Staying Healthy in China: Here's What You Should Know
When travelling to China, it is critical to be aware of some major concerns concerning health services. Here's what travellers should know.
Stay up to speed with routine vaccinations.
Consider immunisations against diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers aged 9 months and up travelling from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Keep up to speed on China's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, and immunisation certificates, by checking with your airline or visiting the Chinese government's website.
Medical facilities
Major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, have excellent healthcare facilities with English-speaking staff, particularly in private hospitals and clinics catering to expats and tourists.
The quality of healthcare in rural places varies, and not all medical professionals may speak English. Consider bringing a translation software or a multilingual handbook with you to medical appointments.
Pharmacies are widespread, although the supply of individual pharmaceuticals varies, and linguistic barriers can arise. Bring a enough supply of any prescription medications you need.
Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used and available. However, if you decide to try TCM treatments, be sure they are from a respected source.
Health Insurance
We always recommend getting health insurance before travelling to or from any country. Private medical care will be available in all major cities throughout China, but it will be pricey. You should get travel insurance with large medical limits.
Before travelling, contact your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Other factors to consider:
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Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption coverage.
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Medical costs and evacuation benefits.
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Baggage coverage.
Things to be cautious of while visiting China
Keep an eye out for the following to stay healthy and safe during your vacation to China:
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Food and water safety: Drink bottled or heated water; tap water is unsafe to consume. To avoid foodborne infections, avoid eating street food and instead go to renowned restaurants.
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Air quality: Air pollution in cities can be a health risk, particularly for people who have respiratory issues. It is recommended to monitor air quality indices and take precautions, such as wearing masks, on high pollution days.
Medicine for personal use
Follow these steps to bring over-the-counter medications into China:
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Declare every medication: Customs authorities should be notified of any drug intended for personal consumption.
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Original packaging: Always pack medicines in their original containers and clear bags in your hand luggage.
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Prescription or physician's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or another competent authority in English.
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Check for restrictions. Call China's embassy to ensure that all of your prescriptions are legal to carry with you.
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Quantity matched with itinerary: To minimise issues, bring only a fair quantity that corresponds to your stay duration.
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Bring your own. Certain medications may not be available locally. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are also a concern, thus it is always preferable to travel with your own supplies.
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