Step 1: Precisely Define Your Core Medical Needs (Prerequisite for the Right Choice)

China's top hospitals excel in specific specialties rather than being universally leading across all fields. Avoid blind hospital selection by clarifying the following three core questions first:

1. Clarify the type of medical service you need: Is it high-end health check-up/chronic disease management, elective routine surgery, diagnosis and treatment of difficult and severe diseases, comprehensive cancer treatment, or integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine wellness/post-operative rehabilitation? Different needs correspond to completely different hospital options.
2. Lock in the specific specialty: For example, coronary heart disease corresponds to the Department of Cardiology/Cardiac Surgery; lumbar disc herniation corresponds to the Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery direction); lung cancer corresponds to the Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology. Narrow down to the specific specialty first, instead of choosing a general hospital indiscriminately.
3. Identify essential supporting needs: Do you need multilingual translation, direct billing for international insurance, issuance of visa invitation letters for medical treatment, post-operative rehabilitation support, or full-cycle accompanying services? These directly determine the suitability of the hospital, and are core guarantees for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in China.

Step 2: Core Criteria for Hospital Selection

1. Compliant Qualifications are the Top Priority

• You must choose a Grade A tertiary hospitalregistered with the National Health Commission (NHC) of China (the highest hospital grade in China, which serves as the core guarantee for medical quality, hospital infection management, and technical proficiency). It is also the only type of institution that can issue medical appointment certificates recognized by Chinese embassies and consulates around the world. Clinics and health management institutions without medical practice qualifications cannot carry out surgery/inpatient treatment, nor can they support the processing of medical visas.
• Prioritize hospitals with an International Medical Department or Foreign-related Medical Center: This is the official core channel for foreign patients, equipped with professional multilingual translation teams, foreign-related medical record docking, international settlement, and visa document support. It can completely eliminate language and procedural barriers, and is the main window for Grade A tertiary hospitals to admit foreign inpatients.
• Bonus point: Institutions with Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation(the global gold standard for medical services). More than 300 medical institutions in China have obtained this accreditation, with foreign-related services and diagnosis and treatment specifications fully in line with international standards.

2. Specialty Strength Takes Precedence Over Overall Reputation

• Give priority to hospitals with National Key Clinical Specialtyconstruction units corresponding to your target disease. These are the top domestic specialties assessed by the NHC, with official and authoritative endorsement for clinical strength, surgical volume, and diagnosis and treatment success rate.
• Advanced choice: National Medical Centerand National Regional Medical Center, which are the national benchmarks for the corresponding specialties, such as the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and the National Cancer Center, representing the highest level of diagnosis and treatment in this field in China

3. Geographic Location and Supporting Facilities Adaptation

• More than 80% of the country's core high-quality medical resources are concentrated in the three first-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For difficult and severe diseases and high-difficulty surgeries, priority should be given to the top hospitals in these three cities.
• For wellness rehabilitation and licensed special medical needs: Prioritize the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan(enjoying the national special medical device and drug policy, with access to innovative drugs and devices launched overseas but not yet approved in China, supported by entry facilitation and coastal wellness resources), as well as areas with rich wellness resources such as Yunnan and Hangzhou.
• You can match the city according to your medical tourism needs: For example, choose Hainan for coastal rehabilitation after surgery, Shanghai/Guangzhou for urban leisure combined with medical treatment, and Beijing for ancient capital culture experience along with diagnosis and treatment.

Step 3: How to Precisely Select the Right Specialist

1. Precise Matching of Sub-specialty Expertise (Most Important)

• Reference for professional titles: The professional titles of doctors in China from junior to senior are: Resident Physician → Attending Physician → Associate Chief Physician → Chief Physician. Specialists at the level of Associate Chief Physician and above are core experts with the qualifications to independently perform major surgeries and hold specialist outpatient clinics.
• Focus on the specific area of expertise, rather than the general professional title: For example, among chief physicians in the oncology department, some specialize in lung cancer, while others focus on gastric cancer. You must select an expert who is fully aligned with your disease type and treatment needs. For instance, if you need minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery, choose an expert in the orthopedics department who specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, not one who is good at joint replacement.

