Your Health Journey to
China Starts Here
Surgery in China for Foreigners — Top-Tier (3A) Hospitals at a Fraction of US & UK Prices
China's top-tier hospitals, experienced specialists, and transparent pricing — with a dedicated care team at every step.
Independent by design — one dedicated case manager from first message to follow-up, and every payment you make goes directly to the hospital or the booking platform.
$75
Heart checkup (basic cardiac workup — ECG, echo, consult)
48h
Personal reply, free of charge
1
dedicated case manager, start to finish
Sources: City News Service / Phoenix Weekly
Why China?
Advanced medical care at a fraction of the cost — with transparent, upfront pricing. Patients typically save 70-85% vs. US/UK private prices.
US / UK Private
- High overhead costs
- Long waits on public systems — NHS England referral-to-treatment statistics
- Limited transparency
China (Top-Tier Hospitals)
- Nationally accredited excellence
- Specialist consultation pre-arranged — typically seen within 48 hours of arrival (details in FAQ)
- Fixed, all-inclusive pricing
- Full transparency & case manager
China's Tier 1 City Hospitals — Carefully Arranged
Top-tier (3A) hospitals in coastal Tier 1 cities — direct flights from across the globe.
These hospitals offer dedicated international medical departments, English-speaking staff, and transparent self-pay pricing.
A named specialist team matched to your condition — hospital and specialist names are shared with you privately once we've matched your case.
850+
Medical institutions across 57 Chinese cities providing international medical services
3A
China's Highest Hospital Grade
Free
Initial consultation
Sources: Chinese Hospital Association 2024 report (via Xinhua, Mar 2026); inbound visits topped 150M in 2025, +17% YoY (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, via Xinhua).
Where We Arrange Care
-
China's coastal Tier 1 cities — direct international flights
-
Other Tier 1 cities — coming soon
What to Expect
- National Top-Tier Hospital Certification (National Health Commission)
- Quality-Management Processes Aligned with ISO 9001 (International Standard, widely adopted across China's top-tier hospitals)
- Dedicated International Medical Departments with English-Speaking Staff
- Transparent Self-Pay Pricing
Photos: Chinese government & press media. Imagery is illustrative of the hospital category, not a specific facility.
Advanced Medical Services
Advanced care across major specialties, delivered by senior specialists in China's top-tier public hospitals.
Cardiology
Advanced cardiac care, from diagnostics to complex surgeries.
- Minimally invasive bypass
- Angioplasty & stenting
- Full cardiac rehab program
Orthopedics
Restoring mobility with precision joint replacements and spine surgery.
- Hip & knee replacements
- Minimally invasive spine
- Sports injury & arthroscopy
Oncology
Comprehensive cancer care with advanced radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Precision radiation therapy
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Personalized immunotherapy
Dental & Maxillofacial
Full aesthetic and reconstructive dental solutions.
- Full-mouth dental implants
- Aesthetic smile design
- Orthognathic surgery
Fertility & IVF
Advanced reproductive medicine with comprehensive IVF and fertility preservation programs.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Egg & sperm freezing
- Preimplantation genetic testing
Ophthalmology
Vision correction and advanced eye surgeries.
- LASIK & SMILE procedures
- Cataract & glaucoma surgery
- Retinal treatments
Health Screening
Comprehensive preventative health screenings and executive check-ups.
- Full-body MRI & CT scans
- Cardiovascular & metabolic panels
- Cancer marker & genetic testing
How We Work
No bundled packages — you pay the hospital and booking platforms directly, and one coordination fee covers everything we do for you.
Your Treatment
You pay the hospital directly. Itemized, fixed quote. We never touch treatment money.
Your Travel
We send you booking links for hotels, flights and transport matched to your treatment; you book and pay the platforms directly.
Our Coordination
One coordination fee per case, set according to your treatment and the support you need — quoted for your case and disclosed in writing before you engage or pay anything.
You stay in control of every payment.
The hospital bills you directly, the booking platforms bill you directly, and our coordination fee is agreed with you in writing before you engage. Nothing is bundled.
Essential Travel & Care Guide
Everything you need to know before your medical journey to China — from private hospital rooms to travel medicine.
