Frequently asked questions

Yes. International patients can be treated at Chinese hospitals, and many large hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu have international clinics or departments used to caring for foreign patients. A bilingual companion can help you choose a suitable hospital, register, and communicate with doctors.

Not necessarily. Some international clinics offer English-language consultations, but most departments operate in Chinese. This is exactly where a bilingual companion helps — they can interpret during your visit and handle registration and paperwork so the language gap doesn't get in the way of your care.

Dental care in China — including implants, crowns and orthodontics — is often significantly less expensive than in North America, Western Europe or Australia, while leading hospitals use comparable materials and techniques. Exact prices depend on the hospital, the materials chosen and your specific treatment, so it's best to get a quote from the hospital for your case.

TCM treatments such as acupuncture and tuina (manual therapy) are widely practiced in China within established, regulated hospitals. For the best experience, choose a reputable Grade-A TCM hospital with experienced, credentialed practitioners. A companion can help you find one and explain your condition accurately to the doctor.

A medical companion (sometimes called a patient navigator) is a bilingual person who helps you through your hospital visit in China: choosing the right hospital and department for your condition, booking and registering, interpreting between you and the doctor, and finding your way around an unfamiliar hospital. On CN Hospital Nav, you can describe what you need and a companion will reach out to help.

Mobile payment apps — Alipay and WeChat Pay — are used almost everywhere in China, and both now let international visitors link a foreign credit card. It's best to set these up before you arrive. Keep some cash as a backup, since a few places may still need it.

Many medical visits are made on a tourist (L) visa, while longer or treatment-specific stays may use a medical-type arrangement. Visa and visa-free transit rules change often and depend on your nationality, so always confirm the current requirements with an official source before booking.

Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu are home to some of China's most respected hospitals for dentistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The right choice depends on your specific treatment, so it helps to compare a hospital's flagship strengths — and a companion can recommend one based on your condition.