2. Practical Clinical Experience and Surgical Volume

• The core advantage of experts in China's top Grade A tertiary hospitals is their massive hands-on clinical experience. Priority should be given to experts who have been working in the corresponding specialty for more than 10 years, with annual surgical volume/outpatient volume ranking at the forefront of the department. Especially for complex and high-difficulty surgeries, practical clinical experience directly determines the success rate and safety of diagnosis and treatment.

3. Academic Standing in the Industry

• Experts who serve as chairperson or vice-chairperson of the corresponding specialty branch of authoritative medical associations, members of the expert panel for national diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and editorial board members of core academic journals represent authoritative recognition in the industry, and are more suitable for cases of difficult and severe diseases.

4. Avoid Common Misunderstandings

• Higher professional titles and greater fame do not equal the best fit: Academician-level experts usually only accept extremely difficult and rare diseases. For routine surgeries and common diseases, Associate Chief Physicians/Chief Physicians of the department are fully competent, with lower appointment difficulty and more sufficient consultation time.

China’s medical tourism mainly applies to S1/S2 private affair visas. Processing times vary by channel (all refer to official review time after complete document submission, excluding preparation and appointment time):

• Regular: 3–5 working days (mostly 4 working days for S1/S2)
• Express: 2–3 working days (extra fee); Urgent: 1–2 working days (extra fee)

Processed within 1 working day (30 minutes at Shenzhen/Shanghai optimized ports); single entry, stay ≤30 days (not for ordinary medical tourism).

• S2 extension: 7–10 working days (apply 7–10 days before expiration)
• S1 residence permit: 7–10 working days (apply within 30 days after entry)

Key Notes

1. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete;
2. Preliminary online review (1–3 working days) required by some missions;
3. Express/urgent services need approval, fees non-refundable if delayed.

For your medical travel to China, the core principle is to choose a compliant entry method based on the length of your medical stay, type of treatment, and nationality. You should prioritize the visa type that fully matches the purpose of your visit to ensure full compliance throughout the entry, treatment, and stay process. The complete application details are as follows:

1. Visa-free Entry (No Visa Required, Only for Specific Scenarios)

• Eligible applicants: Citizens of 75 countries and regions that have signed mutual visa exemption agreements for ordinary passports with China (including Singapore, Japan, France, Germany, and most EU countries; the latest list can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China).
• Applicable scenarios: Only for short-term high-end health check-ups, light wellness care, and post-operative follow-up visits, where the length of stay does not exceed the period specified in the visa exemption agreement (15-30 days for most countries), and does not involve complex treatments such as hospitalization, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation.
• Important reminder: If the core purpose of your trip is surgery, inpatient treatment, or you need to stay longer than the visa-free period, using visa-free entry is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, you may face risks such as being denied entry, inability to apply for an extension of stay, or penalties for overstaying. You must apply for the corresponding medical visa in advance.

2. Mainstream Visa Types (Core Applicable for Medical Tourism)

In China's visa system, medical tourism is most suitably matched with private affairs visas, which have the highest degree of compliance with the purpose of the visit and a much higher approval rate than tourist visas. They are divided into the following two categories:

Additional note: We do not recommend using an L Visa (Tourist Visa) for trips centered on medical treatment. You may apply for a tourist visa only if the trip is purely "health check-up + tourism" with a very low proportion of medical treatment. However, if the core purpose is surgery, hospitalization, or long-term treatment, using a tourist visa carries high risks of visa rejection, purpose mismatch, and being denied entry upon arrival.


Step-by-Step Application Guide for S2 Visa (Most Commonly Used)

Step 1: Prepare Complete Application Materials in Advance (Core Determinant of Approval Rate)

Materials are divided into general mandatory materials and medical-specific core materials. Accompanying family members need to provide additional care-related materials. All non-Chinese documents must be attached with official translations.

