China does not offer the healthiest of environments for residents. The continued practice of burning coal means that the cities are badly polluted, and many people suffer from respiratory problems while in China.
Suzhou are one of the top ten environmentally friendly cities and the top five cities with most effective pollution controls.

High levels of pesticides are used in growing fruit and vegetables and it is therefore necessary to wash them very thoroughly before eating, preferably in a chlorine solution. There may be a high lead content in food which has been canned in China. Tap water is not safe to drink unless boiled.

Health care is widely available in Suzhou with clinics being found in every small area, factory and school, but in many areas the facilities are very basic and not generally used by expatriates. Rural clinics may even refuse to accept responsibility for treating foreigners. China no longer offers free medical care for all urban residents, as people are now being encouraged to buy health insurance.

Satisfactory medical care for expatriates is available in the main cities, but emergency treatment may be inadequate. Ambulances are often unavailable and do not carry sophisticated medical equipment. There are hospitals in Suzhou there employ international medical staff and have 'VIP' wards in which foreigners can be treated.

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.