Refer China: Foreigners Seek Medical Care in China for Affordability and Efficiency

Foreign patients are choosing Chinese hospitals for lower costs, shorter waits, and advanced treatments. Visa-free policies facilitate this trend, with many sharing positive experiences online comparing prices and speed favorably to Western systems.

In recent years, China has seen a growing influx of foreign travelers, with more people now visiting specifically for medical treatment—a trend further boosted by the country's relaxed visa policies.

This composite image shows eight people who have travelled to China for medical treatment. Photo: Baidu

The phenomenon recently gained attention online after overseas bloggers shared their experiences at Chinese hospitals.

One prominent case involves Amie, a British woman who traveled to China last December for a long-standing stomach issue. Faced with extended waiting lists under the UK's public healthcare system, she flew to Beijing and booked an appointment at a major hospital.

Many foreigners, including the man on the right, say treatment in China is better and cheaper than at home. Photo: Baidu

The next day, she consulted a doctor, underwent blood tests and an electrocardiogram, and later received a gastroscopy, during which several polyps were removed. According to her widely shared videos, the entire process—from consultation to receiving her report—took just 12 days.

Her total medical cost came to 2,800 yuan (US$400), a stark contrast to the £3,000–£5,000 (US$4,000–7,000) charged for a single endoscopy at a private clinic in the UK.

"I am really impressed. This is so efficient," Amie said. "This medical trip is so worthwhile."

Such medical journeys have become more feasible thanks to China's visa‑free policies, which currently allow 240‑hour transit stays for passport holders from 55 countries and full visa‑free entry for residents of 48 others.

Tourists from Italy visit Shanghai's Bund area. The city is home to some of the country's top hospitals. Photo: Xinhua

Foreign netizens have been comparing medical costs between China and Western countries. For instance, a standard heart examination in China costs around US$75, while in the United States, the same procedure could run between US$10,000 and US$20,000 without insurance.

An emergency visit in China—including ambulance transport, blood tests, and treatment—averages about US$144. In the US, an ambulance ride alone can cost thousands without coverage.

Even an X‑ray check‑up, priced at just US$19 in China, stunned one American social media user: "A medical toy in a supermarket costs more than this."

Long waits abroad also drive patients eastward. One internet user shared: "In the UK, I waited three months for an urgent scan, then another month for the doctor to call and discuss results." Another added wryly: "In Canada, your broken bone reattaches itself before any doctor shows up."

Some come for China's advanced expertise in certain specialties. In January, Kevin, a Chinese‑Canadian physician practicing in Vancouver, brought his 10‑year‑old daughter to Shanghai's renowned Ruijin Hospital for pancreatic treatment.

After consulting doctors in Canada, the US, and Japan—all of whom recommended removing her spleen along with the tumor—Kevin searched online and found patient testimonials highlighting Ruijin Hospital's organ‑preserving approach.
On January 10, surgeons successfully performed the operation while sparing her spleen. His daughter recovered well and was discharged shortly after.

"The total cost was 160,000 yuan (US$23,000), which is completely acceptable to us," Kevin told Shanghai's Wen Hui Bao.
"Pancreatic surgeons at Ruijin Hospital are world‑class. The hospital excels not only in surgical techniques but also in medical philosophy, equipment operation, and nursing care," he added.

Currently, the top three medical services sought by foreigners in China are dental care, ophthalmology, and traditional Chinese medicine physiotherapy—including massage, acupuncture, and cupping.