1. General Mandatory Materials

• Valid passport: With a validity period of ≥6 months, at least 2 blank visa pages, no damage or alteration.
• Visa application form: Complete and sign the online People's Republic of China Visa Application Form (Form V.2013), and attach a bareheaded, white-background ID photo taken within 6 months (specifications: 48mm×33mm, meeting the photo standards for Chinese visas).
• Itinerary-related certificates: Round-trip flight itinerary to and from China, hotel reservation for the entire stay in China (or address certificate of the receiving party).
• Proof of financial capacity: Bank statements for the past 3-6 months, deposit certificate, etc., to prove that you can fully cover medical expenses, accommodation, food, and travel costs in China. It is recommended that the amount be no less than 1.2 times the estimated total cost.

2. Indispensable Medical-Specific Core Materials

• Medical appointment confirmation/acceptance letter issued by a formal medical institution in China: This is the core document. It must be issued by the international department of a domestic Grade A tertiary hospital or a formal foreign-related medical institution, clearly indicating the patient's name, passport number, purpose of medical visit, treatment items, expected treatment cycle, recommended length of stay in China, and must be affixed with the official seal of the medical institution.
• Patient's medical records and diagnosis certificate: Chinese-English bilingual medical condition statement, previous treatment records, and examination reports issued by overseas hospitals, clarifying the necessity of seeking medical treatment in China.
• Detailed itinerary: Mark the treatment arrangement, cities of stay, and the full process plan of medical treatment + travel, which must fully match the applied length of stay.

3. Supplementary Materials for Accompanying Family Members/Caregivers

Family members and caregivers accompanying the patient also need to apply for an S2 visa. In addition to the general materials, the following must be provided:

• Copies of the patient's visa application materials and the hospital's medical appointment certificate.
• Proof of kinship between the caregiver and the patient (such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, household register, which must be notarized with consular legalization and attached with Chinese-English bilingual versions).
• Caregiver statement clarifying the care responsibilities, length of stay in China, and party responsible for expenses.

Step 2: Application Submission and Processing Procedures

1. Confirm the accepting authority: Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, officially authorized visa application service centers (such as VFS Global, CVASC; the accepting authorities vary by country/region, please check the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your local area).
2. Online appointment: Fill in the application form on the official website of the corresponding authority, make an appointment for the material submission time. Mail-in submission is supported in some countries.
3. Submit materials and collect biometric information: Submit the materials on site at the scheduled time, and collect biometric information such as fingerprints; for mail-in applications, send the full set of materials as required.
4. Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee according to the standards announced by the embassy or consulate. An additional expedited fee is required for expedited processing.
5. Review and visa issuance: The standard review period is 3-5 working days, and 1-2 working days for expedited processing. You may be required to submit supplementary materials during the review, please cooperate in a timely manner.
6. Collect documents: Collect your passport and visa on site or receive them by mail. After receiving the visa, immediately check the visa type, number of entries, duration of stay, and validity period to confirm that they are consistent with your application requirements.

• Core application scenarios: For patients who need to stay in China for more than 180 days for long-term hospitalization, tumor radiotherapy and chemotherapy, long-term post-operative rehabilitation, etc.
• Core materials: Based on the S2 visa materials, you need to supplement the long-term treatment plan certificate issued by the medical institution, proof of long-term residence in China, and higher-value proof of financial capacity guarantee.
• Compliance requirements: After entering China with an S1 visa, you must apply for a Foreigner's Residence Permit at the exit-entry administration department of the local public security bureau within 30 days. The validity period of the residence permit is approved according to the treatment cycle, up to 1 year, and you can apply for renewal in China before expiration.

1. Duration of stay and extension rules

• The duration of stay for the S2 visa is approved by the embassy or consulate according to the treatment cycle, up to a maximum of 180 days. The length of stay after entry must not exceed the period marked on the visa.
• If the treatment cycle is extended, you must apply for an extension of stay to the exit-entry administration bureau of the local public security bureau at least 7 working days in advance. Overstaying is strictly prohibited. Overstaying will result in a fine of 500 RMB per day, up to a maximum of 10,000 RMB. In serious cases, you will be restricted from entering China.

