Hospitals in Shanghai for foreigners — the healthcare map

How the system works

• Register first (挂号): every visit starts with registering at the hospital — online (app/WeChat) or in person at the counter. You pay the registration fee (a few ¥20-100 depending on doctor tier), then wait for your number.
• Pay as you go: tests, prescriptions and procedures are paid at each step. With the Shanghai medical insurance card, much is covered automatically. Without it, you pay deposits and claim from your insurer afterwards.
• Records: public hospitals keep everything on the medical record book (病历本) — a small paper booklet you buy at the registration desk (¥1-2) and bring to every visit. It's old-school but simple: keep it safe.
• Medicine: prescriptions are filled at the hospital pharmacy or external pharmacies. Many common drugs that need a prescription in the West are available OTC here — ask a pharmacist.

Public 3A hospitals — the giants

Shanghai's top public hospitals (三级甲等) are world-class but crowded. Well-known names:

Tip: public hospital international departments (国际医疗部/特需门诊) offer English-speaking staff and shorter waits at 2-4× public prices — still far cheaper than private hospitals, and often covered by international insurance with direct billing.

International & private hospitals — English care

Private hospitals cost more (a GP consult ~¥600-1,200) but are efficient, clean, and direct-bill most international insurers — the expat default for anything non-emergency. Dental: see the dentist guide.

Booking appointments (挂号)

• Public hospitals: book via the hospital's WeChat official account, the Suishouban app (就医服务 → 挂号), or 114/12580 phone booking. Choose a department, a doctor tier (普通/专家), a time slot, and pay online.
• International departments & private hospitals: call or email directly — they reply in English and schedule fast.
• Walk-in: still possible at most public hospitals; arrive early and bring your passport/ID. For specialists, online booking is strongly preferred.

Emergencies

• 120 is the ambulance number; operators mostly speak Chinese. If you can't explain in Chinese, call your insurance hotline or a bilingual friend, or get a taxi to the hospital.
• Go to an ER (急诊): public ERs (e.g. Ruijin, Shanghai East) handle emergencies well; private hospitals (Jiahui, Parkway) also run ERs with English staff and are the fastest route for expats.
• Keep your passport (or a copy) with you — hospitals need ID to register even in emergencies.
• Pharmacy after hours: 24h pharmacies exist (search 24小时药房 in Amap); most malls have daytime pharmacies.

Insurance, cash, and the medical card

• Chinese medical card (医保卡): if enrolled in social insurance, use it at public hospitals — it covers a big share automatically.
• International insurance: private hospitals and public international departments direct-bill most major insurers (Cigna, Allianz, Bupa, etc.). Check your plan's China coverage — most global plans include China.
• Cash/QR: Alipay/WeChat Pay are accepted everywhere; bring a card as backup. Public hospitals may require a small cash deposit for ER visits without insurance.
• Keep receipts: itemized invoices (发票) are needed for insurance claims and tax deductions. Ask for them at the pay desk.