Medical Trip to China: Complete Planning Guide (2026)
Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 10 min
Quick Summary: China offers world-class medical care at competitive prices, but success requires careful planning. Top hospitals like Peking Union Medical College Hospital (ranked #1 for 14 consecutive years) offer international patient services with multilingual support. This guide walks you through the entire process.
Why Consider China for Medical Treatment {#why-china}
China has become a destination for medical tourism due to several factors:
Advantages
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost savings | 40-70% cheaper than US/Europe for many procedures |
| Advanced technology | Top hospitals have latest equipment, often newer than Western facilities |
| Expertise | Large patient volumes mean doctors have extensive experience |
| TCM integration | Access to Traditional Chinese Medicine alongside Western medicine |
| Speed | Shorter wait times for elective procedures |
Best Suited For
- Orthopedic procedures (joint replacement, spine surgery)
- Cancer treatment (immunotherapy, radiation)
- Cardiovascular procedures
- Dental and cosmetic work
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Fertility treatments
Considerations
- Language barriers at non-international facilities
- Different medical protocols than your home country
- Follow-up care coordination needed
- Quality varies significantly between hospitals
Top Hospitals for International Patients {#top-hospitals}
Beijing
Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH)
- Ranked #1 in China for 14 consecutive years
- International Medical Services department with 30+ specialties
- Languages: English, Japanese, French, Korean, Russian, German
- 200+ single/suite-style wards
- Contact: +86-10-69156699 (English line)
Beijing Puhua International Hospital
- 1,000+ specialists, 600 beds
- Specialties: Oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, rehabilitation
- Insurance partners: Allianz, Aetna, United Healthcare
- Fully bilingual (English/Chinese)
Shanghai
Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
- Known as the “Mayo Clinic of the East”
- Class A Tertiary General Hospital
- 16 languages supported
- Direct billing with 40+ insurers
- VIP access to academician-led teams within 48 hours
- HIPAA-compliant medical records
Huashan Hospital
- Leading neurosurgery department
- International patient center
- Strong in neurology, dermatology, infectious diseases
Guangzhou
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
- Top cancer hospital in South China
- International patient department
- Strong in liver cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer
Step-by-Step Planning Guide {#planning-guide}
Step 1: Define Your Treatment Goals
Before contacting hospitals:
- Get a clear diagnosis from your home doctor
- Understand what treatment options exist
- Define your budget range
- Decide how long you can stay in China
Step 2: Research and Select Hospitals
When evaluating hospitals:
| Criteria | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Specialization | Does the hospital specialize in your condition? |
| International services | Is there an international patient department? |
| Language support | What languages are available? |
| Insurance | Do they accept your insurance or offer direct billing? |
| Accreditation | JCI accredited? Tier 3 public hospital? |
| Patient reviews | What do international patients say? |
Step 3: Initial Consultation
Most hospitals offer remote consultations:
- Submit your medical records (translated if possible)
- Receive preliminary assessment and treatment plan
- Get cost estimate
- Discuss timeline and logistics
Tip: Request a video consultation to assess communication quality.
Step 4: Confirm Treatment Plan
Before committing:
- Get written treatment plan with expected outcomes
- Confirm total cost estimate (including accommodation)
- Understand what’s included and what’s extra
- Verify payment terms and refund policy
Step 5: Arrange Logistics
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Visa | Apply for medical visa (or tourist visa for short treatments) |
| Flights | Book flexible tickets in case of schedule changes |
| Accommodation | Hospital-affiliated hotels or nearby serviced apartments |
| Local support | Arrange translator if needed |
| Insurance | Purchase travel medical insurance if not covered |
Step 6: Prepare Medical Documents
Bring originals and copies of:
- Complete medical records
- Recent test results (within 3 months)
- Imaging files (CT, MRI on CD or USB)
- Medication list
- Doctor’s referral letter
- Insurance pre-authorization (if applicable)
Costs and Budgeting {#costs}
Treatment Cost Comparison
| Procedure | USA | China | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip replacement | $40,000-80,000 | $12,000-25,000 | 60-70% |
| Heart bypass | $70,000-150,000 | $20,000-40,000 | 60-75% |
| Spinal fusion | $50,000-100,000 | $15,000-30,000 | 60-70% |
| Dental implant (per tooth) | $3,000-5,000 | $800-1,500 | 70-80% |
| IVF cycle | $15,000-25,000 | $4,000-8,000 | 65-75% |
Additional Costs to Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flights | $800-2,000 |
| Accommodation (per night) | $50-200 |
| Local transportation | $20-50/day |
| Meals | $30-80/day |
| Translator services | $100-300/day |
| Medical records translation | $100-300 |
Payment Methods
Most hospitals accept:
- Bank wire transfer (for deposits)
- Credit cards (international clinics)
- WeChat Pay / Alipay (need Chinese phone number)
- Cash (CNY only)
Important: Deposits are typically required. Get all payment terms in writing.