2. Qualification requirements for medical institutions

• The institution issuing the appointment certificate must be a legal medical institution registered with the National Health Commission of China. Certificates issued by Grade A tertiary hospitals have the highest recognition by embassies and consulates. Certificates issued by health management institutions or intermediary companies without medical practice qualifications cannot be used as valid materials for visa applications.

3. Preparation for entry inspection

• When entering China, you must carry the medical appointment certificate, hospital contact information, and itinerary with you. Customs and border inspection may check these documents. You must truthfully state that the purpose of your trip to China is medical tourism to avoid being denied entry due to inconsistent declaration.

4. Application requirements for special groups

• Minors seeking medical treatment: Additional birth certificate, letter of consent from both parents for medical treatment in China, and copies of parents' passports are required. Relevant materials must be notarized and consular legalized.
• Critically ill patients with limited mobility: You can apply for barrier-free customs clearance, wheelchair and other convenient services at the airport in advance, and accompanying caregivers must complete the corresponding visa in advance.

5. Special channel for emergency medical treatment

• For critically ill patients who are too late to apply for a visa overseas, you can apply for a Port Visa (Visa on Arrival)from the visa authority at China's open ports with the emergency medical certificate issued by a domestic hospital. It is only valid for a single entry with a stay of no more than 30 days, and this channel is not applicable for regular medical tourism.

The processing time for China’s medical tourism visas, which primarily apply to the S1 and S2 Private Affairs Visas, is mainly divided into three categories: standard processing at overseas embassies and consulates, expedited processing, and port visas for emergency medical treatment. Corresponding review periods also apply for extension or replacement of residence permits after entry. There are slight differences in processing time across different regions and application channels. The core timeframes below are the official review period after the complete submission of application materials, excluding the time for pre-application material preparation and online appointment scheduling.

This applies to advance applications for the S2 Short-term Private Affairs Visa (for stays ≤180 days) and S1 Long-term Private Affairs Visa (for stays >180 days), the choice for over 90% of medical tourists.

1. Standard processing: Visa issuance within 3-5 working days. Most consulates have a unified 4-working-day processing period (such as Chinese Embassies in Mongolia, Los Angeles, and Peru), with the same review timeframe for both S1 and S2 visas.
2. Expedited/urgent processing: An additional expedited service fee is required. Visa issuance within 2-3 working days for expedited serviceand 1-2 working days for urgent service. The fee standard varies by country (for example, some consulates charge 25 USD for expedited service and 37 USD for urgent service).

For critically ill patients who do not have enough time to apply for a visa overseas, they can apply for a medical port visa at China’s 87 open ports of entry. The application is completed within 1 working day. Optimized ports such as Shenzhen and Shanghai offer 30-minute rapid visa issuance. This type of visa is only valid for a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days, and is not applicable for regular medical tourism.

1. Stay extension application for insufficient S2 visa duration: Taking Shanghai as an example, the review takes 7-10 working days. The application materials must be submitted 7-10 working days before the expiration of the original visa.
2. Foreigner's Residence Permit application after entry with an S1 visa: The application must be submitted within 30 days of entry, with a review period of approximately 7-10 working days. The validity period of the residence permit is approved based on the treatment cycle.

Key Notes

1. The above timeframes are based on the premise of complete and authentic application materials. If the embassy or consulate requires supplementary materials such as medical certificates or financial documents during the review, the processing time will be extended, and the review period will be recalculated after the supplementary materials are submitted.
2. Online preliminary review (required by some consulates) takes 1-3 working days. You can only submit your passport in person after passing the preliminary review. Under ideal conditions, the total time from online submission to visa collection is about 5-7 working days.
3. Expedited/urgent services are subject to the review and approval of the consulate. Even if the fee is paid, the consulate may extend the review period for complex cases (such as unclear medical treatment plans), and the expedited service fee is non-refundable.

