🛂Patient's Guide: Medical Visa for Foreigners Seeking Treatment/Healthcare in China
- Troy Chen
- May 18
- 3 min read
1. Visa Types & Eligibility
A. Short-Term Medical Visits (≤30 Days)
Purpose: Routine checkups, diagnostic tests, minor surgeries (e.g., endoscopy, cataract surgery).
Visa Type: L Visa (Other Private Affairs) under the "medical treatment" category.
Key Requirements:
Medical Invitation Letter: From a Grade 3A hospital (e.g., Peking Union Medical College Hospital) detailing the purpose, duration, and scope of treatment.
Diagnostic Proof: Recent medical reports (translated into Chinese) justifying the need for treatment in China.
Financial Proof: Bank statements showing coverage for medical costs and living expenses (minimum $5,000 USD).
Travel Insurance: Must cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
B. Long-Term Treatment (>30 Days)
Purpose: Complex surgeries (e.g., organ transplants, cancer therapy), chronic disease management.
Visa Type: L Visa initially, then convert to Medical Stay Permit post-arrival.
Key Requirements:
Detailed Treatment Plan: Issued by a Chinese hospital, including timelines, costs, and post-op care.
Extended Financial Proof: Minimum $15,000 USD (varies by treatment).
Health Check: Required for stays >6 months (e.g., tuberculosis screening).
C. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Medical Checkups & Wellness Tourism
Eligible Passport Holders:
Citizens from 54 countries (e.g., US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea). Full list: China Visa-Free Transit Country List.
Conditions:
Transit Requirement: Travelers must hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country/region (e.g., flying from New York → Shanghai → Singapore).
Designated Ports: Entry/exit must occur at specific airports/ports (e.g., Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun).
Permitted Activities:
Medical Checkups: Routine exams (blood tests, imaging) at authorized hospitals.
Wellness Tourism: Spa treatments, TCM consultations, or short-term recuperation.
Note: Major surgeries or hospitalization are NOT allowed under this policy.
2. Application Process
Step 1: Document Preparation
Document | Short-Term | Long-Term |
Passport | ≥6 months validity, 2 blank pages | Same as short-term |
Visa Application Form | Online via CVASC | Same as short-term |
Medical Invitation Letter | Basic treatment scope, 30-day validity | Detailed plan with hospital seal |
Financial Proof | 5,000–10,000 USD | $15,000+ USD |
Travel Insurance | Coverage ≥$50,000 USD | Coverage ≥$100,000 USD |
Step 2: Submission
Apply at a Chinese embassy/consulate or authorized visa center.
Biometrics (fingerprints) may be required.
Step 3: Post-Arrival Compliance
Short-Term: Register at local police within 24 hours.
Long-Term: Convert to Medical Stay Permit at the Entry-Exit Bureau within 30 days. Submit:
Hospital treatment progress report.
Updated financial proof.
Tip：How to get a Smooth Application Process
Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow ample time for processing.
Be Organized: Keep all your documents organized and easily accessible.
Be Accurate: Fill out the application form accurately and honestly.
Seek Assistance: If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate for clarification.
Translate Documents: Ensure all non-English documents are officially translated into Chinese.
Double-Check Requirements: Verify the specific requirements for your country with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
Keep Copies: Make copies of all your important documents.
Be Patient: The visa application process can take time, so be patient and follow up if needed.
3. Special Cases
A. Pediatric Patients
Additional requirements:
Birth certificate (notarized translation).
Parental consent forms (if unaccompanied).
Recommended hospitals: Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Beijing Children’s Hospital.
B. Emergency Medical Cases
Expedited Processing: Available for life-threatening conditions (e.g., cardiac surgery).
Submit a Priority Treatment Certificate from the receiving hospital.
4. Cost & Timeline
Service | Short-Term | Long-Term |
Visa Fee | 140–200 USD | Same as short-term |
Processing Time | 5–7 business days | 7–10 business days |
Stay Permit Conversion | N/A | 80–150 USD |
Health Check | Not required | 100–300 USD |
5. Key Considerations
Hospital Tier: Prioritize Grade 3A public hospitals (China’s highest standard) for credibility.
Language Support: Major hospitals in Beijing/Shanghai offer English services; rural areas may require translators.
Payment Methods: Most hospitals accept cash/Alipay; international insurance is rarely recognized.
6. Emergency Contacts
Ambulance: Dial 120 (Mandarin only).
Police Assistance: Dial 110 → Say “wàijí yīliáo” (外籍医疗, "foreign medical help").