Private Rooms for International Patients
International patients typically stay in private single rooms:
- Space for family members to stay with you
- En-suite bathroom and personal amenities
- Dedicated nursing care
Rooms are assigned by the hospital's international department based on availability and your treatment plan.
Travel Medicine & Pre‑Departure Guidance
Preparing for medical travel requires careful planning. Our team provides travel-health planning support:
- Visa assistance and invitation letters
- Vaccination and health-precaution planning, based on your physician's recommendations
- Travel insurance guidance (medical evacuation coverage)
- Packing lists for medical documents and medications
- Local SIM card, transportation, and cultural orientation
Dedicated Case Manager
Every Companion client is assigned a dedicated case manager who serves as your single point of contact throughout the journey. Your case manager:
- Coordinates all medical appointments
- Sends you hotel, flight and transport booking links — you book and pay directly
- Replies within 48 hours before you travel — during your stay, your case manager is with you in person where available
- Handles any unexpected issues or changes
All hospital bills are settled directly — no insurance claims needed.
Quick Tips for Your Stay
- Bring all medical records and imaging in digital format
- Inform your case manager of dietary preferences
- Download translation apps for daily communication
- Your case manager can coordinate airport pickup and hospital transfers (you book and pay directly)
Doctor-Patient Communication
Your dedicated case manager arranges bilingual translation at every appointment — ask questions freely; your medical team values your active participation in your care.
Meals & Daily Life
Hospital meals can be adapted to dietary preferences. Your case manager will assist with:
- Western food options
- Dietary restrictions (halal, kosher, vegetarian, etc.)
- Local cuisine recommendations for family members
- Grocery shopping for extended stays
Is Medical Travel to China Safe? Risks to Weigh Before You Decide
We believe in full transparency — including the important factors you should consider before making your decision.
Surgical & Medical Risks
Every surgery carries risks — even at nationally accredited, top-tier (3A) hospitals. Be aware of:
- Infection risks during and after surgery
- Anesthesia complications
- Unexpected surgical complications
- Variability in individual recovery
Travel & Logistical Risks
Long-distance medical travel introduces additional considerations:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from long-haul flights
- Jet lag and its impact on recovery
- Language and cultural barriers
- Travel delays or disruptions
We recommend consulting your doctor about DVT prevention and travel health before departure.
Follow-up & Continuity of Care
Post-treatment care is as important as the procedure itself:
- Who provides follow-up care when you return home?
- Will your home-country doctor accept remote records?
- What if complications arise after you leave China?
- Insurance may not cover complications abroad
Important Medical Disclaimer: MedicareCN is an independent medical travel advisory, not a healthcare provider. All medical decisions must be made in consultation with licensed physicians. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your individual health situation should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
From First Contact to Your First Consultation — Typically Within 48 Hours of Arrival
From your first click to your recovery at home — we're with you at every step. No surprises, just support.
Connect (Free)
Tell us about your condition through our contact form. A personal reply within 48 hours — free, no obligation.
Free Consultation
A no-obligation consultation — a rough cost range, the likely procedure, and how the process works.
Companion Coordination
If you choose the Companion tier: tell us the treatment and your travel dates — we line up a named specialist team and pre-arrange your hospital consultation. First consultation typically within 48 hours of arrival (details in FAQ).
Travel & Treatment
We send you booking links for hotels, flights and transport matched to your treatment and recovery — you book and pay the platforms directly. During your stay, your case manager covers translation, Chinese payment-app setup, and appointment logistics.
Recovery & Follow-up
A check-in from your case manager and help understanding your discharge paperwork — informally, at no extra charge. Your post-treatment report is yours to share with your physician back home.
Our Service Tiers
Pick the level of support that fits your trip. Two clear options — nothing hidden.
Essential — Free
A no-obligation consultation with our team: a rough cost range for the treatment you're seeking, based on our consultants' experience — plus a clear explanation of how the process works.
Companion — coordination fee
Full coordination, from recommendation to recovery — a dedicated case manager by your side from before you fly until you're home.
- A named specialist team matched to your treatment, lined up before you fly — names shared with you privately. First consultation typically within 48 hours of arrival (details in FAQ)
- Arrival reception and accompanied consultations — your case manager is with you in person at appointments, reachable online between them
- Chinese payment-app setup and hospital international-department registration handled on arrival
- Day-to-day translation and interpretation
- Curated hotel, flight and transport picks — including for family traveling with you; you book and pay the platforms directly
- Informal follow-up after you're home — part of the relationship, not the invoice
Provided at a coordination fee, quoted for your case — see the FAQ.
