Until recently, healthcare in urban areas was provided for free, but due to the pressures placed on the public health system by an aging population and increased awareness of general health issues, people are being encouraged to subscribe to health insurance policies.

If you are not provided with insurance by your employer, you will find a wide variety of companies offering medical insurance to the expatriate in China. As with all insurance purchases, it is important to compare the policies on offer carefully, paying particular attention to the 'small print' and exclusions of each policy to ensure that you fully understand the level of cover provided. Almost all policies will exclude pre-existing medical conditions from cover, while others may exclude 'high risk' leisure activities, the definition of which can vary from policy to policy. Many policies have a limit on the amount payable per treatment, or in a given calendar year and some even limit the number of days hospital stay that you will be covered for.

Medical costs are generally low, however, and most well-known general medicines are widely available.

Visitors are often advised to have vaccinations prior to departing for China; your government's website will list the recommendations currently in force.

Pharmacies

China has strict rules on the import of medicines and not all drugs commonly prescribed to westerners will be readily available. You are allowed to bring small amounts of prescription drugs into the country in your personal baggage. You should bring a copy of your prescription with you as customs officers may need to check it.

Chinese medicine is of course popular and Chinese remedies are readily available from the many stores in the city.