How to Pay at Chinese Hospitals

Paying for medical care in China works differently from most Western countries. The biggest difference: public hospitals require you to pay before treatment, not after. Understanding the system in advance will save you stress and delays on the day.

How Payment Works — The Basic Flow

In Chinese hospitals, the payment flow is:

1. Register at the front desk or kiosk (registration fee: ¥20–50 general, ¥100–500 specialist, ¥500–2,000 VIP/international)
2. See the doctor — consultation, examination, diagnosis
3. Receive a prescription or procedure order — the doctor enters it into the hospital system
4. Pay at the cashier — take your order slip to the payment window, self-service kiosk, or pay via mobile app
5. Receive treatment — return to the relevant department with your paid receipt

This "pay-before-treatment" model applies to public hospitals. Private international hospitals typically bill after treatment, similar to Western clinics.

Payment Methods at Chinese Hospitals

Mobile Payment (WeChat Pay & Alipay) — Recommended

Mobile payment is the dominant payment method in China. Most hospital cashiers, kiosks, and pharmacies accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. Setting this up before you arrive is strongly recommended.

Alipay for foreigners:

• Download the Alipay app and register with your passport
• Link an international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover)
• Single transaction limit: US$5,000; annual limit: US$50,000
• Alternative: Use the TourCard (prepaid virtual card) — requires passport, limit of ¥10,000 per 180-day period

WeChat Pay for foreigners:

• Open WeChat → Me → Wallet → Add Card
• Link an international Visa or Mastercard and upload your passport photo
• Per transaction limit: ¥6,000; monthly limit: ¥50,000; annual limit: ¥60,000

Tip: Set up both apps before you travel. Some hospital kiosks only accept one or the other.

Bank Cards

• UnionPay cards are accepted at virtually all hospital POS terminals across China
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most international/private hospitals and some public hospital international departments, but do not rely on them at regular public hospital cashier windows
• ATMs at airports and major banks (ICBC, Bank of China, CCB) dispense CNY and accept international cards (2–3% foreign transaction fee typical)

Cash (CNY)

Bring some cash as backup. While mobile payment dominates, cash is still accepted at all hospital cashiers. Useful for pharmacies, taxis, and smaller clinics. Airport currency exchanges and ATMs are available at all international airports.

Public Hospitals vs. Private Hospitals

Public Hospital (Standard & International Departments)

• Pay before treatment — always
• Registration fees: ¥20–500 depending on doctor level
• International departments charge 2–5x standard rates but offer English service, shorter waits, and better facilities
• Payment methods: WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay, cash. Some international departments accept Visa/Mastercard
• Keep every receipt — you will need them for insurance reimbursement
• Self-service kiosks accept WeChat/Alipay and sometimes UnionPay

Private International Hospitals (United Family, Jiahui, Raffles, Parkway)

• Often bill after treatment (similar to Western clinics)
• Accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash
• If you have international insurance with a direct billing agreement, the hospital bills your insurer directly — you may pay only a copay
• Itemized English-language receipts available for insurance claims

Getting Money in China

• Best option: Set up Alipay and/or WeChat Pay before arrival
• ATMs: Available at airports, banks, and shopping malls. Bank of China and ICBC ATMs are most reliable for international cards
• Currency exchange: Available at airports, major hotels, and Bank of China branches. Rates are government-regulated and fair
• How much cash to bring: ¥2,000–5,000 (US$280–700) as backup is usually sufficient

Tipping

Tipping is not expected or customary in Chinese hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. Do not tip doctors, nurses, or staff.

Getting Receipts for Insurance

If you plan to claim reimbursement from your insurance:

• Request a 发票 (fāpiào) — the official Chinese tax receipt — at the cashier
• Ask for an itemized English receipt at international departments or private hospitals
• Keep all documentation: registration slips, prescriptions, test results, and payment receipts
• Photograph everything as backup

Last updated: March 2026.