14.3 What should I do if I get sick in China?

Getting sick during a trip is stressful, especially in a country where the language and medical system are unfamiliar. The good news is that China’s medical standards are high, and as long as you know what to do, you can get timely and effective help.

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1. Before you go: preparation is the best protection

Good preparation before your trip is the best way to handle potential health issues.

1. Buy comprehensive travel insurance

   • Most important step:
     It is strongly recommended that all travelers to China purchase travel insurance that includes robust medical coverage.
   • Key coverage:
     The policy should cover medical expenses and ideally include medical evacuation and emergency repatriation.

2. Pack your own medications

   • Bring enough of your regular prescription medicines, plus a copy of the prescription in English if possible.
   • Prepare a basic first‑aid kit, including items such as:
     • Painkillers
     • Band‑aids / plasters
     • Antiseptic wipes or disinfectant
     • Anti‑allergy medication
     • Anti‑diarrheal medicine

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2. Handling minor illnesses (colds, mild stomach issues, etc.)

For non‑emergency problems, pharmacies are your most convenient option.

• Pharmacies (药店 / yàodiàn):
  Pharmacies are easy to find in cities and towns. You can search for them on map apps.

• How to communicate your symptoms:

  • Use a translation app to translate your symptoms into Chinese (for example, headache – 头痛, stomachache – 肚子疼, diarrhea – 拉肚子).
  • Point to the part of your body that hurts.
  • Show a photo of the medicine you usually take, if you have one.

Staff may not speak English, but with simple translated phrases and gestures, they can often suggest appropriate over‑the‑counter medicines.

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3. Serious illness or emergencies

If your condition seems serious or you are in an emergency, take the following steps:

• Step 1: Seek help from people around you

  • Contact your hotel front desk or concierge for assistance and advice.
  • If you are traveling with a group, inform your tour guide immediately.
  • They can help you decide whether to see a doctor or go directly to a hospital.

• Step 2: Choose an appropriate medical facility

  • Best option: international hospitals or clinics

    • In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, there are hospitals and clinics specifically serving foreigners.
    • Advantages: English‑speaking staff, familiar procedures, and experience with insurance and international patients.

  • Second option: international departments of large public hospitals

    • Many big public hospitals have “international clinics” or VIP departments that provide some English service and very high medical standards.

  • How to find them:

    • Before your trip, check your embassy or consulate website — they often list recommended medical facilities.
    • Your travel insurance provider may also have a preferred network.

• Step 3: Calling emergency services

  • The national medical emergency number in China is 120.
  • Important:
    The operator will almost certainly speak only Chinese, so it’s best if a local person (hotel staff, guide, or passerby) makes the call and explains the situation.

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4. Payment and insurance: be ready to pay up front

• Pay‑first system:
  In most hospitals and clinics in China, you will need to pay before receiving treatment (registration fees, tests, and often treatment itself).

• How to pay:

  • Common methods: cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay
  • Some international hospitals or international departments may accept foreign credit cards, but this is not guaranteed. Always have a backup.

• Insurance reimbursement process:

  • You will typically pay out of pocket first.
  • Make sure to keep:
    • All receipts (fāpiào / 发票)
    • Medical reports and diagnostic certificates
  • When you return home, submit these documents to your travel insurance company to claim reimbursement.

With preparation, local help, and a clear understanding of the system, getting sick in China doesn’t have to turn into a disaster—you can get good care and then get back to enjoying your trip.