China’s complex healthcare system can be challenging to navigate during emergencies.
This comprehensive guide provides critical information for accessing medical care, understanding hospital procedures, and ensuring effective treatment across different regions of China.
Emergency Contact Numbers
| Service | Number | Language Support | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulance | 120 | Primarily Chinese, limited English in major cities | Nationwide |
| Police | 110 | Primarily Chinese | Nationwide |
| Fire Department | 119 | Primarily Chinese | Nationwide |
| Public Health Hotline | 12320 | Chinese | Health information and guidance |
| Shanghai Emergency | 021-962120 | English available | Shanghai only |
| Beijing Emergency | 010-999 | Limited English | Beijing only |
Important Note: All calls are free, but prepare key information in Chinese or have translation assistance ready.
Essential Information for Emergency Calls
When calling 120, provide:
- Location: Exact address or nearest landmark (in Chinese characters if possible)
- Nature of emergency: Injury, illness, symptoms
- Patient condition: Conscious/unconscious, breathing, bleeding
- Contact number: For callback
- Language needs: Request English-speaking operator if available
Understanding China’s Hospital System
Hospital Tiers and Classifications
| Tier | Description | Quality Level | Cost | English Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 三甲 (Grade 3A) | Top-tier public hospitals | Highest medical standards | Moderate | Limited to international departments |
| Grade 3B/2A | Regional hospitals | Good medical care | Lower | Minimal |
| International Hospitals | Private, foreigner-focused | High service quality | Expensive | Excellent |
| Community Clinics | Basic healthcare | Limited capabilities | Lowest | None |
Major International Hospitals by City
Beijing
- Beijing United Family Hospital – 010-5927-7000
- Oasis International Hospital – 010-6449-9669
- International SOS Clinic – 010-6462-9100
Shanghai
- Shanghai United Family Hospital – 021-2216-3900
- Parkway Health – 021-6445-5999
- Shanghai East International Medical Center – 021-5879-9999
Guangzhou
- Guangzhou United Family Hospital – 020-3128-2000
- Clifford Hospital – 0752-509-9999
Shenzhen
- Shenzhen United Family Hospital – 0755-8529-8300
- University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital – 0755-8691-3333
Source: International SOS
Emergency Response Procedures
Life-Threatening Emergencies
Call 120 immediately for:
- Heart attack or chest pain
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe allergic reactions
- Major trauma or bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
Non-Life-Threatening Situations
Consider direct hospital visit for:
- Minor injuries
- Fever without severe symptoms
- Digestive issues
- Minor cuts requiring stitches
Transportation Options
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulance (120) | Medical equipment, trained staff | Traffic delays, communication barriers | Life-threatening emergencies |
| Taxi | Usually faster | No medical equipment | Stable patients, urgent care |
| DiDi/Ride-sharing | App-based, GPS tracking | Driver may refuse medical situations | Non-emergency urgent care |
| Private ambulance | English support, faster | Expensive, limited availability | International hospital patients |
Hospital Procedures and What to Expect
Registration Process
- Bring required documents: Passport, insurance card, emergency contact
- Complete registration form: Basic information and medical history
- Payment deposit: Required before treatment begins
- Triage assessment: Medical staff determine priority level
- Treatment assignment: Directed to appropriate department
Payment Methods and Costs
| Payment Type | Accepted Where | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (RMB) | All hospitals | Have sufficient amount |
| WeChat Pay/Alipay | Most hospitals | Chinese bank account |
| International Credit Cards | International hospitals only | Visa/Mastercard preferred |
| Insurance Direct Billing | Partner hospitals | Pre-authorization required |
Typical Emergency Room Costs (RMB)
| Service | Public Hospital | International Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | 10-50 | 500-1,000 |
| Basic consultation | 50-200 | 800-1,500 |
| X-ray | 100-300 | 500-800 |
| Blood tests | 200-500 | 600-1,200 |
| CT scan | 500-1,000 | 2,000-4,000 |
| Emergency surgery | 5,000-50,000+ | 20,000-200,000+ |
Costs vary significantly by location and complexity
Overcoming Language Barriers
Essential Medical Phrases
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Chinese Characters |
|---|---|---|
| I need a doctor | Wǒ xūyào yīshēng | 我需要医生 |
| I’m having an emergency | Wǒ yǒu jíjí qíngkuàng | 我有急急情况 |
| Call an ambulance | Jiào jiùhùchē | 叫救护车 |
| I’m allergic to… | Wǒ duì… guòmǐn | 我对…过敏 |
| I take medication for… | Wǒ chī yào zhìliáo… | 我吃药治疗… |
| I have pain here | Wǒ zhèlǐ téng | 我这里疼 |
Translation Resources
- Google Translate (download offline Chinese package)
- Pleco Dictionary – Medical terminology
- Youdao Translate – Popular in China
- Microsoft Translator – Real-time conversation mode
