Preparing for a Medical Trip to China: What International Patients Should Know
Your complete preparation guide for a smooth, stress-free medical journey to China
Traveling to China for medical care—whether for a full checkup, a specialist visit, or a combined wellness journey—can be an excellent decision. China offers world-class hospitals, fast diagnostics, advanced technology, and access to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
But to make your trip smooth, efficient, and stress-free, proper preparation is essential. Here is your optimized guide to help you get ready.
1. Confirm Your Medical Purpose and Needs
Clarify what you are coming for:
- General health screening (体检)
- Specialist consultation
- Follow-up for chronic conditions
- TCM therapies (massage, cupping, acupuncture)
- A 5-day wellness journey (checkup + TCM + travel)
ChinaMed Waypoint Tip: Knowing your goals helps you choose the right hospital and schedule correctly. China enables same-day specialists and fast diagnostics—ideal for focused medical trips.
2. Choose the Right Hospital or Clinic
China has several excellent types of institutions:
Top-tier public hospitals (三甲医院)
- • Best for advanced diagnostics and specialist care
- • Fast but can be busy
Private international hospitals
- • Quieter, multi-lingual, more comfortable
- • Higher cost
Reputable TCM centers
- • Ideal for stress, chronic pain, digestive issues, sleep problems
- • Long-term wellness support
3. Prepare the Required Documents
Bring both digital + printed copies of:
- Passport
- Previous medical records
- CT/MRI/X-ray results
- List of medications
- Insurance details
- Emergency contacts
- Doctor's summary letter (if you have chronic conditions)
ChinaMed Waypoint can help organize and translate these documents if needed.
4. Bring Sufficient Medication
Some medications may not be available in China.
Bring:
- 2–4 weeks of medication
- Original packaging
- Doctor's note for controlled substances
5. Book Your Appointment in Advance
Unlike some countries, specialist visits in China must be booked in advance, especially in top-tier hospitals.
You should arrange:
- Appointment time
- Department & specialist
- Hospital location
- Required documents
- Payment method
If you need multiple tests, schedule them back-to-back to save time.
ChinaMed Waypoint Tip: We can handle registration (挂号), schedule all departments, and ensure your day flows smoothly.
6. Arrange Your Accommodation
Since medical visits often start early, book lodging near the hospital.
Ideal Options
- •Hotel within 5–15 minutes
- •High-quality serviced apartment
- •Clean Airbnb-style accommodation
Consider
- •Elevator access
- •Noise level
- •Distance to metro/taxi
- •Nearby pharmacies & supermarkets
If you prefer help, ChinaMed Waypoint can book recommended medical-friendly hotels for you.
7. Prepare for Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions, prepare in advance:
- Halal
- Vegetarian or vegan
- Gluten-free
- Food allergies (nuts, shellfish, dairy)
Prepare small Chinese-language food cards:
我不能吃花生。(I cannot eat peanuts.)
我只吃清真食品。(I only eat Halal food.)
我是素食者，不吃肉、鱼和蛋。(I am vegetarian.)
ChinaMed Waypoint can prepare a customized set of dietary cards in Chinese, ready for use during your trip.
8. Prepare for Language Needs
Not all hospitals have fluent English support.
You may need:
- A bilingual medical guide
- Translation help
- Support with test results
- Assistance communicating treatment plans
ChinaMed Waypoint Tip: We provide full bilingual medical concierge service from arrival to follow-up.
9. What to Pack for Your Medical Visit
- Passport
- Payment method (bank card / WeChat Pay / Alipay)
- Power bank
- Water + light snacks
- Comfortable clothing
- Folder for medical documents
- Loose clothing if doing TCM (cupping, acupuncture)
10. Understand Payment & Insurance
Most hospitals require upfront payment before tests.
International insurance may require:
- Hospitals with direct billing
- Or receipts for reimbursement
Important: Always ask for a fapiao (official receipt) for insurance reimbursement.
11. Combine Medical Care With Wellness & Travel
China is ideal for:
- Full-body checkups
- TCM wellness journeys
- Cultural experiences
- Nature retreats, hot springs
- Food and lifestyle optimization
Many visitors find that a medical trip becomes a refreshing, restorative experience.
Final Checklist Before You Fly
- Passport + medical documents
- Medications
- Hospital & specialist selected
- Appointment confirmed
- Hotel / accommodation booked
- Dietary restriction cards prepared
- Translation support arranged
- Payment method set
- Travel + wellness itinerary planned
💭 Final Thoughts
Proper preparation transforms a medical trip from potentially stressful to surprisingly smooth and even enjoyable. With China's combination of advanced healthcare, efficient systems, and wellness opportunities, international patients often discover a level of care and convenience they didn't expect.
Whether you're coming for a comprehensive checkup, specialist treatment, or a wellness journey combining modern diagnostics with Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking time to prepare ensures you get the most value from your visit.
✨ With the right preparation and support, your medical trip to China can be not just successful, but transformative for your health and wellbeing.
Need Help Preparing Your Medical Trip?
ChinaMed Waypoint assists international patients with complete medical travel support—from planning to execution.
We help with:
We'll help you prepare your medical trip—smoothly, safely, and stress-free.