Entering China for Treatment: Your Visa Route
Entry rules vary by nationality and change often — general orientation as of 2026; verify before you book flights.
- Visa-free entry — citizens of a growing list of countries (including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of the EU) can enter China without a visa for short stays. US citizens are generally not covered as of 2026.
- 240-hour transit — nationals of 50+ countries, including the US, can stay visa-free for up to 10 days when passing through China onward to a third country — a window some patients use for shorter treatments.
- S2 medical visa — the usual route for longer treatment stays: your Chinese hospital issues an invitation letter (we coordinate it), and you apply through the Chinese visa center or embassy in your country.
Verify before you fly
- National Immigration Administration — China's official entry & transit policies: en.nia.gov.cn
- Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — find the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country: fmprc.gov.cn / china-embassy.gov.cn
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center — visa applications & appointments: visaforchina.cn
Your case manager helps you work out the right visa route for your nationality during your free case review — and shows you where to verify it with the official sources above.
Costs & Estimates
A rough treatment estimate, a self-booked trip budget, and one coordination fee — quoted for your case, in writing, before you engage. Further down: verified, source-linked cost data comparing China with US prices.
Get Your Instant Estimate
Sources for estimate figures
China treatment ranges:
- Angioplasty / stent tier: typically $8,800–$15,500 at Chinese hospitals (Bookimed clinic listings, China); stents themselves cost ~¥700–800 after national volume-based procurement (China State Council)
- SMILE / LASIK both eyes: ¥15,000–25,000 (≈$2,100–3,500) at Grade 3A hospitals (2025 China laser-eye surgery cost guide)
- Hip & knee, hernia, oncology course, dental implants, IVF and screening ranges: source-linked in the Verified Cost Data dashboard below (City News Service / Phoenix Weekly; CNN via Vietnam.vn; Bloomberg via BusinessMirror)
US comparison figures (typical published US private prices):
- Angioplasty: commonly $28,000–$50,000 in the US (cost comparison table; US average ≈$32,200 per the NYT international price comparison)
- Hip replacement: typically $31,000–$45,000 uninsured (cost summary citing CostHelper data)
- A full course of modern cancer therapy: commonly tens of thousands of dollars (CareRoute 2026 cost guide)
- Single dental implant: typically $3,000–$7,000 (Smart Arches 2026 cost guide)
- IVF cycle: averages ≈$23,000–$25,000 with medications (Carrot Fertility 2026 analysis)
- LASIK: typically $1.5k–$5k per eye (LASIK.com 2026 price guide)
- Executive health screening: typically $2,000–$6,000 (PartnerMD 2025 guide)
Verified Costs: China vs US
Procedure-level estimates — including hip & knee replacement, IVF, and dental implants — are in the cost estimator above. Every figure here is source-linked.
All costs verified from multiple independent sources. China costs reflect published rates at top-tier hospitals — international/VIP department rates are noted per card where applicable. View full source report
Local-hospital rate; international-department quotes typically run $3,000–$5,500 (see estimator note).
Verified Savings at a Glance
Based on multiple independent sources including City News Service, Phoenix Weekly, CNN, and Bloomberg/BusinessMirror. International patients typically save 70–85% compared to US/UK private healthcare costs.
All amounts in USD. Costs are estimates and may vary. Individual results depend on specific conditions and treatment plans. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review — your written quote comes from the hospital.
How we source our figures
We publish a source for every figure we can — and label estimates as estimates.
- City News Service / Shanghai Daily & Phoenix Weekly (2025–2026) — everyday care at Chinese hospitals
- CNN, via Vietnam.vn — gallbladder surgery, Shenzhen vs Atlanta
- Bloomberg, via BusinessMirror (June 2026) — CAR-T and advanced-therapy costs; US CAR-T list prices ($373,000–$475,000) independently documented via NIH-published cost analysis
- Chinese Hospital Association report, via Xinhua (March 2026) — 850+ institutions in 57 cities
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism, via Xinhua (March 2026) — inbound-visit context
Figures are third-party press or official statistics for general comparison only — not quotes, not medical advice, and not an offer. Your hospital fixes your actual price after the in-person consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about costs, fees, insurance, language, travel, and how the process works.
