Travel insurance for China: the language barrier, hospitals and what to check

How treatment of foreigners works, why interpreter help matters and which policy terms are important on a long-distance trip.

China is huge, and a trip often covers several cities, high-speed trains and flights. Healthcare there is strong, but for a tourist the main difficulty is language: in ordinary hospitals staff may not speak English, and registration and payment go through local systems. Clinics for foreigners and international departments are easier, but they cost more.

What you need from a policy

A sufficient treatment limit, direct payment to the clinic or quick compensation and, above all, a 24-hour assistance line in a language you understand that can help with interpreting and booking. Check evacuation and repatriation: transport between cities and countries is expensive.

Medicines and documents

Take the medicines you need in original packaging and a prescription or letter in English, plus copies of your policy and passport. A passport is usually needed to be seen at a hospital. Keep receipts and discharge notes: without them a refund is impossible.

What else to check

Dates with a margin, the deductible, exclusions for chronic conditions, activities such as trekking and high-altitude trips, and trip cancellation. This is general information, not a recommendation of a company. Below is a partner insurance card (advertising): compare terms, not only price.