China · Healthcare
How the China healthcare system works — public vs private care, eligibility, and costs for residents and visitors.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
China's basic medical insurance, overseen by the National Healthcare Security Administration, covers around 95% of the population through two schemes: employee basic medical insurance and resident basic medical insurance. Foreigners working in China can usually join the employee scheme; rules for other foreign residents vary by city. The practical catch is local variation — reimbursement levels, drug lists and designated hospitals differ by locality, and private cover is common for international hospitals.
China's basic medical insurance, overseen by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), covers around 95% of the population through two main schemes: employee basic medical insurance and resident basic medical insurance. Foreigners working in China can usually join the employee scheme; in some cities other foreign residents may enrol. Many also take private/commercial insurance, especially for international hospitals.
- Basic medical insurance has two main schemes: employee-based and resident-based, overseen by the NHSA.
- Foreigners working in China can usually join the employee scheme; rules for others vary by city.
- Reimbursement levels, drug lists and designated hospitals vary by locality.
- Private/commercial insurance is common, especially for access to international hospitals.
- 1
Identify which scheme you can join
There are two schemes: employee-based and resident-based. Foreigners working in China can usually join the employee scheme; for others, whether enrolment is possible depends on the city.
- 2
Check your city's rules specifically
Rules for foreign residents outside employment vary by city. Work from your own city's guidance rather than a national summary.
- 3
Learn the local reimbursement picture
Reimbursement levels, drug lists and designated hospitals vary by locality. What is covered in one city may differ in another, so check before assuming.
- 4
Use designated hospitals to get reimbursed
Reimbursement generally depends on using designated hospitals. Find out which ones apply to you before you need care rather than during an emergency.
- 5
Consider private cover for international hospitals
Private or commercial insurance is common, especially for access to international hospitals, which typically sit outside the basic scheme's designated network.
- Applicable scheme identified (employee or resident)
- City-specific rules checked
- Local reimbursement levels understood
- Local drug list checked for any regular medication
- Designated hospitals identified in advance
- Employer enrolment confirmed if working
- Private cover considered for international hospitals
- National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA)
National authority for basic medical insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners join China's basic medical insurance?
Foreigners working in China can usually join the employee scheme. For other foreign residents, whether enrolment is possible varies by city, so check your own city's rules rather than a national summary.
Why does coverage differ between Chinese cities?
Because reimbursement levels, drug lists and designated hospitals are set locally. That means what is covered, at what rate and at which hospital can all change when you move city — check locally rather than relying on a national figure.
Do I need private insurance for international hospitals?
Commonly yes. International hospitals typically sit outside the basic scheme's designated network, which is why private or commercial insurance is widely used for access to them.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification