Emergency Care in China for Foreigners — A Complete Guide

What every expat, traveler, and international resident needs to know about handling medical emergencies in China — from calling an ambulance to navigating the ER, understanding costs, and being prepared before crisis strikes.

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Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In a real medical emergency, call 120 immediately. The information provided here is meant to help you prepare and understand what to expect — it is not a substitute for professional emergency medical care.

A medical emergency is stressful anywhere in the world, but when it happens in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and don't understand how the system works, the anxiety multiplies. In China, the emergency medical system is functional, widely available, and — crucially — legally required to treat anyone in need, regardless of nationality or ability to pay. However, the experience can be bewildering if you don't know what to expect.

This guide covers everything a foreigner in China needs to know about emergency medical care: the essential phone numbers to memorize, how to call an ambulance when you don't speak Chinese, what happens when you arrive at a Chinese emergency room, how payment works in emergency situations, which hospitals have the best ERs in major cities, and a practical preparedness checklist you can act on today. Whether you are a long-term expat, a short-term traveler, or someone considering medical tourism to China, understanding the emergency care landscape is essential preparation.

China's emergency medical system has improved dramatically over the past two decades. Major cities now have well-equipped emergency dispatch centers, ambulance networks, and hospital emergency departments that operate 24/7. That said, the system operates differently from what you may be used to in Western countries. Ambulance response times vary significantly by location and traffic conditions. Emergency rooms can be crowded and chaotic. English-speaking staff are not guaranteed. Payment is expected at the time of service. Knowing these realities in advance — and preparing accordingly — can make the difference between a manageable experience and a nightmare.

1. Emergency Numbers in China Every Foreigner Must Know

China's emergency numbers are short and easy to remember, but they differ from the 911 or 112 systems used in many other countries. These are the three essential numbers to have saved in your phone and written down somewhere accessible:

120

Medical Emergency / Ambulance

Call for any medical emergency requiring ambulance transport — heart attack, stroke, severe injury, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and other life-threatening conditions.

110

Police

Call for any situation involving criminal activity, threats to personal safety, traffic accidents with injuries, or if you need immediate police assistance.

119

Fire & Rescue

Call for fires, building collapses, vehicle extrication, hazardous material incidents, and other rescue situations requiring fire service response.

Important: Unlike some countries where 911 connects you to a unified dispatch center, China's 120, 110, and 119 are separate systems. For a medical emergency, always call 120 directly. If there is a language barrier and you cannot communicate with the 120 operator, calling 110 (police) may help — they are more likely to have basic English-speaking staff and can coordinate with medical services. Both 120 and 110 calls are free from any phone, including phones without a SIM card or credit.

2. Calling 120 for an Ambulance in China

Dialing 120 connects you to the nearest municipal emergency medical dispatch center. The system is city-based — when you call 120 in Shanghai, you reach the Shanghai Emergency Medical Center; in Beijing, the Beijing Emergency Medical Center. Operators are trained to triage calls and dispatch the nearest available ambulance. However, there is one critical fact that every foreigner should know: most 120 operators speak only Chinese.

What to Say When You Call 120

When you call 120, the operator will ask a series of standard questions. Being prepared with the answers — even if you need someone to translate for you — can save precious minutes. Here is what the operator will ask and what you need to communicate:

1

Your exact location — Provide the most precise address possible. If you don't know the Chinese address, describe nearby landmarks, your building name, the nearest intersection, or share your location via WeChat if someone is assisting you. In apartment complexes, give the building number, entrance, and floor.

2

What happened — Describe the emergency clearly and concisely. For example: 'My friend collapsed and is not breathing,' 'There was a car accident and someone is bleeding heavily,' 'A woman is having chest pain and difficulty breathing.' Use simple, direct language.

3

The patient's condition — Be specific about symptoms. Is the person conscious or unconscious? Are they breathing? Is there severe bleeding? Do they have a known medical condition (diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy)? The operator uses this information to determine the urgency level and prepare the ambulance team.

