Travel Insurance and Medical Treatment: What to Do If You Get Sick in China

Insurance: What to buy

• Medical coverage amount: Private hospitals in China and the Ministry of International Medicine have costs close to those in Europe and the US. The recommended medical coverage amount is no less than 500,000 RMB (or equivalent in foreign currency).
• Emergency medical referral: This is the most important item. In the event of an accident on the plateau or mountainous area, the cost of transferring someone back to their home or nearby major city can reach six figures
• Trip cancellations and delays: The flight delay rate in China is not low, especially during the summer thunderstorm season and winter during smog and snow
• High-risk activities: mountaineering (excluding Mount Hua and Huangshan), skiing, hot air ballooning, and high-altitude hiking are usually excluded and require separate coverage

Note: Most overseas insurance policies require that "treatment within China must be paid out-of-pocket before reimbursement," so be sure to prepare an available payment limit

Common Illnesses and Their Management

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: most common. Prepare berberine (berberine hydrochloride), montmorillonite powder, and oral rehydration salts. If severe diarrhea is accompanied by fever, go to the hospital
• Colds and upper respiratory tract: Northern winters are dry, southern regions are damp and cold, plus large temperature differences. Prepare cold medicine and throat lozenges
• Allergy: spring pollen (willow catkins in northern China, March to April), food allergies. Antihistamines are always on the go
• Altitude sickness: See the 'Altitude Sickness' section
• Heatstroke: In summer, southern and northwestern regions (ground temperatures in Turpan can reach 70°C). Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor hours from 11:00 to 15:00

Medical Consultation Process

1. For mild cases, go to the pharmacy first: Chinese pharmacies (Laobaixing, Yifeng, Dasenslin) are everywhere, and pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medications. Most common illnesses do not require hospital visits
2. When you need to see a doctor, choose a hospital: prioritize a 'top-tier hospital' (the highest grade among hospitals in China). In major cities, top-tier hospitals' international departments and special outpatient clinics accept English, accept credit cards, and don't have to wait in long lines. The cost is high but the experience is great
3. Registration: Most hospitals support online registration via WeChat public accounts, and overseas documents can be registered. On-site registration is recommended early (starts at 7:00).
4. Emergency: Go directly to the emergency department, available 24 hours. Emergency numbers 120 (ambulance), 110 (police).
5. Payment: Paying before treatment is the norm. Outpatient clinics commonly practice "top-up before settlement." Keep all receipts and medical certificates, as they are needed for insurance claims.

Medication Notes

• Chinese pharmacies distinguish between prescription drugs (RX) and over-the-counter drugs (OTC, green or red labels). Antibiotics and strong painkillers are prescription drugs and require a doctor's prescription.
• Chinese patent medicines have complex ingredients; if you have a history of allergies or are taking other medications, be sure to inform the pharmacist.
• Bringing medications from abroad: Reasonable quantities for personal use are generally fine, but medications containing ephedrine, codeine, and similar substances are controlled. It is recommended to keep the original packaging and instructions.

Special Reminders

• Air quality: Northern China occasionally experiences smog in winter. Sensitive individuals should prepare N95 masks and use mobile apps to check AQI.
• Drinking water: Tap water in China is not drinkable directly; the boiled water provided at hotels and restaurants is safe. Bottled water is widely available.
• Vaccines: Complete routine vaccinations before departure. China currently does not have mandatory vaccination requirements for entry.