(2025) Health Insurance for Expats in China: All You Need to Know

China is an attractive destination for expats due to its rich culture, safety, and professional opportunities. However, navigating the local healthcare system as a foreigner can be complex and costly, depending on where you go. Having a reliable health insurance plan is essential to ensure access to quality medical care and financial protection against unexpected health issues.

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!

Why Expats Need Health Insurance in China

1. Variability in Healthcare Standards and Costs

China’s healthcare system consists of public hospitals, private hospitals, and international clinics. While public hospitals are more affordable, they often come with long waiting times and a limited number of English-speaking staff. Private and international hospitals offer high-quality care with shorter waiting times and English-speaking doctors, but at a much higher cost.

For example:

• General consultation at a public hospital: 50 – 200 RMB (appr. 6 - 26 Euros)
• Specialist consultation at a private hospital: 500 – 2,000 RMB (appr. 26 - 247 Euros)
• Hospitalization in an international hospital: 5,000 – 30,000 RMB per night (appr. 616 - 3 700 Euros)
• Surgery (e.g., appendectomy): 30,000 – 100,000 RMB (appr. 3 700 - 12 330 Euros)

💡 Did you know? Without adequate insurance coverage, you could face significant out-of-pocket medical expenses, especially for serious conditions or emergencies.

2. Limited Employer-Sponsored Coverage

While some employers provide health insurance as part of their benefits package, coverage is often limited. Many group health insurance plans only cover basic outpatient consultations and emergency hospitalization, excluding specialized treatments, dental care, or maternity benefits. Plus, if you lose your job it can be very hard to get your own cover, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

It is crucial to review your company’s health plan carefully and consider supplementing it with private insurance for more comprehensive protection.

3. Visa and Residency Requirements

Health insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a work visa in China. However, some cities and companies may require expats to have coverage as part of their employment contract. Additionally, those applying for a long-term residence permit may need to provide proof of medical insurance.

4. Access to High-Quality International Healthcare

Expats who prefer international-standard healthcare should opt for a health insurance plan that covers private hospitals and international clinics. This ensures access to English-speaking medical professionals and advanced treatments without excessive costs.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Employer Health Coverage

1. Insufficient Coverage

Even if your employer offers medical insurance, the coverage may not be enough in the event of a severe illness or injury.

Most group insurance policies have:

• Annual coverage limits
• Exclusions for certain medical treatments
• Restrictions on accessing private hospitals

A top-up private insurance plan can provide full protection, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care without financial stress.

2. Lack of Portability

Many expats do not realize that leaving or losing their job while living abroad can have serious consequences on their health coverage.

Most employer-sponsored plans are not portable. If you change jobs or return to your home country, you might lose your health insurance immediately.

An individual international health insurance plan offers continuous protection regardless of employment status.

Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Although both insurance types are designed for people spending time abroad, they serve different purposes.

Travel Insurance

• Covers emergency treatments during short trips abroad
• Designed to help you return home after receiving basic medical care
• Does not cover long-term treatments
• Coverage ends when you return to your country of residence

International Health Insurance

• Designed for expats living abroad for an extended period
• Covers both emergency care and routine medical treatments
• Allows expats to choose their preferred doctor and healthcare facility
• Offers flexibility to receive treatment anywhere within the insured region

💡 Did you know? With an international health insurance policy, you can access private hospitals when needed, avoiding long waiting times at public hospitals.

Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): A Solution for French Expats in China

French and EU expats in China have the option to enroll in the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), a social security organization designed for French citizens abroad. The CFE provides coverage similar to the French public health system while allowing policyholders to choose their preferred healthcare providers in China.

Why Choose the CFE?

• Continued Social Security Benefits: Maintain your rights to French social security, avoiding coverage gaps if you return to France.
• No Medical Questionnaire: Pre-existing conditions are automatically covered.
• Compatible with Private Insurance: For optimal coverage, expats can combine the CFE with private international insurance to cover high medical costs at private and international hospitals in China.

As the official partner of the CFE in China and Hong Kong/Macau, Alea helps French expats choose and subscribe to the best insurance plan tailored to their needs.

By enrolling with the CFE + a top-up private plan, you can enjoy comprehensive health coverage in China and during visits to France.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in China

1. Coverage Benefits

There are typically three levels of international health insurance plans in China, depending on your needs and budget:

• Basic plans: Cover hospitalization and major illnesses, with limited additional benefits.
• Mid-tier plans: Include outpatient care, maternity benefits, and private hospital stays.
• Premium plans: Provide comprehensive coverage, including annual check-ups, maternity care, and elective C-sections.

2. Customer Support

When choosing an insurer, check their customer service options: 24/7 assistance? Live chat or phone support? Services available in English, French or your native language? Good customer service is essential in emergencies or when managing claims.

3. Direct Billing (Cashless Payment)

Does your insurance provider offer direct billing? With this feature, the insurer pays the hospital or clinic directly, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and reimbursement claims.

4. Fast Claims Processing

Some insurers process claims quickly, while others take months. A reliable claims process ensures timely reimbursement and less hassle.

5. Expertise of Your Insurance Broker

A good health insurance broker helps you:

• Compare all relevant health insurance plans
• Understand how the insurance market works
• Choose the best plan for your needs and budget
• Navigate complex insurance claims if issues arise

At Alea, we are experts in international health insurance and represent 25 well-known insurance companies. Our advisors will help you find the best plan tailored to your needs!