4

Your phone number — Provide a callback number where you can be reached. Keep your phone on, charged, and with the ringer on loud. The ambulance crew may call you back if they have trouble finding the location.

5

Number of patients — If multiple people need medical attention, state the number clearly. This determines how many ambulances are dispatched.

Language Help When Calling 120

The language barrier is the biggest challenge for foreigners calling 120. Most dispatch operators do not speak English. Here are your best strategies: First, if you have a Chinese-speaking friend, colleague, neighbor, or even a passerby, hand them the phone immediately. A Chinese speaker can relay critical information far faster and more accurately than you can with limited language skills. Second, learn the emergency Chinese phrases at the end of this guide — even a few words can help the operator understand the severity of the situation and dispatch help. Third, if you have absolutely no one to help, call 110 (police) instead. Police dispatchers are somewhat more likely to have access to English-speaking staff, and they can coordinate an ambulance for you.

A practical tip: save the phone number of a Chinese-speaking friend or your hotel concierge as an emergency contact in your phone. If you call them first, they can stay on the line with you while you call 120 on another phone, or they can call 120 on your behalf. Some international clinics and concierge medical services in major cities offer 24/7 phone support in English that includes emergency coordination — if you have access to such a service, use it.

Ambulance Response Times: What to Expect

Ambulance response times in China vary dramatically depending on where you are. In major city centers like downtown Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, an ambulance may arrive within 10–15 minutes during non-peak hours. During rush hour — which in Chinese megacities can mean gridlock lasting hours — response times can stretch to 30 minutes or more. In suburban areas and smaller cities, expect longer waits. Chinese ambulances, especially in public systems, may not have the same Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities as ambulances in Western countries. They are primarily designed for rapid transport to a hospital rather than extensive on-scene treatment. Basic first aid, oxygen, and CPR are available; advanced cardiac monitoring, IV medications, and intubation may be limited depending on the ambulance tier.

For this reason, in a true life-threatening emergency where you have access to private transport and the hospital is nearby, going directly to the emergency room by taxi or private car may be faster than waiting for an ambulance. This is a practical reality that many expats in China have encountered. However, never drive yourself if you are the one experiencing the emergency — chest pain, severe bleeding, or stroke symptoms can incapacitate you while behind the wheel. If you are alone and experiencing a medical emergency, always call 120.

3. Going to the Emergency Room Directly

In many cases — especially for urgent but not immediately life-threatening conditions — going directly to a hospital emergency department is the fastest way to receive care. Taxis, ride-hailing services (Didi), or a friend driving you are all viable options. Chinese law requires all public hospital emergency departments to accept and treat anyone presenting with an emergency condition, regardless of nationality, registration status, or ability to pay upfront. This is a crucial protection for foreigners.

What to Bring to the ER

When heading to the emergency room, having the right items with you will smooth the process considerably. Here is what every foreigner should bring:

1

Passport — Your passport is the primary form of identification at any Chinese hospital. The ER registration desk will require it to create your hospital record. Without your passport, you may still be treated, but the registration process becomes more complicated and time-consuming.

2

Cash and Payment Methods — Bring Chinese yuan (RMB) in cash, as well as a phone with WeChat Pay or Alipay set up and funded. Not all hospital payment terminals accept international credit cards, especially in the ER where speed is prioritized. Aim to have at least RMB 3,000–5,000 available for initial deposits and tests.

3

Insurance Information — Bring your insurance card, policy number, and the insurer's 24/7 emergency contact number. Some international hospitals and VIP ER departments can initiate direct billing, but this is the exception rather than the rule at public hospital ERs.

4

Medical History Summary — A one-page summary of your medical history, current medications (with generic names), allergies, and any chronic conditions. Write this in both English and Chinese if possible. This is invaluable when you cannot communicate verbally with the medical team.

5

Emergency Contact Card — A physical card or phone lock-screen image with the name, relationship, and phone number of your emergency contact in China (and your contact at home). Include your blood type and any critical medical alerts (e.g., penicillin allergy, diabetic, epileptic).

