Healthcare
in China
Pharmacies, hospitals, emergencies, and practical health tips for first-time visitors.
Quick answer
For minor issues, start with a pharmacy. For serious symptoms or emergencies, go to a hospital or call emergency services. Bring your passport and keep travel insurance details ready.
Explore healthcare topics
Open detailed guides for medicine, hospitals, and emergency situations.
Buying Medicine
How to find pharmacies, explain symptoms, and buy common medicine.
Bringing Medicine
What to prepare before carrying personal medicine into China.
Hospital Guide
Registration, payment, prescriptions, and what to expect at hospitals.
Emergency Help
Emergency numbers, urgent care, and what to do in serious situations.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance
Medical emergency
Police
Police assistance
Fire
Fire & rescue
For urgent situations, call the right emergency number. For detailed steps, phrases, and what to prepare, open the emergency help guide.
Emergency HelpPharmacies in China
Pharmacies are easy to find in cities and most towns.
Many common medicines are available over the counter.
Show a photo or use translation apps to help explain.
Bring medicine packaging or write down ingredient names in English/Chinese.
Hospitals & clinics
Options include international clinics and public hospitals.
International clinics
Best for: English-speaking staff, shorter wait times, private facilities.
Watch out: Higher cost, insurance often required.
Public hospitals
Best for: Lower cost, wide range of departments.
Watch out: Busy, longer waits, less English spoken.
Common travel health situations
Cold / fever
Rest, stay hydrated, and consider fever relievers.
Upset stomach
Stick to light food, stay hydrated, and use rehydration salts.
Allergies
Antihistamines are usually available at pharmacies.
Minor injuries
Clean with antiseptic and use a plaster or bandage.
For severe, persistent, or unclear symptoms, seek medical help.
Travel insurance & payment
Medical payment and reimbursement rules can be different from what visitors expect.
Payment may be needed first
Some hospitals may ask for payment before treatment, tests, or medicine.
Keep insurance details ready
Save your insurance documents, policy number, and emergency contact number offline.
Save receipts and records
Keep invoices, prescriptions, reports, and payment records for possible reimbursement.
Useful medical phrases
Is there a pharmacy nearby?
请问附近有药店吗？
I have a fever.
我发烧了。
I am allergic to peanuts.
我对花生过敏。
I need to see a doctor.
我需要去看医生。
Please call an ambulance.
请叫救护车。