Beijing Medical Guide for International Patients: International Clinics & Payment Tips

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. As the national political and cultural center, a world-famous ancient capital and a modernized international metropolis, Beijing owns abundant and high-quality medical resources. Till the end of 2022, Beijing has 12,211 medical institutions, including both non-profit public medical institutions run by the government and non-public medical institutions run by social forces. All kinds of medical institutions have complete functions and their own features as well. Foreigners can choose different medical institutions according to their needs.

To facilitate foreign patients’ access to medical services, Beijing encourages public medical institutions to set up international medical departments to pay more attention to foreign patients in terms of international-standard medical procedures, religious beliefs, ethnic customs, lifestyles, languages and communication, dietary habits, etc., to provide patients with comfortable medical experiences.

Note: Medical procedures in other Chinese cities are largely similar to Beijing's guidelines.

I. Major Hospitals with Full-process Foreign Language Services in Beijing

• International Medical Services (IMS) of Peking Union Medical College Hospital
• International Department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital
• International Medical Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital
• International Medical Center (IMC) of Beijing Tiantan Hospital
• Beijing United Family Hospital
• Sanfine International Hospital
• International Medical Department (IMD) of Guang’anmen Hospital
• General Administration of Customs (Beijing) International Travel Health Care Center

Also refer to other Beijing’s top-tier hospitals on our website.

II. Clear Consultation Process

1. Emergency Hotlines

The “120” emergency medical centers can be found all around the Chinese mainland. In case of emergency, you can call (+8610) 120 in Beijing to request pre-hospital emergency medical services. Almost all hospitals have emergency departments which can provide emergency medical treatment for patients.

[International Medical Institutions with Emergency Departments in Beijing]

> International Medical Services, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

24-hour Emergency Hotline: (+8610) 69155288

> Beijing United Family Hospital

24-hour Emergency Hotline: (+8610) 59277120

2. Outpatient Visiting Process for a Foreign Patient

III. Easy Payment Methods

1. Methods of Payment

Foreign patients can choose the following methods of payment. When paying in foreign currency through a bank card, the money will be converted to CNY based on the exchange rate of that day.

> Cash (in CNY)

> Credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Global Network, Diners Club, JCB)

> UnionPay debit card

> WeChat/Alipay

2. Direct Billing Service

The cost standards for foreign patients seeking medical services are the same as those for Chinese residents. Patients can choose to pay for medical treatment at their own expenses or buy commercial medical insurance to cover their medical expenses.

A foreign patient who has bought a high-end commercial health insurance product can enjoy direct billing service when seeking medical treatment at the medical institution his/her insuring company cooperates with on direct billing service, after having his/her identity information verified by presenting his/her insurance card and passport. The patient does not need to pay for medical expenses as the hospital will have the claims settled with the insuring company directly.

MSH, Ping An Health, Cigna & CMB, Allianz Partners, AIA, BUPA, etc., are common commercial health insurance companies that cooperate with medical institutions on direct billing. Please refer to the signed insurance company list of each medical institution.

IV. Videos: How to See a Doctor in Beijing series

Video 1 – General guide

Do you feel hesitant to go to a local hospital due to language and payment problems? With numerous hospitals in Beijing now providing bilingual services and supporting a variety of payment options, you can follow this step-by-step guide to access the healthcare services available in this cosmopolitan city.

1. Hospital Selection
   • Used Beijing’s official website to find China-Japan Friendship Hospital’s international department (English-friendly, near his location).
2. Appointment Process
   • Booked via phone with passport/hospital card (no prior visit required).
   • Received a queue number from bilingual (English/Chinese) self-service machines.
3. Consultation & Payment
   • Paid via WeChat/Alipay/cash (no insurance, self-funded).
   • Doctor ordered a 30-minute blood test; results accessible via machine or doctor’s system.
4. Pharmacy & Navigation
   • Staff guided him to the pharmacy (clear directions: “go straight, turn left”).
   • Affordable medication (¥100) with prescription.
5. Key Takeaways
   • Efficient service: Quick tests, English support, digital payments.
   • Cost-effective: Transparent pricing for uninsured patients.
   • Tourist-friendly: Combine healthcare with cultural exploration.

"China’s healthcare is developed, convenient, and English-accessible." — User’s feedback.

Video 2 – PUMCH

IV. Other Hospitals with Full-process Foreign Language Services in Beijing

• Recommended download: a handbook for international patients to visit a doctor in China

Medical Guide Handbook (For International Patients in China)-V1

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