6

Charged Phone with Translation App — Your phone is your lifeline. Ensure it is charged. Have a translation app (Google Translate with offline Chinese pack, Baidu Translate, or Pleco) installed and tested. A power bank in your bag is a smart addition for longer ER visits.

Where to Go: Choosing the Right ER

For life-threatening emergencies — chest pain suggesting a heart attack, stroke symptoms (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe trauma from an accident, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness — go to the nearest public Grade III-A hospital emergency department. Public hospitals have 24/7 surgical teams, intensive care units, CT and MRI scanners, interventional cardiology labs, and the full spectrum of specialist coverage that a true emergency requires. Private international hospitals, while more comfortable and English-friendly, may lack the depth of critical care capabilities needed for the most serious emergencies. The emergency department at a public hospital may feel chaotic and overwhelming, but it is where you will receive the most comprehensive emergency care.

For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions — a deep cut requiring stitches, a suspected broken bone, severe abdominal pain, a high fever that won't break, an asthma exacerbation where you can still speak — private international hospitals and VIP emergency departments at major public hospitals offer a much better experience. You will be seen by an English-speaking doctor, wait times are drastically shorter, and the environment is calmer and more private. The trade-off is cost. See Section 5 for specific hospital recommendations by city.

💡Tip: If you arrive at a hospital by taxi or Didi, tell the driver '急诊' (jí zhěn — emergency department) or simply show them this word. Hospital campuses in China can be enormous, with separate buildings for outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and emergency departments. You need to go to the emergency building, not the main outpatient entrance.

4. Payment in Medical Emergencies

One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of emergency care in China for foreigners is the payment system. It is fundamentally different from systems in countries with universal healthcare or in Western private hospitals where insurance is billed after treatment. In Chinese public hospitals, payment is expected at the time of service, even in the emergency department. This does not mean you will be denied life-saving treatment if you cannot pay upfront — as noted, Chinese law requires emergency stabilization regardless of ability to pay — but the financial process will begin almost immediately alongside the medical care.

Here is how emergency payment typically works at a Chinese public hospital: After initial triage and the start of emergency treatment, a family member, friend, or the patient (if able) will be directed to the ER registration and payment counter. You will need to pay a deposit (typically RMB 1,000–10,000 depending on the suspected severity of the condition) and pay for each test, medication, and procedure as it is ordered. This is a pay-as-you-go system — the CT scan is paid for when ordered, the blood tests are paid for when the samples are drawn, and medications are paid for at the pharmacy before they are dispensed. The hospital issues a prepaid card or links payments to your hospital registration number, and a running tab is maintained. When you are discharged or admitted as an inpatient, a final settlement is calculated.

For foreigners with international health insurance, the situation varies. Private international hospitals like United Family and Jiahui accept direct billing from major international insurers (Cigna, Aetna, Bupa, Allianz, GeoBlue, etc.), meaning you may pay nothing out of pocket beyond your deductible. At public hospital international/VIP emergency departments — available at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai, PUMCH in Beijing, and similar flagship institutions — direct billing is sometimes possible but should not be assumed. More commonly, you will need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement to your insurer. Always contact your insurer's 24/7 emergency hotline as soon as you are stable enough to do so.

If you are paying out of pocket, here are the practical realities: Carry a minimum of RMB 3,000–5,000 in cash for initial emergency costs. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay and link an international credit card through their respective apps — both now support foreign cards for this purpose. Keep all receipts (发票 fā piào), test reports, and the itemized bill. These are essential for insurance reimbursement claims. If you need to transfer large sums from overseas quickly, Wise (TransferWise), Western Union, and SWIFT bank transfers are all options, though SWIFT transfers to Chinese banks can take 1–3 business days. Having a trusted local friend or colleague who can advance cash in an emergency is an invaluable safety net.

Key takeaway: Emergency departments in China will not turn away a critically ill patient for inability to pay. The legal obligation to stabilize and provide emergency treatment overrides financial considerations. However, non-emergency aspects of care, elective admission, and ongoing treatment after stabilization will require payment. If you are uninsured or underinsured, our assistance team can help you understand your options.

