Insurance in China

Though free health insurance was once available to all in the past, it is not at present. Health Insurance is not a requirement in China, but is usually offered by employers. Private health insurance can be obtained independently in the event that it is not. Premiums and treatments covered can vary widely according to policy, age of the insured, and a host of other factors, they typically range anywhere from 3000 yuan to 30,000 yuan.

There are abundant hospitals and clinics in China, however the quality of health care differs drastically at these facilities. Expatriates tend not to be treated at rural clinics in remote areas but instead will be taken to VIP wards in one of the better hospitals, which are usually foreign run. The cost of health care in China is very cheap, but most public clinics do not accept foreign insurance, and appointments are not given - instead a patient must go to the desk, pay a basic fee, then pay separately for each treatment that is required.

If foreign health insurance is not accepted by a hospital, it can often be paid with a credit card and the insurance company can be contacted later for reimbursement.