{"id":18829,"date":"2018-07-22T14:58:32","date_gmt":"2018-07-22T18:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.internationalinsurance.com\/?p=18829"},"modified":"2024-09-25T16:33:59","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T20:33:59","slug":"health-insurance-for-expatriates-in-china","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.internationalinsurance.com\/health\/systems\/china.php","title":{"rendered":"Health Care System in China"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Expats in China Need to Know About Chinese Medical Care and Health Systems<\/h2>\n
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Organization of Health Care in China (Source: Commonwealth Fund)<\/p><\/div>\n

China is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and expatriates in China are also showing up in sizable numbers. An estimated 600,000+ expats in China call China their home away from home. And while China offers a beguiling mix of cities, countryside, culture, technology, history, and adventure, living in China brings challenges. Here’s what expats in China need to know about the Chinese health care system<\/em><\/strong>, wellness, and medical care.<\/p>\n

Foreigners decide to live in China for many reasons, a new business opportunity, a cultural experience or sometimes even just for a life change. If you will be or are already included in the group of expatriates living in China, no matter what brings you there, it is important to ensure you have a solid understanding of the medical system in China in case you need to use it in the future.<\/p>\n

An Overview of Healthcare in China for Expatriates<\/h2>\n

Medical care is available through a variety of channels in China, including private and public hospitals, private clinics, and international hospitals. Considering the size of the country and the population, you can imagine the quality and cost of health care can vary widely throughout the country. Therefore, expatriates and visitors should do their research on local facilities and providers prior to landing in the country. A quality health plan will provide assistance in finding the top doctors and hospitals in the region where you will be living.<\/p>\n

Does China Have Universal Healthcare?<\/h3>\n

Since 2006, China has been undertaking\u00a0the most significant health care reforms<\/a> since the Mao era. The government launched the New Rural Cooperative Medical Care System (NRCMCS) in 2005 in an overhaul of the health care system, particularly intended to make it more affordable for the rural poor. Under the NRCMCS, some 800 million rural residents gained basic, tiered medical coverage, with the central and provincial governments covering between 30-80% of regular medical expenses.\u00a0<\/sup>The availability of medical insurance has increased in urban areas as well. By 2011 more than 95% of the total population of China had basic health coverage, although, out-of-pocket costs and the quality of care varied significantly.<\/sup>\u00a0The health infrastructure in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities were approaching developed-world standards, and are vastly superior compared to those operating in the rural interior. Source:\u00a0https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Healthcare_in_China<\/em><\/p>\n

Related: Countries with Free or Universal Healthcare<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Public Health Facilities and Care in China<\/h3>\n

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Throughout China, public health care is increasingly expensive but remains inconsistent in terms of quality. You will be able to find public hospitals in all major cities that offer medical services. In rural areas, however, residents can take hours or even days to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. The country\u2019s public health care system is largely considered substandard, though treatment varies widely from one facility to the other.<\/p>\n

You may find that many public hospitals located in bigger Chinese cities have international wings that offer medical care on par with “western” standards. These international wings typically will be more efficient and be more accessible. This added level of service will typically come at a cost, so a quality international health plan is recommended.<\/p>\n

Private Hospitals and Doctors in China<\/h3>\n

For those seeking a higher quality of care, private medical facilities will offer higher quality treatment to expatriates and foreigners. Again, these private facilities typically will charge at least twice what you will be charged at a public facility. With that said, the quality of care and level of service provides a degree of comfort knowing that you will have immediate access to the best doctors available.<\/p>\n

Find Best International Hospitals in China for Foreigners<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Consider the Urban-Rural Gap in Chinese Health Care System<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re based in Beijing or Shanghai, you\u2019ll have access to some of the finest hospitals and treatment centers in the world. These centers come with many comforts, as well as state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and multilingual staff. However, it\u2019s important to note that these are private facilities. These exceptional standards usually aren\u2019t found at state-run centers<\/p>\n

In rural areas, your healthcare options may be inconsistent and services may be very modest. If your new life involves relocating to a remote area or frequently visiting one to participate in activities like hiking, make sure your health provider includes coverage for air ambulance transfers so you can be treated in a major city during an emergency.<\/p>\n

Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Medicine<\/h3>\n

Traditional medicine is a significant component of healthcare in China. It\u2019s especially prominent in rural areas, where sometimes the only health care provider is a traditional medicine practitioner. However, it\u2019s common in large cities as well. And it\u2019s not that unusual to see both traditional practitioners and certified physicians consulted on the same cases. However, it\u2019s rare for one individual to be equally qualified and competent in both fields. Ask your insurance provider for detailed information on what traditional practices might be included in your coverage – such as acupuncture and acupressure – and what you should know about seeing these practitioners.<\/p>\n

Expats should note that in China it’s common to give patients a copy of their charts, tests, and X-rays. This isn’t just for you to have your own records for your doctor at home! It’s also so you can bring them with you the next time you need to see a doctor in China. Files are not forwarded\u00a0to other practitioners or maintained on a central database for sharing like they are in other countries.<\/p>\n

Best Health Plans for Expatriates in China<\/h2>\n

There are a number of options for expatriate health insurance<\/a> in China. Expatriates are able to have worldwide coverage, including or excluding the USA while living in China. These plans\u00a0provide coverage of up to $5,000,000 or more and include hospitalization and outpatient care, prescription medication, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage.<\/p>\n

Related: Chinese Health 91制片厂for Foreigners Living in China<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

International Health Plans in China<\/h3>\n

Cigna Global<\/a>\u00a0was one of the first companies to offer expatriate or global health plans in China and they remain a leading international provider. Free Cigna Quote \/ Apply<\/a> Another option is Aetna International<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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