China’s health care system is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by government reforms, demographic shifts, and technological innovation. In 2024, total health care expenditure in China surpassed $1 trillion, making it the world’s second-largest health care market. Health care spending reached 5.2% of GDP in 2024, up from 4.5% a decade earlier, reflecting steady growth and increased investment in public health infrastructure.¹ ²

Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. Uniform standards of care are not guaranteed, and disparities persist between urban and rural regions. International hospitals in major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing offer high-quality care with English-speaking staff, but costs can be up to ten times higher than those at public hospitals. In contrast, rural areas have benefited from expanded insurance programs and increased funding, yet access and quality still lag behind urban centers.³

China’s population now exceeds 1.4 billion, and nearly all citizens are enrolled in some form of health insurance. However, out-of-pocket expenses remain substantial, as insurance often does not cover the full cost of treatment. Hospital expenditures account for about 60% of total health spending, and the system remains highly hospital-centric, with patients frequently facing long waits for care. Expats and their employers are required to contribute to the national health system, but private insurance is strongly recommended for reliable access and quality.⁴

Prescription medications may not always be available, and travelers should consult their doctors before arriving in China to ensure access to necessary treatments. Pharmacies are easily accessible in cities, but can be scarce in rural areas. In case of medical emergencies, the number to call is 120; however, ambulance response times may be slow, especially outside urban centers, though all ambulances have a doctor on board.⁵

Overall, while China’s health care system is advancing and government reforms continue to drive improvements, challenges in quality, cost, and consistency remain. The landscape is evolving, but individuals—especially expats—should be prepared for significant variation in care and expenses depending on location and provider.⁶

1. “China - Healthcare,” International Trade Administration, last published September 25, 2025, accessed December 30, 2025, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/china-healthcare.
2. “Analysis of the structure and trend prediction of China’s total health expenditure,” Frontiers in Public Health, September 23, 2024, accessed December 30, 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1425716/full.
3. “China’s Health Care System Overview,” China.docx, accessed December 30, 2025. 
4. “China: health expenditure breakdown by source 2023,” Statista, November 24, 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1285916/china-health-expenditure-breakdown-by-source/.
5. “China’s Health Care System Overview,” China.docx, accessed December 30, 2025. 
6. World Health Organization, “China Country Profile,” accessed December 30, 2025, http://www.who.int/countries/chn/en/