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5. Emergency Room Recommendations by City

Not all emergency departments are equal, and as a foreigner, you want to know which hospitals combine strong emergency capabilities with the best chance of English-speaking staff and international patient support. Below are recommended emergency departments in China's major cities, based on real-world experience from expats and international patients. These are the hospitals you should know about before an emergency happens.

Huashan Hospital ER (Fudan University)

Shanghai

One of China's premier hospitals with a 24/7 emergency department capable of handling the full spectrum of emergencies. The International Medical Center at Huashan offers a VIP ER pathway with English-speaking coordinators, though this is typically available during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, the standard public ER is the entry point. Huashan is particularly strong in neurology and neurosurgery emergencies.

💡Address: 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Jing'an District. Nearest metro: Changshu Road (Lines 1 & 7). The ER entrance is on the Huashan Road side of the campus.

Ruijin Hospital ER (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Shanghai

Another top-tier Grade III-A hospital with a comprehensive emergency department. Ruijin is renowned for its burn and trauma center — one of the best in China — and has strong cardiology and general surgery emergency capabilities. The hospital's international medical services department can provide English-speaking assistance for ER patients during daytime hours.

💡Address: 197 Ruijin Er Road, Huangpu District. Nearest metro: Dapuqiao (Line 9). The ER is in Building 1, clearly signed as 急诊.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) ER

Beijing

Widely considered China's top hospital, PUMCH has a 24/7 emergency department with comprehensive specialist coverage. The International Medical Services department provides VIP ER services with English-speaking doctors during daytime hours. PUMCH is particularly strong for complex internal medicine emergencies, rare disease presentations, and cases requiring multidisciplinary consultation.

💡Address: 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District. Nearest metro: Dengshikou (Line 5). The ER entrance is on the east side of the main building complex.

Beijing Chaoyang Hospital ER

Beijing

A top-tier hospital with one of Beijing's busiest and most capable emergency departments. Chaoyang Hospital has a strong reputation in respiratory emergencies, toxicology, and occupational medicine. The hospital has an international clinic that can provide English support for ER patients. Located in Beijing's central business district, it is easily accessible from the east side of the city.

💡Address: 8 Gongti South Road, Chaoyang District. Nearest metro: Dongdaqiao (Line 6). The ER is on the ground floor of the main building.

The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University ER

Guangzhou

The top-ranked hospital in southern China, with a 24/7 emergency department covering all major specialties. The hospital has an international healthcare center that serves foreign patients. It is particularly strong in organ transplantation, hepatobiliary surgery emergencies, and oncology emergencies. English-speaking staff are available through the international center, though primarily during business hours.

💡Address: 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Yuexiu District. Nearest metro: Martyrs' Park (Line 1). The ER entrance is clearly marked on Zhongshan Er Road.

Shenzhen People's Hospital ER

Shenzhen

Shenzhen's largest public hospital with a modern emergency department. As a relatively new city, Shenzhen's hospital infrastructure is more modern than many older Chinese cities. The hospital sees a significant number of expat patients due to Shenzhen's international business community. English support is available but limited — bringing a Chinese-speaking companion is recommended. For private care, the Shenzhen United Family Hospital offers an English-language ER alternative.

💡Address: 1017 Dongmen North Road, Luohu District. Nearest metro: Cuizhu (Line 3). United Family Shenzhen (private) at 1F, Building 9, Honey Park, Futian is an alternative for non-critical emergencies.
Explore full hospital directories for each city

6. Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Foreigners in China

The best emergency is the one you are prepared for. Take 30 minutes today to complete this checklist. In a crisis, you will be glad you did.

Save emergency numbers in your phone: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police), 119 (fire). Add them to your phone's favorites or emergency contacts screen for quick access.

Identify the nearest Grade III-A hospital with an emergency department to your home, workplace, and hotel. Use our city guides to find hospitals near you and save their addresses (in Chinese) in your phone.

