China

China’s healthcare system combines public healthcare infrastructure with private healthcare services. While some of the greatest medical expertise can be found in major public tertiary hospitals, such mainstream facilities can be extremely busy and challenging to navigate for foreigners. Eligibility for the public insurance system is strictly governed for expats and temporary residents and should not be assumed to be guaranteed.

For immigrants, the language barrier can be a hurdle when accessing medical care. Many prefer accessing healthcare at an international medical centre in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. While day-to-day care is much less expensive compared to Western Europe or the main centres of healthcare excellence in Asia, hospitalisation at an international hospital in one of the major cities can be as expensive as in some of the most expensive healthcare destinations globally.

Expatriates and international residents commonly use private healthcare and international medical insurance for broader provider access, shorter waiting times, and access to premium facilities within China and in Singapore.