This information is for orientation only. It does not replace medical advice or insurance contract terms. In an emergency call 120 (ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department.
Healthcare roadmap
Before entry (active policy) → Campus registration → Visits with insurance → Receipt reimbursement → Renewal every academic year
Mandatory insurance for international students
Under Ministry of Education guidelines and university practice, international students in mainland China must purchase the Comprehensive Medical Insurance & Protection Scheme for Foreigners Staying in China (often called «LXBX» / 来华留学生综合保险).
| Item | Amount (2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Annual premium | 800 CNY (~€100) | Standard for one academic year |
| Semester premium | 400 CNY | Exchanges or programmes ≤ 6 months |
| Purchase | www.lxbx.net | Login with passport number |
| Hotline | 400-810-5119 | Policy and reimbursement support |
What is covered (summary — read the policy)
| Benefit | Indicative limit | Deductible / reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Illness / injury (outpatient) | 20,000 CNY / period | Cumulative deductible 650 CNY; then 85% (daily cap often 600 CNY) |
| Accidental injury | 20,000 CNY | Often 100% of reasonable expenses |
| Inpatient | 400,000 CNY | Reasonable expenses often 100% |
| Death / disability | 100,000 CNY | Insurance capital |
Last updated: May 2026 — Study in China — Insurance guide
How to buy and submit the policy
- Go to lxbx.net → «Buy insurance».
- Login with passport (same number used at university).
- Select 800 CNY / 12 months or 400 CNY / 6 months plan (name may vary by institution).
- Pay online; download PDF certificate and receipt.
- Upload or deliver to the international office on registration day.
- Keep originals of invoices, reports, and prescriptions for reimbursement.
Where to get care: public vs international
Public hospitals (三甲 / university hospitals)
- Pros: lower costs, full departments, good for emergencies and covered inpatient care.
- Cons: queues, language barrier; bring a bilingual friend or use university interpretation.
- Appointments: often via hospital WeChat mini-program or counter with passport + insurance.
International / VIP clinics (United Family, Parkway, etc.)
- Multilingual staff, high comfort.
- Usually NOT covered by standard LXBX — private pay or separate international insurance.
- Useful for mental health in English if budget allows.
Reimbursement flow (after the visit)
- Pay hospital fees yourself (keep tax invoice 发票, report, payment list).
- Ask the international office for the reimbursement form (if applicable) or submit online per LXBX instructions.
- Attach passport, policy, original receipts, diagnosis.
- Wait for payment (weeks — keep a cash buffer).
Emergencies and useful numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 120 |
| Police | 110 |
| Fire | 119 |
| Directory enquiries | 114 (operators often Chinese only) |
- Save your university emergency department address and 24/7 international office contact if available.
- Always carry: passport, residence permit, insurance certificate, payment card.
Mental health and English-language support
- Campus counselling: many institutions offer free or low-cost services — book early in the semester, not only in crisis.
- International telemedicine: useful if you already have coverage from home (check China territoriality).
- Community: international student associations; avoid unverified groups for «medical advice».
Medicines and prescriptions
- Common OTC drugs at chains (国药, 老百姓) — bring translation if you have chronic therapy.
- Bring initial supplies of essential medicines with documentation (customs and university may ask for explanation).
- Antibiotics often require prescription — do not self-medicate.
CSC scholarship students and insurance
- Many CSC scholars have insurance included or reimbursed — check your scholarship letter before paying twice.
- Still keep the policy PDF for registration and visas.
Official links
Sources
Residence permit exams in designated hospitals — follow city list.
Quick reference
Mandatory university insurance. Crowded public hospitals; international hospital expensive. Pharmacies (药店) with app.
How healthcare works
Access
Campus clinic first step. Hospital with WeChat appointment where possible.
Mandatory insurance
Comprehensive insurance ~800 CNY/typical student year. Limited basic inpatient coverage.
Mental health
Campus counseling in English in tier-1. Stigma present; Limited hotlines in English.
Student support
Campus
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Insurance & costs
Student schemes
Many universities enrol international students in group medical plans—check coverage, deductibles, and network hospitals.
Hospital billing
Public hospitals often require upfront card/QR payments—keep invoices for reimbursement.
Access to care
Hospitals & tiers
Facilities differ by level; emergency triage desks need your ID—bring a translator app if needed.
Pharmacies
Many medicines are prescription-only; carry your passport.
Emergencies
120 / 110 / 119
120 ambulance; 110 police; 119 fire; road crashes often 122 (confirm locally).
Travel cover
Carry travel insurance for your first weeks if your school or visa requires it.
Mental health
University counselling centres and hospital outpatient clinics; for acute medical emergencies call 120.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.