Create an 'Emergency Information Card' with your name, passport number, blood type, allergies, medical conditions, current medications, and emergency contact phone numbers — in both English and Chinese. Keep a physical copy in your wallet and a photo in your phone.

Set up and fund WeChat Pay or Alipay on your phone. Link an international credit card. Keep at least RMB 3,000–5,000 in a readily accessible account. Test that payments work before you need them.

Download an offline Chinese-English translation app (Google Translate with Chinese offline pack, Baidu Translate, or Pleco). Test the camera translation feature — it can read Chinese signs, forms, and medication labels in real time.

Keep a physical copy of your passport photo page and your Chinese visa or residence permit in your wallet, separate from your actual passport. In an emergency, this can speed up hospital registration if your passport is inaccessible.

Know your insurance policy: save the insurer's 24/7 international emergency hotline in your phone, understand whether direct billing is available at any hospitals near you, and know your policy's coverage limits, deductible, and pre-authorization requirements.

Identify a Chinese-speaking emergency contact — a friend, colleague, landlord, or neighbor — who is willing and able to assist in an emergency. Confirm their availability and share your emergency information card with them.

If you have a serious chronic condition (diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, heart disease), consider wearing a medical alert bracelet in Chinese. These can be ordered online and may be the first thing an emergency responder notices if you are unconscious.

Carry a small 'go bag' with essentials: charged power bank, charging cable, cash (RMB), a copy of your passport, emergency information card, a list of medications (generic names), snacks, water, and a basic first aid kit. Keep this in your bag or at your desk.

Learn the basic emergency Chinese phrases listed below. Even a few words — 'help,' 'ambulance,' 'hospital,' 'I don't speak Chinese' — can change the trajectory of an emergency.

Emergency Chinese Phrases for Foreigners

These phrases can help you communicate in a medical emergency when you don't speak Chinese. Practice the pronunciation or save this list as a screenshot on your phone. In a crisis, pointing to a phrase or reading it aloud can bridge the language gap.

ChinesePinyinEnglish
救命！Jiù mìng!Help! / Save me!
我需要救护车！Wǒ xūyào jiùhù chē!I need an ambulance!
请打120！Qǐng dǎ yāo èr líng!Please call 120!
我不会说中文。Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén.I don't speak Chinese.
请送我去医院。Qǐng sòng wǒ qù yīyuàn.Please take me to the hospital.
急诊在哪里？Jízhěn zài nǎlǐ?Where is the emergency department?
我很疼。Wǒ hěn téng.I am in a lot of pain.
我胸口疼。Wǒ xiōngkǒu téng.I have chest pain.
我呼吸困难。Wǒ hūxī kùnnán.I have difficulty breathing.
他在流血。Tā zài liúxuè.He/She is bleeding.
他失去意识了。Tā shīqù yìshí le.He/She lost consciousness.
我过敏……Wǒ guòmǐn...I am allergic to...
我有糖尿病。Wǒ yǒu tángniàobìng.I have diabetes.
我在吃这些药。Wǒ zài chī zhèxiē yào.I am taking these medications.
请说慢一点。Qǐng shuō màn yīdiǎn.Please speak more slowly.
我需要翻译。Wǒ xūyào fānyì.I need a translator.

💡Tip: Save these phrases as a note on your phone or take a screenshot. In an emergency, showing the Chinese characters to a taxi driver, passerby, or hospital staff member can communicate your need instantly without requiring pronunciation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Care in China

Will a Chinese hospital refuse to treat me in an emergency because I am a foreigner?

No. Chinese law requires all public hospital emergency departments to provide emergency medical treatment to anyone in need, regardless of nationality, registration status, or ability to pay. This legal obligation applies to life-threatening and emergency conditions. You will not be turned away from a public hospital ER because you are a foreigner. However, once you are stabilized, ongoing non-emergency treatment, hospital admission, and specialist referrals will require standard registration and payment.

Do I need to pay before receiving emergency treatment?

