For international students in China, seeking medical care can be complicated by language barriers and unfamiliar healthcare system. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, providing essential information to help you navigate medical services with ease. Key topics covered include:
I. On-campus medical care (Using Communication University of China as an Example):
The on-campus medical clinic provides primary healthcare services for common conditions such as colds, coughs, and minor injuries. These services are convenient, efficient, and generally accessible to students residing on campus.
Schedule:
Specialists only in the morning; no online booking. Check your school clinic’s timetable.
Required documents:
Bring your student ID card or passport. New students should register using their passport.
Language:
Consultations are primarily conducted in Chinese. International students with moderate Chinese proficiency usually find the communication process manageable.
Medication:
For simple conditions, a single visit is typically sufficient. Doctors will prescribe a complete course of medication, so follow-up appointments are rarely necessary.
II. Off-campus medical care:
Off-campus hospitals are recommended for serious illnesses, specialized treatments, or emergency situations. It is advisable to seek care at 3A-grade hospitals, as they are generally more experienced in serving international patients, have well-established administrative procedures, and offer comprehensive medical examinations.
Step 1: Real-name registration
Search for the hospital’s name on WeChat Mini Programs and create an account using your real name and passport. Foreigners might require manual identity verification. It is recommended to contact the hospital’s customer service 1–3 days in advance to expedite the approval process.
Step 2: Appointment booking
Appointments can be booked via the hospital’s WeChat Mini Program. As foreign IDs require manual review, first-time users should complete registration 1–3 days ahead of the visit. You can follow the prompts on the WeChat Mini Program to select your appointment date, confirm an available doctor, and finalize your preferred time slot.
Step 3: Check-in
Upon arrival at the outpatient department, you MUST check in at a self-service kiosk, which will place you in the consultation queue. Otherwise you will be considered absent and may lose your place in the queue. Please note that English names may not appear on the display screens, pay close attention to your queue number or listen for a nurse calling your name.
Step 4: Consultation
If communication presents a challenge, you may request translation assistance from the hospital or bring a friend who can help facilitate communication with the doctor.
Step 5: Payment
After receiving the prescription or test forms, you can pay by scanning the QR code provided, using WeChat Pay or Alipay. Some hospitals (for example, Jishuitan Hospital) may require in-person payment at the manual counter with your passport.
Step 6: Tests and examinations
After payment, proceed with your receipt and test forms to the designated department and queue for your examination. Once the test is complete, you may return directly to your consulting doctor.
Tip: Electronic reports are usually available on the hospital’s WeChat Mini Program within a few days. Printed copies (for follow-up visits) can be obtained from self-service printing machines on site.
III. Practical tips
Familiarize yourself in advance
Spend some time browsing hospital Mini Programs or related social media beforehand to understand typical registration and consultation procedures.
Research hospitals in advance
Give priority to 3A-grade hospitals, as they provide more comprehensive medical services and are generally more experienced in assisting international patients. It is also advisable to confirm with your insurance provider in advance whether the selected hospital is included in their reimbursement network.
On-campus for minor issues, off-campus for serious ones
Visit the campus clinic for minor illnesses such as colds or coughs. For persistent symptoms lasting more than 24 hours, it is recommended to seek medical attention at an off-campus hospital.
Language support
Some hospitals offer English translation services. Be sure to indicate your need for language assistance when making an appointment or upon arrival.
Bring a companion
If possible, ask a friend or roommate good at Chinese to accompany you. They can assist with registration, navigation, and communication during the visit.
Keep all documents
Retain all medical receipts, invoices, and reports, as these will be required when submitting your insurance reimbursement claim.
Ask for directions
Hospital layouts can be complex, and examination departments may be located in different buildings. Do not hesitate to ask hospital staff or volunteers for assistance if you are uncertain about where to go.
Bring your own bag
Hospitals may not provide bags for medication. It’s a good idea to bring a small bag or backpack to carry your prescribed medicines and documents.
For details on reimbursement and insurance coverage, see: Medical insurance guide for international students in China
