Refer China: Retired People Can Now Get Reimbursed for Prenatal Checkups in Beijing

City Shocks with a Surprise Policy

Beijing Shocks with a Surprise Policy: Retired People Can Now Get Reimbursed for Prenatal Checkups

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Wait—what? Retired people… and prenatal checkups?

Yes, you read that right.

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As 2026 begins, several Chinese cities—Beijing, Ningxia, and Fuzhou among them—are significantly expanding prenatal checkup reimbursement policies. Among the most surprising updates: retirees in Beijing are now eligible for prenatal exam reimbursements.

Starting January 1st, Beijing raised prenatal checkup coverage across all medical insurance types, including for groups traditionally excluded—such as freelancers, retirees, and insured residents. Under the new policy, female employees can receive up to 10,000 yuan for prenatal care. Retired women with Beijing's employee insurance are now included in this expanded safety net.

This move aims to reduce financial barriers and support diverse family planning needs. Some cities, like Huizhou and Fuzhou, already offer full reimbursement for working women's prenatal costs. Others, like Zhejiang and Ningxia, have introduced service packages or adjusted fund limits to further ease the burden.

When the news broke, it quickly ignited online buzz—not all of it serious.

"Wait... how old are these pregnant retirees supposed to be?"

"Retirees... getting prenatal checkups? I read that headline five times before I clicked in."

"I know all the words, but together they make no sense!"

These humorous, puzzled comments highlight the public's surprise at this seemingly unlikely combination: "retirement" and "prenatal."

Generally speaking, the standard retirement age for female enterprise employees is 55 years old for female cadres (in managerial or technical positions) and 50 years old for female workers (in production or operational roles). For certain special occupations, or in cases of illness or non-work-related disability resulting in complete loss of working ability, early retirement may be granted, possibly as early as 45 years old for women.

Source: 济南时报