As a foreigner living in Nanjing, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
We asked expats in Nanjing if they have access to public healthcare in Nanjing. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"As a foreigner living in Nanjing, you will have access to public healthcare. However, the quality and standard of public healthcare may not be as high as in Western countries. Public hospitals in China are often crowded and the staff may not speak English. The doctors are generally well-trained but the facilities may not be as modern or well-equipped as those in private hospitals. In terms of payment, public healthcare in China is not free. While Chinese citizens have a portion of their healthcare costs covered by the government, foreigners are typically required to pay the full amount. Therefore, it is highly recommended for foreigners to have health insurance that covers medical treatment in China. The healthcare system in China is a mix of public and private providers. Public hospitals are divided into three tiers, with tier three being the highest level and offering the most comprehensive care. However, these hospitals are also the most crowded. Private hospitals and clinics are also available, and these often cater to foreigners as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff and Western-trained doctors. However, treatment in private hospitals can be quite expensive. Pharmacies are widely available in Nanjing, and most common medications can be purchased easily. However, some Western medications may not be available, and the quality of local medications can vary. In terms of emergency services, ambulances are not typically used in China as they are in Western countries. Instead, most people take taxis or private cars to the hospital in case of an emergency. Overall, while public healthcare is accessible in Nanjing, it may be beneficial for foreigners to also consider private healthcare options or ensure they have comprehensive health insurance," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Nanjing, China.
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As a foreigner living in Nanjing, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
If you live in Nanjing, newcomers to Nanjing would love to hear your answer to this question: