Are you a recent immigrant to China for work or living? You will most likely need to have health insurance.
There are many options when it comes to China’s health insurance. There are many options for insurance in China. You can choose from local, offshore, group, or social security insurance. Also, you have insurance that you receive through your work. Not all insurance is the same. Even if your company offers health insurance, you might need additional insurance. Find the best China health insurance for expats. Get it fast and easily. Health insurance in China for foreigners are here to help.
What does all this have to do about Health Insurance?
It’s good to know
You will see the importance of money when you visit a clinic or hospital in China. They will ask for a deposit if you are a foreigner. If you don’t have valid insurance, they can quickly verify your coverage status. It doesn’t matter whether you are at a public or private hospital.
If it isn’t life-threatening, such as a broken arm, they will let you wait until someone pays you up front or your insurance clears. You should always have an emergency fund, or a credit card, available. They will take you in if you are in a life-threatening condition. Hospitals are prohibited from letting you die. This means that you won’t receive full attention or complete treatment until the details of who will pay and what benefits are covered are clarified. China’s healthcare system is not cheap. Private healthcare in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macao, is expensive.
Examine your existing insurance
Check with your insurance provider before you travel to China. They will tell you if China is covered and what special terms are applicable.
If you have a global insurance plan, there is usually no problem covering China. It is a good idea to compare the options for onshore China insurance plans with your existing plan. Onshore plans often provide direct billing services for general and outpatient visits. These services are not available to international insurance companies yet, although some may be able to bill for specific clinics in major cities. You can also transfer international insurance plans to a China-onshore plan. However, not all insurance companies offer this option as only a few companies have options for China.
How does China’s Health Insurance Work?
To understand China’s hospital system, it is important to be familiar with the details. You can also save a lot of money.
China has three levels of public hospitals. Generally speaking, you won’t want go to tier-3. These hospitals don’t usually offer private insurance but only social insurance. Tier-three hospitals are the only option if you live in rural areas or smaller cities. These hospitals are often excluded from insurance coverage by some companies because of their low standards.
You don’t need to be worried, as all Chinese cities have tier-one and tier-2 hospitals that provide excellent healthcare. Because the costs are lower and the quality of care is comparable to private hospitals, VIP sections in public hospitals can be a great alternative to private ones. Private clinics tend to be more equipped than private ones, and some private clinics have a feel that is closer to five-star hotels.
Different people may have different experiences, especially when they are in different parts of China. The VIP section at a Tier-two hospital in Shanghai may be better than that at a Hefei tier-one hospital. English is not usually a problem in VIP areas. However, it will be an issue if the hospital’s location is in Beijing or Chengdu. All Chinese insurance companies and some international insurers distinguish between standard private facilities as well as high-cost clinics and hospitals in China. The most expensive providers can be found in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as Singapore.
Types of insurance
China opened their market for health insurance in 2000 to foreign investors and companies. What does this all mean for you? You have more options for insurance.
International Insurance
Expats can purchase international insurance, just like in other countries. Both have their pros and cons, and it all depends on your particular situation.
International insurance is also known as expat insurance, or offshore insurance.
International insurance can be expensive. However, it is possible to get lower rates if you compare the benefits with local insurance.
It’s also easier to keep your insurance if you move to another country. Although there are many Chinese medical insurance plans that can be transferred to other nations, it is more difficult to transfer to an international one.
It’s not easy to transfer medical insurance from China to other countries.
Private insurance
What is private insurance? Many international insurance companies offer local insurance for expats living in China, as I have already mentioned. They are licensed through the China Insurance Regulation Commission.
These companies offer many insurance plans. While some plans provide coverage for all hospital expenses, others only provide for basic care at Chinese public hospitals. To obtain insurance licenses in China, foreign insurance companies were required to join forces with Chinese insurance companies. These partnerships are typically 50/50, but they can change and have no impact on your coverage.
There are many 100% Chinese-owned semi-private and private insurance companies, in addition to the international companies. The government may partly own semi-private insurance businesses. Each local insurance company has its strengths and weaknesses. There is no one best option for expats living in China. It all depends on your personal circumstances.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is required if you plan to travel to China. You will be asked about health insurance when applying for all types of visas.
Without valid travel insurance, your visa may be denied.
After you receive your work visa, you must register in China and obtain your residence permit. You can no longer travel and are therefore not covered by any travel insurance. Some people still believe that purchasing travel insurance for China while you work there is the best way to go. It’s true that travel insurance companies don’t usually check small claims very often, but they will for large claims.
They will verify every detail if you can’t really rely on them. An insurance company for travel will not pay if they find any reason. A good reason to not pay is working in China or being a Chinese resident. Travel insurance is intended to cover you when you travel out of your home country, not your place of residence.
