Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in China
- China does NOT require health insurance for Z Visa (work) applications, but most employers provide coverage—and you'll definitely need it.
- International hospitals (United Family, Parkway Health) charge ¥800-2,000 ($110-280) per consultation. Local hospitals cost ¥50-300 ($7-40) but require Mandarin.
- Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have excellent international clinics. Tier 2/3 cities have limited English-speaking options.
- China has NO digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use business visas (M Visa) with short stays or work through local entities.
- Air quality in northern cities (Beijing, Tianjin) can trigger respiratory issues—ensure your coverage includes pollution-related conditions.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in China?
China does not mandate health insurance for visa applications. However, Z Visa (work visa) holders typically receive coverage through their employer as part of social insurance (五险一金). Self-employed expats, dependents, and those without employer coverage need private insurance. The practical reality: Chinese public hospitals require Mandarin, operate on a chaotic queuing system, and are extremely crowded. International hospitals provide Western-style care but are expensive. Insurance is essential.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Dependents of working expats (S1/S2 visas)—not covered by employer plans
- Self-employed, freelancers, or entrepreneurs without local employer
- Anyone who needs English-speaking healthcare
- Expats in Tier 2/3 cities where international hospital access is limited
- Those with respiratory conditions—air pollution coverage is important
- Families wanting maternity care at international hospitals (very expensive without coverage)
Public vs Private Healthcare in China
Public Healthcare
Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) / Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI)
- Access: Employed foreigners with work permits are enrolled in social insurance including UEBMI. Self-employed and dependents generally cannot access public insurance.
- Cost: UEBMI: ~2% of salary (employee) + ~8% (employer). Covers 70-90% of costs at designated public hospitals.
China's public healthcare is technically available to employed foreigners through social insurance, but it's impractical for most expats. Public hospitals are extremely crowded (arrive at 5am to queue for appointments), require Mandarin for all interactions, and the system is chaotic. Doctors see 50+ patients per day with 3-5 minute consultations. Quality of care is actually good at top hospitals (Peking Union, Huashan), but the experience is overwhelming without fluent Mandarin.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: International hospital consultation: ¥800-2,000 ($110-280). Hospital room: ¥3,000-8,000/night ($400-1,100). International insurance: $200-500/month.
International hospitals (United Family, Parkway Health, Raffles Medical) provide Western-style healthcare with English-speaking staff. These are expensive but deliver familiar, high-quality care. VIP departments at top Chinese hospitals (协和VIP, 华山VIP) offer a middle ground—Chinese doctors, shorter waits, some English support, at 30-50% of international hospital prices.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in China. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Direct billing at United Family, Parkway Health, and top international hospitals across Tier 1 cities
Not ideal for: Employed expats with good employer coverage—may duplicate existing social insurance benefits
Allianz Care
Best for: Expats in Tier 2/3 cities who may need evacuation to Shanghai or Beijing for complex care
Not ideal for: Those staying only in Beijing/Shanghai with employer-provided international clinic access
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage—important given China's limited English-speaking mental health resources
Not ideal for: Healthy young professionals with employer coverage and no chronic conditions
IMG Global
Best for: Budget-conscious expats supplementing employer coverage or short-term business visa holders
Not ideal for: Families wanting maternity at international hospitals—United Family deliveries cost $15,000-25,000
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for China
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Direct billing at United | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Expats in Tier 2/3 | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget-conscious expats supplementing employer | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for China
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Language barrier is the biggest challenge. Public hospitals and most local clinics operate entirely in Mandarin. Even with insurance, you need to find English-speaking providers.
- VPN required for many healthcare apps and telehealth services. WhatsApp, Google services, and many international apps are blocked.
- Air pollution in Beijing and northern cities is severe in winter. Ensure your policy covers respiratory conditions without pollution exclusions.
- Payment systems: Chinese hospitals often require WeChat Pay or Alipay. International hospitals accept cards, but local hospitals may not.
- Medical evacuation to Hong Kong or Singapore is important if you need specialized care not available locally, or if you're in a smaller city.
- China has strict rules about bringing medications. Some common Western medications are controlled substances in China—check before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for a China Z Visa?
No, health insurance is not required for Z Visa applications. However, once employed, your employer must enroll you in social insurance which includes basic medical coverage. This covers Chinese public hospitals but not international clinics. Most expats add private insurance for access to United Family, Parkway, and other English-speaking hospitals.
What are the best hospitals for expats in China?
Tier 1 cities have excellent options. Beijing: United Family (和睦家), Beijing International SOS Clinic, Raffles Medical. Shanghai: Parkway Health, United Family, Columbia Clinic. Guangzhou: United Family, Guangzhou Can-Am International Medical Center. For Tier 2 cities, options are more limited—Chengdu and Hangzhou have some international clinics, but smaller cities require travel to major metros for English-speaking care.
How much does healthcare cost in China?
Costs vary dramatically. Local public hospital: ¥50-300 ($7-40) per visit, but requires Mandarin and long waits. International clinic: ¥800-2,000 ($110-280) per consultation. Hospitalization at United Family: ¥3,000-8,000/night ($400-1,100). International insurance: $200-500/month. Local Chinese insurance through employers: essentially free (covered by social insurance contributions).
Can I use public hospitals in China as a foreigner?
Yes, but it's challenging. If you're employed with a work permit, you're enrolled in social insurance and can use public hospitals. The process: arrive early (6-7am), queue for registration, queue for the doctor, queue for tests, queue for pharmacy. Everything is in Mandarin. Consultations are 3-5 minutes. It works if you speak Mandarin and have a straightforward issue, but most expats find it overwhelming and use international clinics instead.
Is there a digital nomad visa for China?
No. China does not offer a digital nomad or remote work visa. Options for remote workers: business visa (M Visa) for short stays, working through a local employer or PEO for legal work status, or frequent visa runs to Hong Kong. Working remotely on a tourist visa (L Visa) is technically illegal. This is a major limitation for location-independent workers considering China.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.