China is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most competitive medical tourism destinations. Leveraging world-class cutting-edge medical technology, unbeatable cost-effectiveness, groundbreaking clinical efficiency, a unique integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine system, a comprehensive foreign-related service system, and an exceptional experience of deep integration of medical care and cultural tourism, China offers global patients a one-stop, high-quality health solution combining treatment, wellness and travel. Its core advantages are as follows:

China's medical sector has long transcended the label of "cost-effective" and risen to the global top tier in core clinical fields, delivering medical quality on par with, or even superior to, that of top European and American hospitals.

• A vast network of high-quality medical institutions: China is home to nearly 1,000 Grade A tertiary hospitals, with over 300 medical facilities accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Prestigious institutions such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center lead the world in numerous medical specialties.
• Widespread adoption of cutting-edge technology: By the end of 2024, China had deployed more than 400 da Vinci surgical robot systems, with high-end equipment including 3T MRI, PET-CT and AI-assisted diagnosis widely available in Grade A tertiary hospitals. Globally advanced medical technologies such as proton and heavy ion therapy, CAR-T cell immunotherapy, minimally invasive interventional surgery and organ transplantation have all been maturely applied in clinical practice.
• Unmatched clinical experience: Physicians at China's top Grade A tertiary hospitals handle several times more outpatient visits and surgeries annually than their European and American counterparts, boasting an unparalleled wealth of hands-on clinical experience. Data shows that China accounts for 38% of the world's most complex surgeries (the top 1%). Fuwai Hospital ranks first globally in the volume of TAVI cardiac interventional surgeries, and the success rates of diagnosis and treatment in oncology, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, reproductive medicine and other fields are on par with those of top Western hospitals.

For the same standard of medical care, China's cost advantage is unparalleled worldwide, shattering the stereotype that "high-end medical care equals exorbitant costs".

• Authoritative industry data indicates that the cost of similar medical services in China is only 20%-35% of that in the US, 30%-45% in Western Europe, and 40%-60% in Japan and Singapore.Even when including round-trip airfare, accommodation and travel expenses, the total cost remains far lower than receiving treatment in Europe or America.
• Striking cost disparities: A coronary artery bypass graft costs approximately 130,000 US dollars in the US, compared to only 40,000 US dollars in China; an uninsured CT scan costs around 7,000 US dollars in the US, while in China's Grade A tertiary hospitals, it ranges from 200 to 800 RMB; an appendectomy totals about 83,000 US dollars in the US, versus 8,000 to 20,000 RMB in China; the cost of third-generation in vitro fertilization (IVF) is less than half of that in the US.
• Sustained benefits from national volume-based procurement: Core medical consumables and pharmaceuticals such as coronary stents, artificial joints and targeted drugs have seen an average price reduction of over 80% through China's national volume-based procurement policy, enabling patients to access transparent, affordable medical care with no hidden costs.

Long waiting lists for medical care are a major pain point of European and American healthcare systems, while China's clinical efficiency offers a transformative experience for international patients.

• The norm in Europe and America: Non-emergency specialist appointments require 1 to 2 months, basic tests such as MRI and CT involve waiting weeks to months, and elective surgeries are often scheduled more than six months in advance. In the UK's NHS system, waiting times for some procedures can even reach 2 years.
• China's highly efficient medical solution: The international medical departments of Grade A tertiary hospitals enable same-day registration, same-day testing and next-day report release. Routine surgeries can be arranged within 3 to 7 days, and the waiting period for complex, high-difficulty surgeries is only 7 to 15 days, truly achieving zero waiting for medical care. For critically ill patients, this efficient clinical rhythm is an invaluable lifeline.

This is China's core differentiator from all other global medical tourism destinations and the key reason why a large number of international patients travel to China specifically for medical treatment.

