International patients in China usually pay the hospital directly, as self-paying patients. The typical pattern is a deposit when you are admitted, payments for outpatient tests as they happen, and a final settlement against an itemized bill at discharge. The exact process varies by hospital, so confirm it before you travel.
Deposits and settlement
For inpatient treatment, hospitals usually ask for a deposit on admission, sized to the expected treatment. If costs run higher, the hospital may ask for a top-up during the stay. At discharge, the bill is settled and any balance is refunded or paid. Keep every receipt.
Outpatient visits, scans and lab tests are typically paid before or at the time of service. In international departments, billing may be handled at a dedicated counter.
Payment methods to prepare
- International bank cards. Accepted at many large hospitals, especially international departments, but not everywhere.
- Mobile payments. Major Chinese payment apps now let many foreign visitors link an international card. Set this up and test it before you need it.
- Bank transfer. Some hospitals accept transfers for deposits; allow time for international transfers to arrive.
- Cash. Useful as a backup for small payments.
Card limits are a common problem with large deposits. Tell your bank you will be paying a hospital abroad and check your daily limits in advance.
Reading an itemized bill
Chinese hospital bills are itemized by category: consultations, examinations, laboratory tests, medicines, materials, procedures, nursing and ward fees. Ask for a copy of the itemized list and official invoices. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation before settling.
Insurance and reimbursement
If you have international health insurance, ask your insurer before you travel whether treatment in China is covered and whether pre-authorization is needed. Most patients pay first and claim afterwards. Insurers usually want itemized invoices, a medical report and sometimes translations, so request these from the hospital before you leave.
Why you should pay the hospital directly
Paying the hospital directly means you see exactly what the hospital charged. Be wary of arrangements where an intermediary collects hospital fees as part of a "package" price, because you cannot see the hospital's real charges.
Horcare's model is simple: you pay hospital bills directly to the hospital, with no markup from Horcare. Horcare's own coordination fee is separate and is quoted in writing before any paid work begins. The initial case review is free. Read how payment works or compare costs in China with the US and UK.
