Frequently Asked Questions

Our professional medical team personally evaluates and selects every hospital in our directory. We assess clinical outcomes, international department quality, language support capabilities, patient experience for foreign visitors, and ease of access. We exclusively recommend Grade 3A hospitals — the highest tier in China's hospital grading system — and many of our listed hospitals also hold JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation. Our team regularly visits these hospitals to maintain up-to-date information about their services and capabilities.

Grade 3A (三级甲等 or '三甲') is the highest classification in China's hospital grading system. To earn this designation, a hospital must score above 900 out of 1,000 points across categories including patient safety, medical technology, hospital management, and service quality. Only about 1,700 hospitals in China (less than 5% of all hospitals) hold Grade 3A status. These hospitals typically have 1,000+ beds, employ thousands of medical professionals, and handle the most complex medical cases. All hospitals in our directory hold Grade 3A certification.

JCI (Joint Commission International) is the world's most recognized healthcare quality accreditation body. A JCI-accredited hospital has been independently verified to meet over 1,100 international standards covering patient safety, infection control, medication management, and clinical care quality. About 60 hospitals in mainland China hold JCI accreditation. For international patients, JCI accreditation provides additional confidence that the hospital meets global healthcare standards, similar to what you'd expect in your home country. We clearly indicate JCI accreditation status for each hospital in our directory.

Most Grade 3A hospitals in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) have dedicated international departments with English-speaking coordinators and medical interpreters. Many specialist physicians also speak English, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and neurosurgery departments. In addition to hospital-provided language support, our team arranges professional medical interpreters for every international patient to ensure clear communication throughout the treatment process — from initial consultation to discharge planning.

The specialty rankings in our directory are primarily based on the Fudan Hospital Ranking, published annually by Fudan University's Hospital Management Research Institute. This ranking system evaluates hospitals by specialty using peer review from approximately 6,000 medical experts across China. The evaluation considers clinical outcomes, research output, case volume, and innovation. Our team supplements these rankings with our own assessment of international readiness and patient experience for foreign visitors.

Savings vary significantly by treatment type, but international patients typically save 50-70% compared to European prices. For example, CAR-T cell therapy costs approximately ¥200,000-500,000 ($28,000-70,000) in China, compared to €250,000-350,000 in Europe — a savings of 65-75%. Surgical procedures typically offer 50-60% savings. Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, PET-CT) can be 60-80% less expensive. These savings come from lower operating costs and government subsidies to hospitals, not from lower quality of care. All prices on our platform are estimates for reference purposes.

Many of the hospitals in our directory accept international health insurance, particularly those with JCI accreditation. However, coverage depends on your specific insurance policy and the hospital. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before making travel arrangements to confirm coverage for treatment in China. Our team can provide itemized cost estimates and pre-authorization documentation to help you navigate the insurance process. For patients without applicable insurance, hospitals typically require upfront payment, and we can help arrange payment plans for major treatments.

Yes, you should budget for several additional expenses: travel (flights, local transportation), accommodation (¥200-800/night depending on city and hotel standard), meals, visa fees ($140-320), travel insurance, and potential costs for a companion or caregiver. Some hospitals offer accommodation packages for international patients. Our team provides comprehensive cost estimates that include these additional expenses, so you can plan your budget accurately before making any commitments.

Absolutely. Once we receive your medical records and understand your treatment needs, our team works with the hospital to provide a detailed cost estimate. This typically includes hospital fees, physician fees, medication costs, diagnostic tests, and estimated length of stay. Estimates are provided within 3-5 business days. Please note that final costs may vary based on the actual treatment protocol determined after in-person consultation. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate.

For medical treatment stays of up to 6 months, you typically need an S2 visa (short-term private visit). Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry for up to 15-30 days, which may be sufficient for shorter treatments or initial consultations. Our team assists with the entire visa process, including arranging an official hospital invitation letter — the most important document for your visa application. We also review your application documents before submission to ensure completeness. Visa processing typically takes 4-5 business days, so we recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date.

The duration depends entirely on your treatment type. Initial consultations and diagnostic workups typically require 3-5 days. Surgical procedures require 1-3 weeks (including pre-operative assessment and post-operative recovery). CAR-T cell therapy requires approximately 6-8 weeks (including the manufacturing period). Radiation courses typically require 5-7 weeks for daily treatments. Our team provides a personalized timeline estimate based on your specific treatment plan. We also help arrange comfortable accommodation for extended stays.

We arrange airport pickup for all international patients arriving at major Chinese airports (Beijing PEK/PKX, Shanghai PVG/SHA, Guangzhou CAN, Chengdu TFU). Our multilingual coordinator meets you at arrivals with a name sign and escorts you to your hotel or directly to the hospital. For patients who prefer to arrange their own transportation, major Chinese airports have English-signposted taxi queues, ride-hailing apps (DiDi), and airport express trains. We provide detailed transportation guides for each city.

Contact our team with your medical records (diagnosis reports, imaging, pathology results). Within 48 hours, we'll match you with the most appropriate hospital and specialist for your condition. Once you confirm, we arrange the hospital appointment, secure an invitation letter for your visa application, and coordinate your entire treatment timeline. You don't need to contact the hospital directly — we handle all communication, scheduling, and logistics. Our service for the initial consultation and matching is free of charge.

Yes, we strongly encourage bringing a companion for emotional support and practical assistance. Most hospitals allow one companion to stay with patients in their room (particularly in VIP/international wards). Companions can use the same hospital invitation letter for their visa application and we can arrange adjacent hotel rooms for those who prefer not to stay in the hospital. Our team also provides support to companions during the treatment process, including city orientation and emergency contacts.

Before departure, your Chinese medical team prepares a comprehensive treatment summary and follow-up care plan in English. This includes your diagnosis, treatments received, medications prescribed, and recommended follow-up schedule. We arrange a video consultation with your Chinese physician 2-4 weeks after you return home, and coordinate with your local healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care. For treatments requiring ongoing monitoring (like post-CAR-T follow-up), we facilitate regular remote consultations between your Chinese and local doctors.

China's top-tier hospitals (Grade 3A) meet international standards, with many holding JCI accreditation — the same quality benchmark used in the US and Europe. The country has a well-established medical infrastructure with modern facilities and experienced specialists. China's major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) are among the safest in the world, with extremely low crime rates and excellent public safety. As with any international medical travel, proper planning and research are essential. Our team provides end-to-end support including emergency contacts, local SIM cards, and 24/7 assistance during your stay.

All hospitals in our directory have established protocols for managing complications. Grade 3A hospitals have 24/7 ICU capabilities, on-call specialist teams, and comprehensive emergency services. Before treatment begins, your medical team will discuss potential risks and the hospital's management protocols. If complications occur after returning home, we facilitate immediate communication with your Chinese medical team and can arrange emergency return travel if necessary. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation.

We recommend checking the following: (1) Government Grade — confirm the hospital holds Grade 3A certification, (2) JCI Accreditation — check on JCI's official website, (3) Specialty Rankings — review the hospital's specialty rankings in the Fudan Hospital Ranking, (4) Doctor Credentials — our team provides detailed background information on recommended specialists, including their training, research publications, and case experience. We can also arrange a preliminary video consultation with your doctor before you commit to traveling.