• China is the world's only country to achieve the deep integration of modern Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) systems. It not only delivers precise diagnosis, surgical intervention and targeted therapy through Western medicine, but also provides full-cycle physical and mental conditioning based on the thousands-of-years-old TCM system, achieving a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts.
• The core value of integrated Chinese and Western medicine: For cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, TCM replenishes vital energy and consolidates the body's constitution, reducing toxic side effects; for orthopedic post-operative patients, acupuncture and tuina massage significantly shorten the rehabilitation period; for patients with chronic diseases, pain or sub-health conditions, TCM herbal conditioning, medicated diet and tai chi address the root causes of health issues, tackling the global healthcare pain point of overemphasis on treatment and neglect of recuperation.
• Dual value of treatment and cultural experience: Characteristic TCM treatments such as acupuncture, bone setting and physical therapy combine medical efficacy with Chinese cultural experience. Cities and regions including Beijing, Hainan and Yunnan have launched standardized international medical tourism service packages featuring TCM, and over 60% of international patients visiting China actively opt for TCM treatments.

China's unique and diverse cultural tourism resources seamlessly integrate medical care with travel, allowing patients to fulfill both health diagnosis/treatment and leisure vacation needs in a single trip.

• From the ancient capital culture of Beijing and the urban charm of Shanghai, to the coastal resorts of Hainan, the natural wellness retreats of Yunnan and the scenic landscapes of Guilin, China boasts the world's richest array of cultural tourism and wellness scenarios, perfectly matching the full-cycle needs of pre-operative preparation, diagnosis and treatment, post-operative rehabilitation and leisure vacation.
• Diverse customized experiences: Tailor-made "high-end health check-up + urban leisure" trips enable patients to complete precise early cancer screening while experiencing Chinese urban culture; "surgical treatment + wellness rehabilitation" trips allow post-operative recovery in coastal or mountain wellness bases; exclusive TCM wellness trips offer physical and mental healing alongside immersive experiences of Chinese history, culture and natural scenery.
• A comprehensive supporting infrastructure: A nationwide high-speed rail network, dense international flights, well-developed foreign-related hotels and convenient mobile payment services provide unparalleled convenience for the entire medical travel journey.

• Full-cycle international services:Major Grade A tertiary hospitals across China have dedicated international medical departments staffed with professional multilingual translation teams and foreign-related service specialists. They offer a full range of international services from pre-trip medical record translation and specialist appointment, to in-hospital accompaniment, fee settlement and post-operative follow-up, completely eliminating language and procedural barriers.
• Convenient entry and visa policies:China has implemented visa-free entry for citizens of 75 countries worldwide. Additionally, it provides special medical visas for medical tourists, with a maximum stay of 180 days to meet the full-cycle needs of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up. Border ports also offer convenient medical entry permits, significantly lowering the entry threshold.
• Standardized and safe medical guarantees:China's Grade A tertiary hospitals adhere to the world's strictest standards for medical quality control and hospital infection management, with medical safety and clinical protocols fully aligned with international norms. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices are subject to stringent national supervision, providing international patients with a safe, reliable and traceable medical environment.

Whether for high-end health check-ups, precise early disease screening, chronic disease wellness care, diagnosis and treatment of complex and difficult illnesses, or characteristic TCM conditioning, China delivers high-quality, cost-effective, efficient and full-cycle medical and health services to global patients, while offering an unparalleled travel and cultural experience. This makes China the preferred destination for medical tourism worldwide.

Scenario 1: Post-Treatment Claim for International Commercial Medical Insurance

This applies to foreign nationals with global or high-end commercial medical insurance purchased overseas who pay medical expenses in full out of pocket in China and then file for reimbursement. This is the core need for 90% of short-term medical tourists in China.

Prerequisites for a Valid Claim

1. The medical institution is an approved hospitalas defined in the insurance policy (most international insurers accept China’s Class 3A public hospitals, including their international medical departments; private hospitals and wellness facilities must be confirmed in advance).
2. The treatment, medication, and supplies are covered under the policyand not excluded.
3. The claim is submitted within the validity periodwith complete, compliant, and authentic documents.

