⚠️ CRITICAL DISCLAIMER
This guide is for emergency preparedness reference only. NOT medical advice. In emergency, call 120 immediately.
Information may be outdated. Verify hospital services before relying. Follow instructions from healthcare professionals.
Medical Emergency Guide
Emergency numbers, hospitals with English support, what to expect
EMERGENCY: Call 120
These numbers work from any phone, even without SIM
How to Call 120
Language barrier reality: 120 operators primarily speak Chinese. English support is limited. Don't let this delay calling.
Step 1: Give Your Location
Or show written address to passerby to help call
Step 2: Describe Emergency
Can't Speak Chinese?
- Stay on the line - they may trace the call
- Ask passerby: "Please call 120 for me, emergency!"
- Send location to Chinese friend to call
- Hotel concierge handles this regularly
Hospitals with English Support
⚠️ Verify before relying: Services change. Call to confirm English support.
Beijing 北京
International Medical Department | Verify: 010-69156114
Private, English-speaking | Verify: 010-59277000
Shanghai 上海
International Medical Center | Verify: 021-52888111
Private, English-speaking | Verify: 021-51301999
🏥 Hospital Visit: Step by Step
Hospitals in China work differently than in Western countries. Here's what to expect:
Register at the Front Desk (挂号处)
Go to the registration counter and say: 我要挂号 (wǒ yào guà hào). Show your passport. They'll ask which department you need (内科 = internal medicine, 外科 = surgery, 急诊 = emergency).
Pay the Registration Fee
This is typically ¥10-50 ($2-7). You can pay with WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the doctor.
See the Doctor
Go to the department they assigned. Wait for your number to be called. Show the doctor your symptoms. Use Google Translate if needed. Common phrase: 我肚子疼 (wǒ dù zi téng = my stomach hurts), 我发烧 (wǒ fā shāo = I have a fever).
Pay for Tests & Medication
The doctor will give you a prescription and test orders. Take these to the payment counter (缴费处) to pay. In China, you pay first, then get the medicine. At international hospitals, they may bill you later.
Get Medicine & Go
Take your paid receipt to the pharmacy (药房, yào fáng). Hand them the receipt and they'll give you the medicine. For follow-up: ask the doctor for a 复诊单 (fù zhěn dān = follow-up form). For insurance claims: ask for a receipt in English 英文发票 (yīng wén fā piào).
Payment Without Chinese Insurance
Payment first: Public hospitals typically require payment before treatment (deposit), especially for foreigners.
Payment Methods
- WeChat Pay / Alipay
- International credit cards (at international hospitals)
- Cash (always accepted)
- Bank transfer (some hospitals)
With Travel Insurance
- Call insurance 24-hour hotline immediately
- They may provide direct billing
- Or pay first, claim later (keep ALL receipts)
- Get itemized bills in English
What to Bring to Hospital
Essential
- Passport (required for registration)
- Cash / Mobile payment (deposit)
- Current medications
- Known allergies list
If Possible
- Insurance card / policy number
- Chinese-speaking friend
- Medical history
- Vaccination records
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⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER
- This is NOT medical advice.
- Hospital information requires verification - call to confirm.
- In emergency, call 120 immediately.
- Information for reference only as of April 2026.
⚠️ Notice: Hospital English Support
Hospital English support services, staff availability, and international department operations may change without notice. Some hospitals listed may have discontinued English services or changed their policies for foreign patients. International departments may have limited hours or staff turnover. Please Verify before use.
Check: Call hospital's International Department before visiting; Visit: Hospital website English section