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:

• General consultation: 200 – 1,000 RMB (approx. 25.50 - 127.50 Euros)
• Teeth cleaning: 300 – 800 RMB (approx. 38 - 102 Euros)
• Filling: 500 – 2,000 RMB (approx. 64 - 254 Euros)
• Dental crown: 3,000 – 8,000 RMB (approx. 382 - 1,020 Euros)
• Dental implant: 15,000 – 30,000 RMB (approx. 1,912 - 3,825 Euros)

💡 Important: for french expats, dental care is not covered by the CFE, so having international health insurance is highly recommended to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses.

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 – 2,500 RMB (approx. 76.50 - 319 Euros)
• Prescription glasses: 200 – 5,000 RMB (approx. 25.50 - 636 Euros)
• Contact lenses (per year): 200 – 800 RMB (approx. 25.50 - 102 Euros)
• Laser eye surgery (LASIK): 8,000 – 25,000 RMB (approx. 1,020 - 3 187 Euros)

💡 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 and official CFE partner in China, Alea assists the French 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!