Life-saving emergency treatment will begin immediately regardless of payment status. However, as your condition is being assessed and treated, hospital staff will direct you (or your companion) to the payment counter to register and pay a deposit. Diagnostic tests such as CT scans, blood work, and X-rays are typically paid for at the time they are ordered. The hospital operates on a pay-as-you-go basis for emergency care, which is different from the 'bill later' model common in many Western countries. This is why carrying cash or having WeChat/Alipay set up is so important.

Is 120 the same as 911? Can I call 911 in China?

No and no. 120 is China's dedicated medical emergency number, and it is the number you should call for an ambulance. 911 does not work in China (it may redirect to 110 in some cities but should not be relied upon). China uses separate numbers for different emergency services: 120 for medical, 110 for police, and 119 for fire. These systems are not unified. For a medical emergency, call 120. For a situation requiring police assistance, call 110. If you call 110 and explain you need medical help, the police can coordinate an ambulance, but this adds an extra step.

What if the 120 operator does not speak English?

This is a very common situation — most 120 operators speak only Chinese. Your best options are: (1) hand the phone to a Chinese speaker nearby; (2) use the emergency Chinese phrases from this guide — even saying 'Jiù mìng!' (Help!) and your location may be enough to dispatch an ambulance; (3) call a Chinese-speaking friend first and have them call 120 on your behalf; (4) call 110 (police) instead, as police dispatchers are more likely to have basic English resources. Some international medical concierge services in major cities offer 24/7 English-language emergency coordination — if you subscribe to such a service, call them and they will handle the 120 call for you.

Should I go to a public hospital ER or a private international hospital in an emergency?

For life-threatening emergencies (heart attack, stroke, major trauma, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness), go to the nearest public Grade III-A hospital emergency department. Public hospitals have 24/7 surgical teams, full ICUs, and comprehensive specialist coverage that private international hospitals may not match in a critical situation. For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions (broken bones, deep cuts, severe but stable pain), a private international hospital offers a more comfortable experience with English-speaking doctors, shorter waits, and direct insurance billing — if you can afford the higher cost and the facility is accessible.

How much does an ambulance cost in China?

Ambulance fees in China are relatively affordable compared to Western countries but vary by city and distance. A basic ambulance transport within a city typically costs RMB 100–300 (approximately USD 15–45), with additional charges for oxygen, medications administered en route, and specialized equipment use. Longer-distance transports or specialized ICU ambulances cost more. Ambulance fees are not covered by Chinese public health insurance for foreigners and must be paid out of pocket or claimed through your international insurance. The fee is usually collected by the ambulance crew upon arrival at the hospital or added to your hospital bill.

Can I use my home country's health insurance in a Chinese ER?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most domestic health insurance plans from the US (including Medicare and Medicaid), UK (NHS), Canada, Australia, and other countries do NOT cover treatment in China. International health insurance plans (Cigna Global, Bupa International, Aetna International, Allianz Worldwide Care, GeoBlue, etc.) generally do cover emergency treatment in China. At private international hospitals, direct billing is common with these insurers. At public hospitals, you will likely need to pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement. Travel insurance policies typically cover emergency medical treatment but exclude pre-existing conditions. Always contact your insurer's emergency hotline as soon as possible during or after an emergency to understand your coverage and start the claims process.

What should I do after I am discharged from the ER?

After an ER visit in China, you should: (1) Collect all documentation — discharge summary, test results, imaging reports (ask for digital copies on CD or USB), prescriptions, and the itemized bill with official receipt (发票 fā piào). (2) Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments before leaving the hospital if possible. (3) If you have international insurance, contact your insurer immediately to start the reimbursement process and understand what documentation they require. (4) Share your Chinese medical records with your primary care physician at home. (5) If you were admitted as an inpatient after the ER visit, understand that the billing and care process shifts from emergency pay-as-you-go to an inpatient deposit system. Our guide on how to see a doctor in China covers the full process. For ongoing support navigating post-emergency care, contact our assistance team — we are here to help.

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