You may have waited months for a scan or a specialist. You may have seen several doctors without getting a clear answer. Now you have heard that people travel to China for treatment, and you want to know whether it is worth it for you or someone in your family.
This article explains why patients choose China, when the trip makes sense and what families worry about most. We arrange medical escorts in China, so we are not neutral. That is why we link to our sources, so you can check them.
Why do patients choose China?
Price, speed and the technical standards of some hospitals. These are the three reasons given by RFI, the French international broadcaster, in a 2026 report. RFI says Chinese hospitals received about 1.3 million foreign patients in 2025, up more than 70% in three years, although most are still expatriates living in China or nearby [1].
- Speed. Many foreign patients describe consultations, tests and treatment completed within a few days, while waits can be long in Europe or Canada [1].
- Everything in one place. In China's large public hospitals, you go directly to a specialist department, and tests, results and medicines are usually handled on the same site.
- Large, well-equipped hospitals. In 2025, China had 4,267 tertiary hospitals, the top level of its hospital system, including 1,975 at Grade 3A, the highest grade [3]. RFI notes that major hospitals have modernized quickly, with advanced equipment and services for international patients [1].
- Hospitals that see many patients. Tertiary hospitals recorded 3.04 billion patient visits in 2025 [3]. RFI reports that leading hospitals, notably in Beijing and Shanghai, have reached a very high level in several specialties, such as surgery and ophthalmology [1].
- Lower costs. RFI reports that some procedures can cost 10 to 20 times less than in the United States and remain well below private rates in Europe [1]. Official average figures are in the cost section below.
China is not right for everyone, and not every hospital is the same. RFI also points to wide differences in quality between hospitals [1], so the choice of hospital matters. That is why we suggest a hospital and department for your situation, and we take no commissions from hospitals.
Chinese cities are also building services for foreign patients. Shanghai's public hospitals served 73,200 foreign patients in 2025, up more than 8%, and 22 public institutions are approved as pilot sites for international medical tourism [4]. Beijing's city government publishes a medical guide for foreigners, listing hospitals with international departments [5].
When is the trip worth considering?
The trip is worth considering when care can wait for a planned journey and the patient is able to travel. We accompany patients who come for:
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Neck and back problems
- A full health check-up
- Orthopedics and joint replacement
- Dental care
- Serious illness needing support from start to finish
It is better not to travel if:
- It is an emergency. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital.
- The patient may not be fit to fly. Ask their doctor first.
- You are looking for a guaranteed result. Nobody can promise one, and that includes us.
How does China compare with other destinations?
Turkey, Thailand and India also draw many patients, and each has its strengths. Looking at the whole picture (cost, waiting times, hospital size and service), we believe China offers excellent value: large hospitals bring specialists and tests under one roof, waits are often short, and costs are generally lower than in the United States or in private care in Europe [1]. We work in China, so this is our view, not a ranking. Whether treatment is possible, and what result to expect, varies from case to case and is for doctors to judge.
What do families worry about most?
RFI reports that because of the language barrier, and because much of the administration is digital, many foreigners prefer to have someone with them [2]. These are the questions families ask themselves, and what we do about them.
We don't speak Chinese. What do we do? Your escort speaks with you in English or French, and in Chinese with the doctors and nurses.
Who looks after us at the hospital? Your escort stays with you for registration, consultations, tests and payment. During a hospital stay, your escort visits every day and talks with the medical team. Your escort is not there 24 hours a day.
How will I know what is happening if I am not there? During a hospital stay, the escort sends updates to the family. Packages include WhatsApp contact every day during the stay, 9:00 to 21:00 China time.
Who do we call in an emergency? Call 120, the emergency number in mainland China, or go to the hospital's emergency department. We are not an emergency service. Evening and urgent support is agreed with you in advance.
Will we be overcharged? You pay the hospital directly, and receipts are issued in your name. We take no commissions from hospitals, and our prices are published.
Will the reports be in Chinese? Yes, but after each visit you receive a short written summary in English or French.
Who follows up once we are home? We do, if you want it. Remote follow-up costs $95 per session, and the first session is included in packages. It helps you understand new reports, reminds you of check-ups and puts you back in touch with your hospital. It does not change your medicines or treatment.
We do not diagnose or prescribe, and we cannot guarantee a specific specialist or a medical outcome. The hospital's doctors decide your treatment.
How much does it cost in total?
There are three parts: hospital care, our services and travel.
As a guide, in 2025 an outpatient visit at a Chinese public tertiary hospital cost 382 yuan on average (about $55), and a hospital stay 11,540 yuan (about $1,650) [3]. These are national averages across all patients. International departments usually cost more, and your own costs depend on your case. The hospital sets them.
| What | How much |
|---|---|
| Hospital care, paid directly to the hospital | Depends on your case |
| Pre-trip coordination | $180, credited if you book a package or serious illness case management |
| Medical escort | $220 for a half day, $350 for a full day |
| Packages | $1,090 for 3–5 days, $2,290 for 7–10 days |
| Serious illness case management | From $2,400 |
| Flights and hotel, paid to the airline and hotel or to us at their price | Market price |
See our prices and how paying in China works.
How do you get started?
- Tell us what you need. The consultation is free.
- Get a recommendation and a quote: the hospital and department we suggest, roughly how long you may need in China, and our fee. We reply within 24 hours.
- We prepare your trip: your records, a summary in Chinese, your appointment and a schedule, within 5 working days of receiving your records.
- We go with you in China, at the hospital and when you pay.
- We stay in touch at home if you need follow-up.
Before you book flights, ask the patient's doctor whether they are fit to fly. We do not arrange medical flights or emergency evacuations. Visa rules depend on your nationality: see planning your trip.
Common questions
Can foreigners use public hospitals in China? Yes. Beijing's city government, for example, publishes a guide for foreign patients [5].
Is China right for my condition? It depends on your situation. Tell us what you need and we will suggest a hospital and department. We do not give medical advice, so please also ask your own doctor.
Do I need a Chinese bank account? No. See how paying in China works.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
Sources
- RFI. En Chine, un tourisme médical encore marginal mais en forte croissance. 22 April 2026 (in French). rfi.fr
- RFI. La Chine, nouvelle destination pour les patients étrangers en quête de soins. 21 July 2026 (in French). rfi.fr
- National Health Commission of China. 2025 Statistical Bulletin on Health Development (in Chinese). nhc.gov.cn
- Shanghai Municipal People's Government. Shanghai aims to strengthen global medical hub status. 5 March 2026. english.shanghai.gov.cn
- People's Government of Beijing Municipality. Medical Guide for Foreigners in Beijing. english.beijing.gov.cn