What to Do If You Get Sick in China: Emergency and Routine Care for Foreign Tourists
If you get sick in China, here’s what to do immediately: for minor issues (colds, stomach problems, minor injuries), visit a hospital outpatient department with your passport and prepare to pay 50-200 RMB for consultation. For emergencies, call 120 for an ambulance or go directly to the emergency department. Use translation apps or ask hotel staff for help. International hospitals in major cities have English-speaking staff. Keep all receipts for insurance claims.
Direct Answer: Steps to Take When Sick in China
The action you take depends on the severity of your illness or injury:
For Minor Issues (Cold, Food Poisoning, Minor Injury)
- Ask your hotel concierge to recommend a nearby hospital
- Bring your passport
- Go to the outpatient department (门诊)
- Register and pay the consultation fee (50-200 RMB)
- See the doctor
- Pay for any prescribed tests or medication
- Collect your medication at the pharmacy
This process typically takes 1-2 hours.
For Emergencies (Serious Injury, Severe Illness)
- Call 120 (China’s ambulance number) or have someone take you to the ER
- Go to the emergency department (急诊)
- Be prepared to pay a deposit before major treatment
- Contact your travel insurance immediately
- Keep all documentation for claims
For Language Help
- Use a translation app (Google Translate, DeepL, or Baidu Translate work in China)
- Ask hotel staff to help you find hospitals and communicate
- International hospitals have English-speaking staff
Why This Matters: China’s Healthcare System Basics
China’s healthcare system differs from Western systems in important ways:
Pay before treatment: You must pay (or provide a deposit) before receiving care. There is no “bill me later” option. This makes having payment methods ready essential.
No appointment needed for most care: You simply go to the hospital during operating hours, register, and wait. This is convenient but can mean long waits.
Hospital quality varies: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have excellent facilities. Smaller cities and rural areas have more basic care.
English availability varies: International hospitals and major city hospitals often have English-speaking staff. Local hospitals in smaller cities typically do not.
For Routine Illness: Step-by-Step Process
Where to Go
International hospitals (recommended if available):
- Beijing: Beijing United Family Hospital, Oasis International Hospital
- Shanghai: Shanghai United Family Hospital, Parkway Health
- Shenzhen: Shenzhen United Family Hospital
- Guangzhou: Guangzhou United Family Hospital
Local public hospitals:
- Lower cost but potential language barriers
- Ask your hotel for the nearest one with an international department
- Major teaching hospitals often have some English support
What to Bring
- Passport (required for registration)
- Cash (Chinese RMB) or mobile payment set up
- Travel insurance information
- Any medications you currently take
The Process
- Registration (挂号): Go to the registration counter, show your passport, pay the fee
- Wait: Take a seat in the waiting area; your number will be called
- See the doctor: Explain your symptoms (use translation app if needed)
- Tests if needed: The doctor may order blood tests, X-rays, etc.
- Payment: Pay for tests at the payment counter
- Get tests done: Go to the relevant department
- Return to doctor: With test results
- Prescription: If medication is prescribed
- Pay and collect medication: At the pharmacy
Expected Costs for Routine Care
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Consultation (local hospital) | 50-200 RMB ($7-28) |
| Consultation (international hospital) | 500-1,500 RMB ($70-210) |
| Blood tests | 100-300 RMB ($14-42) |
| X-ray | 100-200 RMB ($14-28) |
| Medication (antibiotics, etc.) | 20-200 RMB ($3-28) |
Total for a typical minor illness visit: 200-500 RMB ($28-70) at a local hospital.
For Emergencies: Immediate Actions
Emergency Numbers
- 120: Ambulance (works nationwide)
- 110: Police
- Your hotel front desk: They can help coordinate
What to Expect
- Triage: Emergency staff will assess urgency
- Deposit requirement: For serious conditions, expect to pay 20,000-50,000 RMB ($2,800-7,000) as a deposit
- Treatment begins after deposit: Or after insurance guarantees payment
- Documentation: Keep all receipts, diagnoses, and test results
If You Have Travel Insurance
Contact your insurance company’s emergency line immediately. They can:
- Guarantee payment to the hospital
- Help you find appropriate facilities
- Coordinate with medical staff
- Arrange evacuation if needed
Language and Communication
Translation Tools That Work in China
- Baidu Translate: Works well in China, includes medical phrases
- DeepL: Good quality translations
- Google Translate: May need VPN to access
- Pleco: Excellent Chinese-English dictionary app
Useful Chinese Medical Terms
| English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient | 门诊 | men zhen |
| Emergency | 急诊 | ji zhen |
| Registration | 挂号 | gua hao |
| Fever | 发烧 | fa shao |
| Stomach ache | 肚子疼 | du zi teng |
| Diarrhea | 腹泻 | fu xie |
| Headache | 头疼 | tou teng |
| Pharmacy | 药房 | yao fang |
Getting Help from Hotels
Most hotels, especially international chains, can:
- Recommend nearby hospitals
- Call ahead to check English availability
- Send a staff member to help translate
- Arrange transportation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long
Small problems can become serious. If you have:
- Persistent fever over 38.5°C (101°F)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
Seek care promptly. Don’t “wait and see.”
Going to the Wrong Hospital Type
- For minor issues where cost matters: Local public hospital
- For language support and convenience: International hospital
- For emergencies: Nearest hospital with emergency department
Not Having Payment Ready
Credit cards are not widely accepted at local hospitals. Have:
- Chinese cash, or
- WeChat Pay or Alipay set up, or
- Plan to use an international hospital that accepts cards
Losing Receipts
You need all receipts for insurance claims. Keep everything in one place.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you get sick:
- Set up mobile payment (WeChat Pay or Alipay)
- Carry travel insurance information
- Know your hotel’s medical assistance policy
- Download a translation app that works in China
When you get sick:
- Assess: minor issue or emergency?
- For minor issues: ask hotel for hospital recommendation
- For emergencies: call 120 or go to ER
- Bring passport and payment
- Keep all receipts
After care:
- Submit claims to insurance
- Keep copies of all documents
- Follow up if prescribed medication
Summary
Getting sick in China is manageable if you know the system. Key points:
- Pay-before-treatment means having payment ready
- Minor care is affordable (200-500 RMB typically)
- International hospitals provide English support at higher cost
- Emergency care requires deposits and insurance
- Translation apps and hotel staff help with language barriers
- Keep all receipts for insurance claims
The healthcare system works well for visitors who prepare properly. Carry insurance, have payment methods ready, and don’t hesitate to seek care when needed.
Final words
More reading and next steps
That is the main thread of the article. Keep the links below handy, and use the related posts to continue exploring the same topic from a different angle.
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