Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about cross-border medical care in China.
Visa & Travel
01What visa do I need for medical treatment in China?+
Most foreign patients should apply for an M visa (business visa) for medical treatment purposes. You'll need: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), completed visa application form, recent passport photo, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and a medical invitation letter from the admitting hospital. Processing typically takes 4-7 business days.
02How long does it take to get the medical invitation letter?+
Once you confirm your treatment plan with a hospital, the invitation letter is typically issued within 3-7 business days. Urgent cases can be expedited. We coordinate with the hospital throughout this process to minimize delays.
03Can family members accompany me?+
Yes. Family members can apply for S2 visas (short-term private visit) to accompany you during treatment. We can assist with the documentation needed for companion visa applications as well.
Hospital & Treatment
01How do I choose the right hospital and specialist?+
Rather than focusing solely on overall hospital rankings, we help you identify the best specialty department for your specific condition. We consider factors including the department's clinical outcomes, specialist expertise, treatment costs, location, and your personal preferences. Within 3-7 days of receiving your case details, we provide 2-3 matched options.
02What medical records should I bring?+
Bring: passport copy, complete medical history, all imaging studies (CT, MRI, X-ray — preferably DICOM format), pathology reports, lab test results, current medication list, and any previous treatment/surgery records. While many foreign reports are accepted for initial consultation, some key diagnostic tests may need to be repeated at the admitting hospital per Chinese medical regulations.
03Can I book appointments without a Chinese ID?+
Absolutely. Most Grade A tertiary hospitals have international departments that accept passport-based registration. We handle the entire booking process on your behalf — no Chinese ID, phone number, or local bank account needed.
Cost & Payment
01How much does medical treatment cost in China?+
Costs vary significantly depending on the hospital, specialist, and treatment complexity. Generally, treatment in China ranges from 30-70% less than comparable care in Western countries. We provide detailed cost estimates after receiving your case details and hospital matching. Note: costs typically include consultation fees, procedure/surgery fees, hospital stay, and medication.
02What payment methods are accepted?+
Most international hospital departments accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), wire transfers, and cash (RMB). Some also accept WeChat Pay and Alipay linked to international cards. We'll advise you on the preferred payment method for your chosen hospital.
03Is international health insurance accepted?+
Some Chinese hospitals have direct billing arrangements with major international insurers. For others, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before traveling. We can assist with providing the documentation your insurer requires.
Our Services
01What is a proxy consultation?+
A proxy consultation allows our bilingual coordinator to bring your complete medical records to the hospital, present your case to the specialist, and return with translated consultation notes, treatment recommendations, and any follow-up instructions — without requiring you to travel. This is ideal for initial assessments, second opinions, and follow-up questions.
02What happens during on-site medical interpretation?+
Our certified medical interpreter accompanies you to every medical interaction: outpatient consultations, physical examinations, diagnostic tests, hospital admission procedures, ward rounds, and discharge instructions. They ensure accurate two-way communication between you and the medical team, and provide written summaries of each session.
03How does the post-op follow-up service work?+
After you return home, we maintain contact with your treating physician in China. We translate follow-up reports, help answer medication questions, and coordinate any necessary follow-up appointments — including virtual consultations when available. We typically follow up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment.