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).

ItemAmount (2026)Note
Annual premium800 CNY (~€100)Standard for one academic year
Semester premium400 CNYExchanges or programmes ≤ 6 months
Purchasewww.lxbx.netLogin with passport number
Hotline400-810-5119Policy and reimbursement support

What is covered (summary — read the policy)

BenefitIndicative limitDeductible / reimbursement
Illness / injury (outpatient)20,000 CNY / periodCumulative deductible 650 CNY; then 85% (daily cap often 600 CNY)
Accidental injury20,000 CNYOften 100% of reasonable expenses
Inpatient400,000 CNYReasonable expenses often 100%
Death / disability100,000 CNYInsurance capital

Last updated: May 2026 — Study in China — Insurance guide

How to buy and submit the policy

  1. Go to lxbx.net → «Buy insurance».
  2. Login with passport (same number used at university).
  3. Select 800 CNY / 12 months or 400 CNY / 6 months plan (name may vary by institution).
  4. Pay online; download PDF certificate and receipt.
  5. Upload or deliver to the international office on registration day.
  6. 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)

  1. Pay hospital fees yourself (keep tax invoice 发票, report, payment list).
  2. Ask the international office for the reimbursement form (if applicable) or submit online per LXBX instructions.
  3. Attach passport, policy, original receipts, diagnosis.
  4. Wait for payment (weeks — keep a cash buffer).

Emergencies and useful numbers

ServiceNumber
Ambulance120
Police110
Fire119
Directory enquiries114 (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.
Medical check

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.

  • 120 medical emergency
  • 110 police
  • 119 firefighters
  • Medical check for residence permit

How healthcare works

Access

Moderate

Campus clinic first step. Hospital with WeChat appointment where possible.

Mandatory insurance

National rule

Comprehensive insurance ~800 CNY/typical student year. Limited basic inpatient coverage.

Mental health

Harder

Campus counseling in English in tier-1. Stigma present; Limited hotlines in English.

Student support

Campus

  • International student office
  • Language partners
  • VPN policy desk
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.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Sources · Last verified: 2026-05

  • National Health Commission (official link being updated)
Trusted sources we used for this content

Official PRC portals (English where available) and Eurostat: State Council, the National Immigration Administration, and the State Taxation Administration. Rules change frequently—confirm on the official site.