China
Insurance for Expats in China
Overview
China, the world’s most populous country at just over 1.33 billion people and second-largest economy, has become an increasingly popular destination for expatriates. With its rich cultural heritage, rapid economic growth, and diverse landscapes, China offers unique opportunities for foreigners looking to work, study, or retire.
Because of the large numbers of people living in the cities they are extremely busy and crowded places that are full of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. As of 2024, China hosts over 1 million expatriates, primarily concentrated in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These expats come from various countries, with the largest groups hailing from South Korea, the United States, Japan, and European nations.
The Chinese government has been actively working to improve living conditions for foreigners, implementing policies to streamline visa processes and enhance access to public services. However, navigating the country’s healthcare system and insurance landscape can be challenging for newcomers. Learn more about the healthcare system in China here. Moving to China can be both exciting and frustrating. Having an opportunity to live side by side with people from this strong and vivid culture provides expats with a vibrant experience that is enriched with an opportunity to learn from people who have a very different perspective on the world.
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China Health Insurance
When relocating to China, expat health insurance is a key item to research. The healthcare system in China is vast and varies greatly depending on whether you are in a large city or a rural area. With hit-or-miss medical care and unusual procedures that often confuse expatriates, holding an expat health insurance plan in China is essential. This will help keep your expenses down whilst having access to more reliable care by purchasing expat health insurance while in China.
Hospitals in China vary from state-of-the-art facilities to small public venues with unsafe conditions and dubious care. Doing study before you head to a medical facility is paramount, especially if you are staying in a rural area where health services can be scarce. Public hospitals generally do not accept health insurance in China, but the fees are quite low compared to what you might pay in a Western facility. Waiting times for treatment can be long, though, and depending on the hospital in question, medications and equipment may not be available.
Some public hospitals have VIP wards with better access to treatments and higher fees, but issues still arise often for foreigners. Public health insurance in China is mediocre and not particularly comprehensive. It can be fairly expensive, even for basic policies that don’t cover serious and chronic conditions. For this reason, private health insurance is the best option for expats. For expatriates in China, understanding the health insurance landscape is crucial. There are two main categories of health insurance available: local Chinese plans and international health insurance plans. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Local Chinese Health Insurance Plans:
- Social Health Insurance (SHI): The public insurance system for Chinese citizens and some foreign workers.
- Private Chinese Insurance: Plans offered by Chinese insurance companies specifically for foreigners.
| Feature | Social Health Insurance (SHI) | Private Chinese Insurance | International Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Coverage Network | Mainly public hospitals | Public and some private hospitals | Wide network including international hospitals |
| Language Support | Mainly Chinese | Some English support | Multilingual support |
| Coverage Limits | Generally lower | Moderate | Usually high |
| Overseas Coverage | No | Limited or none | Yes, often worldwide |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Usually not covered | Limited coverage | Often covered (with conditions) |
| Claim Process | Can be complex, in Chinese | Moderately easy | Usually straightforward |
| Evacuation/Repatriation | Not included | Rarely included | Often included |
| Customization | Limited | Some options | Highly customizable |
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Private Insurance in China
Expats should also be sure to ascertain which hospitals their insurance covers. Not all hospitals recognize all insurers, which is why expats should do some research before committing to a medical insurance policy.
Foreign-run hospitals are, in comparison, much more up-to-date, often employ Western doctors educated in more advanced techniques as well as Chinese physicians who received training in Europe and North America and accept expat health insurance in China. Fees in these hospitals are quite costly, so if you plan to visit, be sure that you understand the cost and whether they will accept your China international health insurance plan. Note that medical providers in China will not provide treatment until payment in full is made, or adequate medical insurance cover is established.
It’s important to note that as of 2024, some major Chinese cities have introduced minimum health insurance requirements for expatriates. Always check the specific regulations for your city of residence. Many expatriates find that a combination of local and international coverage provides the most comprehensive protection. Regardless of your choice, thoroughly review policy details, including coverage limits, exclusions, and claim processes.
Given the complexity and frequent changes in insurance regulations, it’s advisable to consult with an insurance broker or your employer’s HR department for personalized advice that takes into account your specific circumstances and the latest regulatory updates.
Best Health Insurance Providers in China
For expatriates living in China, selecting the right international health insurance is crucial for ensuring access to quality healthcare both within the country and abroad. Here are some of the best international health insurance companies for expats in China:
Cigna: Cigna offers comprehensive global health insurance plans with extensive coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, medical evacuation, and wellness benefits. They are known for their flexible plan options and a wide network of healthcare providers worldwide.
