurance options in China. We offer a free quote tailored to your needs.
In the meantime, it’s also worthwhile to read up on telemedicine services for expats in remote China and traditional Chinese medicine options for expats. These resources will provide you with a better overview of the healthcare services offered in China.
Compare quotes or contact us today and secure your peace of mind.
Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance and writing a gargantuan amount of SEO articles to draw in billions of leads.
In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry.
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