What to Prepare Before You Go {#preparation}
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa (medical or tourist)
- Hospital confirmation letter
- Medical records (original + copies)
- Insurance documents
- Emergency contacts list
- Power of attorney (for complex procedures)
Health Preparation
- Complete any required vaccinations
- Manage existing conditions before travel
- Get sufficient supply of regular medications
- Obtain prescription copies with generic drug names
Technology Setup
- Download WeChat (essential for communication)
- Set up VPN (Google/Facebook blocked in China)
- Download translation app (DeepL recommended)
- Save offline maps
Financial Preparation
- Inform bank of China travel
- Bring multiple payment methods
- Have some CNY cash for arrival
- Know your credit card’s foreign transaction fees
During Your Treatment {#during-treatment}
What to Expect
Day 1-2: Arrival and Assessment
- Hospital will arrange airport pickup (if included)
- Check into accommodation
- Initial consultation and tests
- Review/confirm treatment plan
Treatment Phase
- Follow hospital schedule
- Keep all receipts and documentation
- Ask questions — don’t be shy
- Take photos of important documents
Recovery Phase
- Follow discharge instructions carefully
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Get complete medical records before leaving
- Understand post-treatment care requirements
Communication Tips
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Use simple sentences
- Write down important questions
- Request written instructions
- Use translation apps for complex topics
After Your Treatment {#after-treatment}
Before Leaving China
- Get complete records: Request all medical records, test results, and imaging files in English if possible
- Medication supply: Get enough medication for recovery period, plus prescriptions
- Follow-up plan: Understand what follow-up care is needed and when
- Doctor contact: Get contact information for your treating doctor
- Payment receipt: Get itemized receipt for insurance claims
Back Home
- Share records with your home doctor immediately
- Schedule follow-up appointments
- File insurance claims promptly
- Monitor recovery and follow instructions
- Contact China hospital if complications arise
Common Specialties and Procedures {#specialties}
Where China Excels
| Specialty | Strengths | Notable Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology | Immunotherapy, liver cancer, TCM integration | Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center, PUMCH |
| Orthopedics | Joint replacement, spine surgery | Peking University Third Hospital |
| Cardiovascular | Heart surgery, interventions | Fuwai Hospital |
| Ophthalmology | LASIK, cataract, retinal surgery | Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center |
| Fertility | IVF, genetic screening | PUMCH, Peking University Third Hospital |
| TCM | Acupuncture, herbal medicine, rehabilitation | Various TCM hospitals |
FAQ {#faq}
How do I verify a hospital’s quality?
- Check JCI accreditation (international gold standard)
- Verify Tier 3 status (highest in China’s system)
- Look for university affiliation
- Read patient reviews on international forums
- Ask for success rate statistics
Do I need a medical visa?
For short treatments (<30 days), a tourist visa often works. For extended treatment:
- Apply for medical visa (M visa)
- Need hospital invitation letter
- Process takes 1-2 weeks
Can I bring a companion?
Yes, and it’s recommended. Many hospitals have:
- Companion beds in patient rooms
- Family waiting areas
- Visitor passes for wards
What if something goes wrong?
- All reputable hospitals have complaint procedures
- Medical malpractice laws exist but differ from Western countries
- Keep detailed records of everything
- Consider medical evacuation insurance for serious emergencies
Is it safe to have surgery in China?
At top-tier hospitals (Tier 3, JCI-accredited), safety standards are comparable to developed countries. However:
- Research your specific hospital thoroughly
- Choose hospitals with international patient experience
- Ensure clear communication about risks
Next Steps
- Is Healthcare in China Free? — Understand cost structures
- Expat Medical Insurance — Coverage options
- How to Pay in China — Payment setup guide
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general health education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not provide medical services and do not endorse specific hospitals, treatments, or outcomes. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
Need help planning your medical trip? Contact us — We can help connect you with the right resources.
Last Updated: January 26, 2026