Although China’s healthcare system is undergoing rapid development, it is still very different from the French system. Whether it’s the care provided, which still relies heavily on tradition, the consultations that take place in hospitals or the low reimbursements from the national health insurance… We take a look back at the specificities of
healthcare in China.
Health care in China
China’s healthcare sector is expanding. Like the rest of the country, it has been undergoing radical change over the last thirty years. The country is aiming for a universal healthcare system, divided into two parts depending on where you live. There is an urban system and a rural system. Membership of a basic health insurance scheme is compulsory for urban employees and employers. It is financed by employees, companies and the State. UEBMI stands for
Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance. A similar system covers children and inactive urban residents, known as URBMI (
Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance). Finally, rural residents benefit from basic medical insurance financed by the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS
). The majority of the population is now covered, but there are still inequalities and major disparities between rural and urban areas. Public facilities have developed in urban areas, but there are still too few in rural areas. This creates inequalities in healthcare across the country, and it is not uncommon for people to have to be transported to another locality or to
Hong Kong, depending on their symptoms or pathology, in order to receive proper treatment. Finally, it has to be said that the quality of healthcare is good, but still relies heavily on traditional medicine. The country is not up to Western standards.
Focus on traditional Chinese medicine or TCM
The treatments practiced are still very much based on traditional medicine,
alternative medicine and/or homeopathy, which is very different from the French system. The aim is not always to treat an illness with drugs or unnatural substances. Rather, the idea is to improve your well-being by, for example, prescribing sessions with an acupuncturist to rebalance your energies (or as a preventive measure). The principles of traditional Chinese medicine are based on the body’s energy and its balance. Qi is the vital energy that flows through your body. It is divided into Yin (negative, cold) and Yang (warmth and positivity). The idea is often to rebalance Yin and Yang to encourage the proper circulation of your vital energy. It’s a different, interesting and profound perception of medicine. That said, it may be at odds with your needs and expectations after an accident, for example.
Getting treatment in China
In China, general practitioners and specialists practice in hospitals. So, whether you need a consultation with a general practitioner or a specialist, you’ll have to go to hospital. The practice system is little-known in China, and it’s not possible to be treated at home. As a result, public hospitals are often overcrowded. It’s a first-come, first-served system, and waiting times can be long. Beyond that, the experience in general is often perceived as complicated for expatriates, not least because of the language barrier. In public hospitals, very few nursing staff speak English. It should be added that public hospitals are often divided in two: one part is reserved for locals and the other for VIPs or foreigners with English-speaking practitioners… But here, consultation prices are higher. Finally, the quality of care isn’t bad, it’s just different. To give you an example, there is no consultation room in China; everything is done in a main room. All this can be destabilizing, particularly in the event of an accident.
Expatriates, appointments in private establishments or reserved areas of public hospitals
In this sense, as an expatriate or during a trip to China, it’s advisable to head for the reserved areas of public hospitals or, better still, private hospitals. You’ll get better care and treatment, and the nursing staff are more likely to speak English. The only thing is that the cost of consultations in VIP areas of public hospitals or in private hospitals is higher. It’s expensive to get treatment in these establishments, and payment is usually required in advance. To give you an example, the price of consultations in public hospitals is around €2, whereas in VIP public hospitals or private hospitals, they range from €25 to €160 (depending on the establishment).
How do I get reimbursed?
In China, since 2011, it has been compulsory for foreign workers to be affiliated to the national health insurance scheme. That said, as we said, we recommend that you turn to private establishments for appropriate treatment, better communication with health care staff and supervision similar to that which you would find in Europe. And the Chinese health insurance system does not allow you to be reimbursed for all your expenses in private establishments. If you’re going on an expatriation assignment with a Chinese company, it’s advisable to ask your employer for a private supplementary health insurance plan. Similarly, if you’re going abroad with an international company or employer, it’s advisable to apply for the company’s coverage. Taking out complementary private insurance will enable you to benefit from reimbursements tailored to quality care.
Taking out international health insurance
International private insurance is the
most appropriate type of
health cover for expatriates in China. It allows you to benefit from quality care without excessive expenses. You’ll leave with peace of mind, in the event of an emergency and/or hospitalization, and you’ll benefit from quality care. You’ll be able to choose establishments where the staff speak English or even French. Don’t hesitate to ask your embassy for a list of establishments. Last but not least, international health insurance enables you to benefit from reimbursements outside the country. Even repatriation cover (for treatment in France or a neighboring country if necessary). Visit our website Santexpat.fr to find out more. Our team of experts will find the most appropriate healthcare organization for your situation.
