Healthcare in China
China's healthcare system is inconsistent. Rural centres often lack the modern equipment and training of urban hospitals. Even public urban hospitals are often not as reliable as what expats expect from medical services in the west. There is little standardization of facility quality and even doctors can have varying degrees of education and competence. Private hospitals are much better and in toe with western standards and are often staffed by foreign doctors and specialists. For any major operation or emergency expats should go to private medical hospitals or clinics.
As China tries to breath new life into its listless national healthcare system, public hospitals have begun to charge for services. This has led to confusion as there isn't a nationally recognised private health insurance provider. While it is extremely important that expats have health insurance, initial costs may be paid for by the individual before the medical services are provided and then recouped later with the expat's insurance provider. Expats can expect to pay much less in Chinese public hospitals than in western hospitals, even in certain VIP sections with modern equipment and English speaking doctors. Private clinics and hospital costs will be on par with western medical payments.There are many companies that cater to expat health needs in China. These include needed medical costs and evacuations. Expats will often be issued foreign health insurance from their overseas company. Some Chinese company healthcare insurance plans are not as extensive as western companies. It is important that expats research the best hospitals and clinics in their area. Expats can also experience popular traditional Chinese medicine practices such as acupuncture, massage, herbal treatments and acupressure.
Chinese insurance broker: www.pacificprime.com/countries/china
Insurance provider: www.globalsurance.com/resources/china/index.php
China expat insurance: www.china-health-insurance.com
Insurance provider: www.globalsurance.com/resources/china/index.php
China expat insurance: www.china-health-insurance.com
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