(2026) Dental and Optical Care in China: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to China means adapting to a new culture and a different healthcare system. Among key concerns for expats are dental and optical care. Where to get treated? How much does it cost? What are the best options for kids? And importantly, how to get these covered?

At Alea, your specialised expat health insurance advisor & broker, our experts have gathered everything you need to know about health insurance in China as an expat!

1. Dental Care in China: How Does It Work?

Dental care facilities in China vary greatly. You will find everything from public hospitals with basic equipment to high-end international dental clinics where prices are significantly higher.

Where to Get Dental Treatment in China?

• Public hospitals: Low-cost but often overcrowded, with variable quality and a significant language barrier.

• Local private clinics: A good balance between modern facilities and affordable prices, but careful selection is needed to avoid subpar treatment.

• International dental clinics: Located in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, these clinics offer European-standard care, with foreign-trained dentists and English- or French-speaking staff.

How Much Do Dental Treatments Cost in China?

The cost depends on the clinic and type of treatment:

• Dental consultation: 500 – 1,840 RMB (approx. 60 - 225 Euros)

• Teeth cleaning: 500 – 1000 RMB (approx. 60 - 122 Euros)

• Filling: 500 – 2,000 RMB (approx. 64 - 254 Euros)

• Dental crown: 2,000 – 5,000 RMB (approx. 242 - 606 Euros)

• Dental implant: 15,000 – 30,000 RMB (approx. 1,820 - 3,640 Euros)

Sources : Jiauhi Hospital and United Family Hospital

Dental Care for Children

Oral health is a top priority for expat families. It is best to visit pediatric dental specialists, especially in major cities where international dentists operate.

Key facts:

• International dental clinics provide specialized pediatric care.

• Orthodontic treatments are well-developed but very expensive (up to 50,000 RMB or 6,375 Euros for braces).

• A pre-departure dental check-up is recommended to avoid unexpected treatments in China.

2. Optical Care in China: What to Expect?

Whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery, China offers a wide range of optical services.

Where to See an Eye Specialist?

• Local optical stores: Widely available with affordable prices, but lens quality can be inconsistent.

• Specialized clinics and hospitals: Ideal for detailed eye exams and precise prescriptions.

• International ophthalmology centers: Found in major cities, these offer high-quality services with English- and French-speaking staff.

How Much Do Optical Treatments Cost in China?

• Ophthalmologist consultation: 600 – 2,000 RMB (approx. 73 - 242 Euros)

• Prescription glasses: 1000 – 5,000 RMB (approx. 125 - 636 Euros)

• Contact lenses (per year): 1,500 – 3,000 RMB (approx. 195 - 390 Euros)

• Laser eye surgery (LASIK): 15,000 – 30,000 RMB (approx. 1,830 - 3,800 Euros)

Source: UFH and Smart Shanghai

💡 Tip: If buying glasses in a store, check lens quality carefully, as some opticians sell cheap lenses with poor anti-reflective coatings.

Optical Care for Children

With the extensive use of screens, many children develop early myopia in China. This issue is taken seriously, and specialized vision care is available.

Key facts:

• Early myopia detection exams are common.

• Vision therapy is used to slow myopia progression.

• Children’s glasses range from 500 to 3,000 RMB (64 – 382.50 Euros), depending on lens quality.

• Orthokeratology lenses (overnight corrective lenses) are popular but very expensive (up to 10,000 RMB per year or 1,275 Euros).

3. Why Is Health Insurance Essential for Expats in China?

Dental and optical care especially at international clinics can be a significant financial burden. A single specialist consultation can cost hundreds of euros.

With international health insurance, you benefit from:

• Reimbursement for dental and optical care

• Access to top clinics without financial stress

• Coverage for the entire family, including orthodontics and contact lenses

As a trusted broker for expatriates, Alea assists the French expat community in finding the best health insurance solutions.

As the leading health insurance broker for expatriates in China, Alea supports the international community in selecting the right healthcare coverage. Given the challenges of the Chinese healthcare system and the high cost of private care, we compare over 500 plans from 50 insurers, including including APRIL, Henner, and MSH, to find the optimal protection for you and your family!

Conclusion

Dental and optical care in China offers world-class expertise, but prices are often significantly higher than in Europe. Between high-end private clinics and local options, out-of-pocket expenses can quickly weigh on your expat budget.

To ensure your family has comprehensive protection and access to the best specialists without paying upfront, dedicated health coverage is essential. At Alea, we compare the best offers on the market to secure your smile and your vision at the best price.

Need a tailor-made plan? Contact our experts for a free, independent comparison adapted to your needs in China.

For more information on specific healthcare topics, such as medical costs, maternity, or how to choose health insurance in China, feel free to browse our dedicated articles.