Insurance and Financial Considerations
Insurance Types
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Hospitals Accepted | Claim Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Social Insurance | Limited for foreigners | Public hospitals | Direct billing |
| International Health Insurance | Comprehensive | International hospitals | Reimbursement/direct billing |
| Travel Insurance | Emergency only | Varies | Reimbursement |
| Employer Insurance | Varies | Partner hospitals | Check policy details |
Key Insurance Providers for Expats
- Cigna Global – cigna.com
- Allianz Care – allianzcare.com
- Bupa Global – bupa-global.com
- International SOS – internationalsos.com
Regional Considerations
Tier 1 Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
- Advantages: Better facilities, English support, international hospitals
- Challenges: Higher costs, crowded hospitals
- Recommendation: Use international hospitals for serious emergencies
Tier 2/3 Cities
- Advantages: Lower costs, less crowded
- Challenges: Limited English support, fewer advanced facilities
- Recommendation: Consider medical evacuation for serious conditions
Rural Areas
- Limited facilities: Basic emergency care only
- Language barriers: Minimal English support
- Transportation: Medical evacuation may be necessary
Common Health Risks and Prevention
Environmental Health Concerns
| Risk | Affected Areas | Prevention | Emergency Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Pollution | Northern cities | Air purifiers, masks | Respiratory issues – seek immediate care |
| Food Safety | Nationwide | Eat at reputable places | Severe food poisoning – hospital required |
| Water Quality | Variable | Bottled water only | Waterborne illness – medical attention |
| Infectious Diseases | Regional | Vaccinations, precautions | Fever/symptoms – immediate testing |
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Essential Documents (Keep Copies)
- [ ] Passport and visa
- [ ] Insurance cards and policy details
- [ ] Emergency contacts (Chinese and international)
- [ ] Medical history and current medications
- [ ] Blood type and allergy information
- [ ] Hospital and clinic contact information
Emergency Kit Contents
- [ ] Basic first aid supplies
- [ ] Personal medications (3-month supply)
- [ ] Thermometer
- [ ] Emergency cash (5,000-10,000 RMB)
- [ ] Translation app with offline capability
- [ ] Portable phone charger
Digital Preparation
- [ ] Download offline maps
- [ ] Save hospital contacts in phone
- [ ] Install Chinese payment apps
- [ ] Download translation apps
- [ ] Store insurance details in cloud
Legal Rights and Patient Protection
Patient Rights in China
- Right to emergency treatment regardless of payment ability
- Right to informed consent (with translation if needed)
- Right to medical records and reports
- Right to second opinions
- Right to file complaints about medical care
Medical Malpractice
- Contact your consulate for legal assistance
- Document all treatment and communications
- Seek legal counsel from firms specializing in medical cases
- Consider medical evacuation for complex cases
Post-Emergency Procedures
Medical Records
- Request copies in English when possible
- Obtain official stamps and signatures
- Keep all payment receipts
- Get detailed treatment summaries
Insurance Claims
- Notify insurance provider within 24-48 hours
- Collect all medical reports and receipts
- Submit claims promptly
- Follow up on claim status regularly
Follow-up Care
- Confirm medication availability for ongoing treatment
- Schedule follow-up appointments
- Consider medical evacuation for complex ongoing care
- Maintain communication with home country physicians
Specialized Emergency Situations
Mental Health Crises
- Beijing Crisis Intervention Hotline: 400-161-9995
- Shanghai Mental Health Center: 021-3428-9888
- Note: Mental health services limited; consider evacuation for serious conditions
Pregnancy and Childbirth
- International hospitals recommended
- Ensure insurance covers maternity
- Consider medical evacuation for high-risk pregnancies
Pediatric Emergencies
- Children’s hospitals available in major cities
- Beijing Children’s Hospital: 010-59616161
- Shanghai Children’s Medical Center: 021-3862-6161
Resources and References
Official Sources
- Chinese Ministry of Health – moh.gov.cn
- Your Country’s Embassy/Consulate – Contact information varies
- International SOS Country Guide – internationalsos.com
Medical Evacuation Services
- International SOS – 24/7 helpline
- Global Rescue – globalrescue.com
- Allianz Global Assistance – allianzglobalassistance.com
Expat Communities and Support
- Beijing Expat Groups – WeChat and Facebook communities
- Shanghai Expat Network – Local support groups
- Guangzhou Expat Community – Resource sharing
Emergency Action Plan Template
Print and keep with you:
- In case of emergency, call: 120
- My nearest hospital: _______________
- My insurance provider: _______________
- Emergency contact: _______________
- My blood type: _______________
- My allergies: _______________
- My medications: _______________
Remember: Stay calm, communicate clearly, and don’t hesitate to seek help. When in doubt, get medical attention immediately.