How much does a hip replacement cost in China compared to the US?
Use our free estimator — it compares typical 3A hospital prices in China with sourced US/UK figures. Typical savings: roughly 70–85% vs US/UK private care. Your written hospital quote is itemized and fixed.
How long is the wait for surgery in China compared to the NHS?
It's a different model: for Companion clients your first consultation is typically within 48 hours of arrival, and the hospital sets your treatment plan and surgery date after that consultation — rather than joining a waiting list.
How much is IVF in China for foreign patients?
Our free estimator shows typical self-pay ranges at top-tier hospitals. Your exact quote comes in writing directly from the hospital — we never add anything to it. Tell us your situation for a free, no-obligation case review.
How can I get CAR-T cell therapy in China as an international patient?
CAR-T is among the advanced services available at leading 3A hospitals. Share your diagnosis summary through our contact form (no records needed) and we'll check feasibility with the hospital and arrange a written hospital estimate. We provide coordination, not medical advice.
How long does the whole process take?
You'll receive a personal reply within 48 hours of submitting the form. For Companion clients: once you tell us the treatment you need and your travel dates, we pre-arrange your hospital consultation — you're typically seen for your first consultation within 48 hours of arrival (subject to hospital scheduling; exceptional cases flagged in advance). Your treatment plan, costs, and any surgery date are set by the hospital after that consultation.
What about language barriers?
Your dedicated case manager is bilingual (English + Mandarin) and supports you at every appointment — in person where available, and by phone or video.
Can you accommodate halal or other dietary needs?
Halal, kosher, vegetarian and other dietary requirements are arranged in advance — your case manager confirms your meal plan before you travel.
Do I need a medical visa for China, or can I enter visa-free for treatment?
Often neither is a blocker: many nationalities can enter China visa-free for short stays, and a longer treatment stay typically uses the S2 medical visa. We help you work out the right route for your nationality and treatment plan — see the Visas & Documentation section on our How It Works page.
Do I need to send you my medical records?
No — just tell us what treatment you're seeking. Bring your records and imaging with you to China (digital format is ideal); the hospital reviews them at your consultation. We never ask you to upload medical records.
How can you line up the right specialist without seeing my records first?
Matching is done by treatment type and your diagnosis summary — our clients already know the procedure they need. You bring your imaging and records with you; the hospital's team reviews them at your consultation. If anything about your case looks exceptional, we flag it before you fly.
Who do I pay?
The hospital — directly, for your treatment: an itemized, fixed quote. The booking platforms — your case manager sends you links for hotels, flights and transport; you book and pay directly. MedicareCN — one coordination fee, quoted for your case and disclosed in writing before you engage.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
All treatment is self-pay at Chinese hospital rates — typically far below Western self-pay prices. The hospital provides an itemized invoice you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement; we provide a separate invoice for our coordination fee.
Do you mark up hospital prices?
Your treatment quote comes directly from the hospital — itemized and fixed. We add nothing to it.
How do medical travel facilitators in China make money — and do you take commission?
We charge one coordination fee, disclosed in writing before you engage. Separately, booking platforms may pay us a small referral commission on travel — never at extra cost to you.
How much is the coordination fee?
It depends on your treatment and the coordination you need, and it's fixed once the hospital drafts your treatment plan. You get the complete structure in writing before you engage or pay anything. Questions or a dispute: care@medicarecn.com — we reply within 48 hours.
Are you affiliated with the US Medicare program?
No. MedicareCN is an independent medical-travel advisory and is not affiliated with the US Medicare program. US Medicare does not cover treatment in China; all care arranged through us is self-pay at hospital rates.
When can I fly after surgery?
Your treating hospital assesses whether you're cleared to fly before departure and how long to wait before flying home. Your own doctor can advise on any precautions for the flight home.
What if plans change?
If the hospital cancels or reschedules before treatment starts, payments are refunded in full or moved to your new dates — your choice. If your plans change before treatment starts, refunds are assessed case by case under your written fee agreement; once treatment has started, that agreement governs. Payment is never a condition of your care, discharge, or departure. Questions or a dispute: care@medicarecn.com — we reply within 48 hours.
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