AXA: AXA is a leading global insurer offering plans that cover a wide range of medical needs, including preventative care, hospitalization, and specialist consultations. Their plans are known for being highly customizable to suit the needs of expatriates.
IMG: International Medical Group (IMG) offers a variety of plans for individuals and families, including coverage for emergency care, routine check-ups, and more. IMG is popular for its affordability and flexibility, making it a good choice for budget-conscious expats.
Allianz: Allianz provides comprehensive international health insurance with a focus on high-quality care and extensive global networks. Their plans often include optional add-ons like dental and optical care, making them a versatile choice for expats.
- Coverage network in your city of residence
- Claim process and ease of reimbursement
- Customer service quality and language support
- Policy flexibility and customization options
- Coverage limits and exclusions
- Direct billing arrangements with hospitals
It’s important to note that the “best” provider can vary depending on individual needs, budget, and specific circumstances. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from multiple providers and carefully compare policy details before making a decision. Additionally, some employers in China offer group health insurance plans for their expatriate employees. If this is available to you, it’s worth considering as it may offer good value and be tailored to local healthcare needs.
China Travel Insurance
China has always been rich in history and culture. Today, it has become a business hub as well as a place for where modern lifestyle meets ancient traditions. It’s a good place to visit if you’re planning for an Asian getaway vacation with the best value for your money. Since travelling to China is not without risks, it’s important that you travel with a travel insurance for China trips.
Travelling to China is generally safe. However, accidents still happen. You may suffer from medical emergencies, as well as mishaps and accidents. Good thing, there are plenty of insurance companies that will get you covered whenever you visit China. Insurers can provide coverage for emergencies, personal accidents, medical expenses, and loss of money and personal items. By getting the right insurance policy, you can enjoy the best that China has to offer.
To make your travel to China as smooth as possible, take out a travel insurance policy that covers everything you might need when you travel to China. We have listed the items below which we would recommend your plan includes.
- Personal Accident & Medical Expenses. With  this type of travel insurance, you get a coverage for both personal accident and medical expenses while you travel.
- Travel Inconveniences. This benefit of travel insurance for China covers lost baggage and personal items. Each item can be reimbursed for with some policies so read the details with each insurer. Some policies cover trip cancellation, delays, termination, and even cash outs due to delay. Advance of money and rental vehicles can also be covered.
- Emergency Assistance. Emergencies happen though we don’t ask for it. Travel insurance plans for China can cover personal liability. They can also cover almost everything from emergency dental expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation, hospital admission guarantee, ambulance service, medicine delivery, compassionate visit, care for unattended minor, and sports cover.
China Life Insurance
Life Insurance is something that is sometimes forgotten.  But before investing your family’s money, you first must cover the downside risks.  Few things are more down than an unexpected death. We have written on life insurance before, on how much coverage you should consider, but we thought it is worth having a look at the relative cost of a few example providers and giving a quick explanation of the differences.
Chinese insurance, from an expatriate perspective suffers from a couple of weaknesses.  It needs to be in RMB, which isn’t likely to be the currency your wife/family will need, it is hard to impossible to find coverage for more than 2 million RMB and it is far more expensive than other options.  At least 40-60% more expensive and it is also usually written on an annual renewal basis.  This means if you get sick in December your insurance company might decide not to offer you coverage in January when you renew.  That’s not much of a safety net.
Overseas based insurance is often the better option for most expatriates as they can cover them almost regardless of where they live. It can be cost competitive as the following table shows.
For expats in China, life insurance offers crucial financial protection, especially for those with dependents or ongoing financial commitments. While local policies may offer competitive rates, international plans often provide greater flexibility and portability – a key factor for expats who may relocate in the future. From straightforward term life policies to more complex whole life and universal life plans, the choices can seem overwhelming. However, with careful consideration of your long-term goals, family situation, and potential future moves, you can find a policy that offers peace of mind during your stay in China. Remember, the right life insurance plan acts as a financial safety net, allowing you to fully embrace your expat adventure while knowing your loved ones are protected. It’s important to note that life insurance regulations and options for foreigners in China can be complex and may change. It’s advisable to consult with a licensed insurance broker who specializes in expatriate insurance to get personalized advice.
