Illness or trauma during the trip is always unpleasant. But it still can be more disheartening. Especially when one is facing Chinese medicine. Although the government puts lots of effort into modernizing, the brunch still has lots of bugs. Lack of qualified professionals, overflow of patients (Chinese people go to see the doctor at the slightest signs of illness), and popularity of the traditional methods turn medical check-ups into an extreme quest. For foreigners, it can be mission impossible due language barrier.

What if urgent medical care is needed 

The easiest and the most obvious way - is to contact the organization which invited visa applications. It can be a travel agency, private citizen or company, governmental establishment, etc. By PRC's law, the organization mentioned is obliged to provide medical care in case of emergency.

If this method is unavailable, one may use the following alternatives:

• Dial the first aid number: 120 or 999 (for Beijing). Note that there are no ambulances in China (except resuscitation vehicles). If one cannot get to the medical institution on his/her own the taxi will be sent. 
• Get in touch with the international first aid center under the Ministry of Health of PRC: 64001746.
• Call a taxi and get to the destination point. The driver would understand the English word “hospital” and the Chinese “Tijuana” (医院). 
• Contact the embassy of your home country. Within the framework of their authority, the consular staff will help with the rights and interest protection. 

The cost and conditions for medical care provision

All medical procedures for foreigners in China are fee-based. Once in the clinic, one must pay for registration (30$ USD approx). The staff will make a medical file and medical history. Afterward, one will be sent to see the doctor. The price of the visit may vary from 15 to 35$ USD. If any lab work is required, one will be able to pass the necessary procedures at the appointed time with the paid receipts at hand. 

The average price for in-patient treatment can shift from 450 to 1800 USD. Yet the foreigners will be charged the maximum tariff. In case of urgent hospitalization, one is obliged to pay a deposit that equals the estimated cost of treatment. The sum must be carried in the Chinese national currency (yuan, CNY). Also one will have to pay for the interpreter's services separately. The assistance of the traditional medicine expert will cost from 20 to 50$ USD per visit. 

Is there any insurance? 

Chinese law does not presume to get or have medical insurance for visa applications. It is recommended, but not demanded. Usually, the insurance covers force-majeure cases only. But there can be additional options and additional protection can be a great deal to save one's health, nerves, and finances.