Standard Claim Process

Step 1: Confirm Claim Rules Before Treatment

Contact your insurer (global hotline, broker, official app) to confirm 5 key points:

1. Coverage: Eligibility of planned surgery, treatment, exams, and medication; deductible, co-insurance, and annual/single-claim limits.
2. Hospital requirements: Whether the target hospital is approved and if treatment at the international department is mandatory.
3. Pre-notification: Most high-end plans require advance notificationfor surgery or hospitalization; failure to notify may reduce payout or result in rejection.
4. Document requirements: Official claim checklist, including rules for medical records, invoices, and translations.
5. Time limit: Deadline to submit the claim after treatment.

Step 2: Collect and Keep All Required Documents

Obtain bilingual (Chinese-English) documents stamped by the hospital—these are most widely accepted by international insurers.

1. Basic Documents (all cases)

• Copy of valid passport and Chinese visa/entry stamp
• Insurance policy, insurance card, or electronic certificate
• Completed and signed claim form (insurer’s official template)
• Bank details: bank name, account name, account number, SWIFT code

2. Outpatient Additional Documents

• Stamped bilingual outpatient medical record & diagnosis certificate
• Examination reports and prescriptions
• Registration and payment receipts
• Original official medical invoice stamped with financial supervision seal(slips and POS receipts are NOT acceptable)

3. Inpatient/Surgery Additional Documents

• Stamped bilingual discharge summary and inpatient diagnosis certificate
• Operation record, anesthesia record, pathology report (if applicable)
• Detailed itemized inpatient bill
• Original official inpatient invoice
• Copies of full inpatient medical records (stamped by medical records office) if required

4. Special Cases

• Emergency treatment: emergency certificate explaining the reason
• Accident injury: written accident statement
• Pre-existing conditions: previous overseas medical records to support medical necessity

Important: Scan and keep copies of all originals. Most insurers require original invoices; copies are generally not accepted.

Step 3: Submit the Claim On Time

1. Time limit: Usually 30–90 daysafter treatment (per policy). Late submission may lead to rejection.
2. Submission channels:

• Via insurance broker (most recommended)
• Online via insurer app, website, or email
• By tracked international mail

Step 4: Insurer Review & Additional Documents

• Standard review: 5–15 working days; up to 30 days for complex/large claims.
• Cooperate promptly if additional information or documents are requested.

Step 5: Claim Result & Payment

1. Approved: Claim notification issued; payment transferred to your designated account.

• Cross-border transfer: 3–10 working days(depending on the receiving bank).

2. Partial or full rejection: Rejection letter with reasons provided; you may appeal per policy terms.

Scenario 2: Reimbursement under China Basic Medical Insurance

This only applies to legally employed or long-term resident foreigners who participate in China’s basic medical insurance. They enjoy the same benefits as Chinese citizens.

1. Direct Settlement (Most Convenient)

Present your social insurance card or electronic medical insurance certificate at designated hospitals. The insurance portion is settled directly; you only pay the personal share.

2. Manual Reimbursement (After Full Payment)

For non-local treatment without registration, emergency care at non-designated hospitals, or system failures:

• Prepare documents: passport, residence permit, social insurance card, original invoices, detailed bills, diagnosis/discharge summary, local bank card.
• Submit: local medical insurance office or official app/mini-program.
• Review & payment: Usually 10–20 working days. Funds are transferred to your linked Chinese bank account.

Important Notes & Common Pitfalls

For International Commercial Insurance

1. Use direct billingif available to avoid large upfront payments and claim disputes.
2. Original stamped official invoices are mandatory. Receipts and printouts are invalid.
3. No falsificationof records or invoices—this constitutes insurance fraud.
4. Excluded services(cosmetic surgery, non-medical wellness, experimental treatment, etc.) are not covered.
5. Use hospital-issued bilingual stamped documents; confirm translation requirements if using third-party translators.

For China Basic Medical Insurance

1. Treatment must be at designated medical institutions(except emergencies).
2. Register for cross-provincial treatment in advance; otherwise, reimbursement rates may be reduced or denied.
3. Only drugs, supplies, and services in the national medical insurance catalogare covered.
4. Cards/certificates are non-transferable; fraudulent use may result in penalties or criminal liability.