All you need to know about
health insurance in China

Mutuelle Chine: understanding the health and insurance system

Since 2009, China has been gradually improving its healthcare system with the Healthy China 2020initiative , aiming for broader medical coverage for all. But if you’re an expatriate or planning to move to China, it’s important to understand how healthcare works there. Between cultural differences and the limits of local coverage, a suitable mutual insurance company will give you access to the best care with complete peace of mind.

The Chinese healthcare system: a mixed structure

China’s healthcare system is based on a mix of public and private services. Public hospitals are in the majority, offering affordable care. However, quality can vary from one establishment to another, waiting times are sometimes long and the language barrier complicates access to care for non-Chinese-speaking expatriates.

To overcome these challenges, some major cities offer international clinics, also known as VIP services. These establishments guarantee a more comfortable environment and English-speaking staff, facilitating access to care for expatriates. The quality of service is high, often close to Western standards. This comfort comes at a price, and consultations are much more expensive than in public hospitals.

Health insurance in China: local and international options

China has several basic medical insurance schemes:

• Medical insurance for salaried workers (UEBMI): compulsory for all employees, including expatriates with work permits.
• Health insurance for unemployed urban residents (URBMI ): mainly covers children, the elderly and the unemployed living in the city.
• The New Cooperative Rural Medical Scheme (NCMS): specially designed for people living in rural areas, where access to healthcare may be more limited.

Although these health schemes cover a large proportion of the Chinese population, their coverage remains limited, particularly for care in private or international establishments.

This is why many expatriates opt for international health insurance. It enables them to access quality care in private hospitals, consult specialists without delay, and even benefit from medical evacuation if necessary. A reassuring solution for living in China with peace of mind!

Why take out international health insurance in China?

Quality care in China, particularly in private or international establishments, can be expensive. For example, a consultation with a specialist in a private hospital can cost between 600 and 2,100 CNY (around 76 to 270 euros).

International health insurance covers :

• Access quality care without worrying about high costs.
• Benefit from services in your native language or in English.
• Coverage when traveling outside China.

For expatriates, taking out international health insurance is not a luxury, but a real necessity if you want to live in China with peace of mind. It provides access to quality care without worrying about the constraints of the local system.

Despite the country’s advances in healthcare, certain limitations remain, particularly in terms of care in private and international hospitals. Good health coverage guarantees care tailored to your needs, and avoids unpleasant surprises in the event of unforeseen medical circumstances.