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Healthcare Costs in China: What Expats Need to Know
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in China and Hong Kong, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
Last update:
7th April 2025
7th April 2025
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in China and Hong Kong, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
Last update: 7th April 2025
Living in China as an expat presents many opportunities, but navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. Between public hospitals, private clinics, and international medical facilities, costs and service quality vary significantly. A simple consultation can range from a few dozen to several thousand RMB, and without expat health insurance, medical expenses can quickly become a financial burden.
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in China and Hong Kong, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
1. Understanding the Healthcare System in China: Public vs. Private
China’s healthcare system is dual, offering affordable public healthcare with significant limitations and high-quality private care at a much steeper cost.
Public Hospitals in China: A Low-Cost but Limited Option
Pros:
- Very affordable (consultations between 50 and 300 RMB).
- Well-equipped hospitals in major cities.
Cons:
- Long waiting times (hours or even days for an appointment).
- Medical staff often do not speak English, making communication difficult.
- Overcrowded facilities, leading to lack of privacy.
- Patients must pay upfront for each service (consultation, tests, medication).
Although public hospitals are accessible to expats, language barriers and inconsistent service quality make them a less popular choice.
Private Hospitals & International Clinics: The Best Option for Expats
Most expats prefer private hospitals and international clinics, as they offer Western-standard healthcare with better facilities and English-speaking staff.
Pros:
- English-speaking (sometimes French-speaking) medical staff.
- Premium services, including longer consultations, better comfort, and personalized follow-up.
- Faster access to specialists.
Cons:
- Costs are 5 to 10 times higher than in public hospitals.
- Payment is often required before treatment.
- Some local Chinese insurance plans do not cover private hospitals.
2. Medical Costs for Expats in China
Common Medical Costs
| Type of service | Public hospital | Private hospital | Internationale clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| *General consultation | 50 - 300 RMB (approx. 6 - 38 Euros) | 800 - 1,500 RMB (approx. 102 - 191 Euros) | 1,500 - 3,000 RMB (approx. 191 - 383 Euros) |
| Specialist consultation | 200 - 600 RMB (approx. 26 - 77 Euros) | 1,500 - 3,500 RMB (approx. 191 - 447 Euros) | 2,500 - 5,000 RMB (approx. 319 - 638 Euros) |
| Pediatric consultation | 100 - 500 RMB (approx. 13 - 64 Euros) | 1,500 - 4,000 RMB (approx. 191 - 511 Euros) | 2 500 - 6,000 RMB (approx. 319 - 766 Euros) |
| MRI / CT Scanner | 500 - 2,000 RMB (approx. 64 - 255 Euros) | 5,000 - 12,000 RMB (approxapprox. 638 - 1,532 Euros) | 10,000 - 20,000 RMB (approx. 1,276 - 2,553 Euros) |
Hospitalization & Emergency Costs
| Type of service | Public hospital | Private hospital | Internationale clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitalization stay (1 night) | 300 - 1,000 RMB (approx. 38 - 128 Euros) | 5,000 - 20,000 RMB (approx. 638 - 2,553 Euros) | 10,000 - 30,000 RMB (approx. 1,276 - 3,830 Euros) |
| Minor surgery | 5,000 - 20,000 RMB (approx. 638 - 2,553 Euros) | 30,000 - 80,000 RMB (approx. 3,830 - 10,210 Euros) | 50,000 - 150,000 RMB (approx. 6,382 - 19,146 Euros) |
| Major surgery | 20,000 - 50,000 RMB (approx. 2,553 - 6,382 Euros) | 100,000 - 300,000 RMB (approx. 12,764 - 38,291 Euros) | 150,000 - 500,000 RMB (approx. 19,146 - 63,818 Euros) |
Important: Private hospitals and international clinics require payment upfront if you don’t have comprehensive expat health insurance.
3. Vaccinations & Preventive Healthcare in China
Access to vaccinations in China depends on the type of facility:
- Public hospitals: Some vaccines are free for residents, but they may not match European standards.
- International clinics: Offer Western-standard vaccines, but at a high cost.
Average Vaccination Costs
- Pediatric consultation: 200 - 1,500 RMB (≈26 - 190 Euros)
- Vaccination (per dose): 300 - 2,500 RMB (≈38 - 319 Euros)
- Emergency & hospitalization: 5,000 - 30,000 RMB/day (≈638 - 3,828 Euros)
💡 Tip: Always check the traceability and compliance of vaccines with international standards before receiving them in China.
4. Do Expats Need Health Insurance in China?
With high private healthcare costs and limited public healthcare coverage, having expat health insurance in China is essential.
Why Is Expat Health Insurance Important?
- Covers expensive medical bills: Consultations, hospital stays, specialist care.
- Access to private hospitals & international clinics: Without paying huge sums upfront.
- Emergency & unexpected medical coverage.
- Protection against health risks like pollution-related illnesses, infections, etc.
As a leading insurance broker for expats and official CFE partner in China, Alea assists the French and expat community in finding the best health insurance solutions.
With China's complex healthcare system and the high cost of private care, we compare top-tier health insurers—including APRIL, Henner, and MSH—to secure the best coverage at the best price for you and your family!
