How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician in Beijing

Tools:

In general, medical staff are plentiful. Most Chinese doctors and nurses do not speak English, even in large cities. However, they are used to improvising communication and will do their best to make themselves understood. There are also facilities dedicated to foreigners as well as modern gaogan bingfang departments in hospitals.

In most cases, you will visit a clinic or hospital when you have an issue. If you need a house visit by a doctor, you may contact the relevant hospital and request the hospital to arrange for it.

The Health care System

The Ministry of Health of the State Council oversees the health services system, which includes a substantial rural collective sector but little private sector. Nearly all the major medical facilities are run by the government.

Despite the introduction of western style medical facilities and continuing modernization, the PRC has several public health problems. These are complicated by problems with pollution, a progressing HIV-AIDS epidemic, hepatitis B endemic, millions of cigarette smokers, and increasing obesity. There have also been well-publicized outbreaks of avian flu and streptococcus suis bacteria.

Health Certificate

In order to get a Residence Permit, all foreigners must apply for a Health Certificate at a government-appointed Health Check Center. The physical examination includes a general check-up, blood pressure and pulse reading, height and weight measurements, ICG, chest X-ray and AIDS and syphilis tests. It usually takes seven working days to process the Health Certificate.

    The required documents are:
  • Passport
  • 4 recent passport photos
  • Completed Health Certificate Application Form
  • Copy of your employer’s Business Registration Certificate

Update 12/05/2011


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Expatriate health insurance in China

With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Beijing is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in China So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!

Cigna Logo

Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.

Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to China. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in China, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.

Getting a health insurance quote

Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.

Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about how to find a general practitioner, doctor, physician in Beijing, healthcare.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Beijing

Download the guide: Beijing, China
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon