Dental treatment is a common medical need for international students. This guide explains how to prepare for a dentist visit, which treatments can or cannot be reimbursed, and how reimbursement is calculated.
Before You Visit the Dentist
Choose a public hospital. Only visits to general departments of public hospitals in Chinese mainland are covered; International/VIP/Special clinics are not.
Prepare required medical documents.
To apply for reimbursement, you must provide: original invoice or electronic invoice, fee details, medical records.
Tip: Always ask your doctor for a medical record after each visit. Without it, reimbursement may be declined.
Treatments Eligible for Reimbursement
1.Tooth extraction
2.Tooth filling: including ordinary materials and treatment fees.
3.Oral hemostasis, periodontal disease, pulpitis, periapical periodontitis, root canal therapy, toothache and other disease treatment costs.
Reimbursement (800 Plan)
Daily limit: Up to 600 yuan of eligible expenses can be counted per day; excessive amount is not eligible for reimbursement.
Deductible: 650 yuan, applied once cumulatively per insurance period before reimbursement starts.
Reimbursement rate: 85 percent of the eligible amount above the deductible.
Formula: (Sum of daily eligible amounts − 650 yuan) × 85 percent.
Example:
Day1 1,000 yuan → count 600;
Day2 700 yuan→ count 600;
Reimbursable = (600+600 − 650) × 85% = 467.5 yuan.
Exclusions: Self-paid or partially self-paid items, and items excluded by local basic medical insurance regulations, cannot be reimbursed.
Outpatient (incl. dental) reimbursement is capped at 20,000 yuan per insurance period.
Definitions:
Daily limit: The top claim limit of available medical cost.
Deductible: Below the deductible, there is no compensation.
Non-Reimbursable Items
The following treatments are not covered by the insurance:
Dentures – e.g., fixing a missing tooth with dental caps or bridges.
Dental implants – inserting an artificial root and crown.
Denture restoration – including post crowns, dental crowns, complete or partial dentures.
Orthodontics – braces or aligners for irregular teeth.
Repairs using high-end imported materials – ordinary materials may be reimbursed, but premium imported ones are excluded.
Cosmetic treatments – such as stained tooth whitening or other esthetic dentistry.
Dental cleaning – scaling, polishing, or deep cleaning procedures, even if required before treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not collecting medical records after treatment.
Visiting a private clinic, which is usually not reimbursable.
Assuming cosmetic or high-end material treatments are covered.
Exceeding the daily reimbursement limit without realizing the cap.
