Shanghai's official guidance lists a passport among the documents for registering at a local hospital, and booking routes vary. A first visit can be thought of in four steps: registration, the consultation, payment and reports. Each hospital organises these steps differently, so confirm each one with the hospital itself. In a medical emergency in Shanghai, call 120.

What other visitors have shown

Foreign creators have filmed their own hospital visits in China. China Unpacked's video "I went to a Chinese Hospital as a Foreigner (Here's the Reality)" lists registration, language barriers, and costs and payment among its topics; it was filmed at a hospital in Chengdu [6]. Living in China filmed his British parents at a hospital in Shanghai in "My Parents came to USE the Hospital in China!" [6]. These are their experiences at particular hospitals. They are not a guide to every hospital, and any costs they mention are theirs, not quotes from us.

Step 1: Registration

Shanghai's official English guide, How to see a doctor at a local hospital, lists a passport among the documents for registration and describes appointment channels [1]. In practice:

  • Bring your passport, and keep a copy of your travel details to hand.
  • Ask the hospital which booking route works for an overseas visitor, and whether its online system accepts your passport and phone number.
  • Ask which department to register with, and what counts as a confirmed appointment.

The official guide gives general information. It doesn't confirm that every hospital, department or online system will work the same way for you.

Step 2: The consultation

Language is often the hardest part. Before you go, ask:

  • whether a doctor or staff member can consult in English or another language you speak;
  • whether an interpreter can be arranged, and whether there is a charge;
  • whether you can bring someone to help with language.

Write down your symptoms, current medicines and allergies before the visit, and ask the doctor to write down the plan.

Step 3: Payment

Payment arrangements vary, and we have not verified which methods each hospital accepts for overseas visitors. Before your visit:

  • ask which payment methods work for you, including whether foreign cards are accepted;
  • ask when payment is made, for example before tests or medicine are issued;
  • ask for itemised receipts, which may be useful for insurance claims at home.

Step 4: Reports and records

Reports may take time and may not be in your language. Ask:

  • when each test result or report will be ready, and how you will receive it;
  • what language reports are in, and whether translation is available;
  • how to get copies of your medical records to take home.

Shanghai's rules on medical disputes refer to providing copies of medical records in line with record-management rules [2]. Ask the hospital how to request them, what the process involves, and whether there is a charge.

Before you travel: entry rules

Entry arrangements depend on your passport, purpose and itinerary. One regional visa-free policy lists medical purposes, but it limits activity under that policy to Hainan, so it doesn't cover a Shanghai visit [3]. Check your own situation with the Chinese embassy, consulate or the visa application office responsible for your application; requirements and decisions rest with them [4].

In an emergency

In a medical emergency in Shanghai, call 120 [5]. Don't wait for an appointment or a message reply.

If your doctor agrees: explore between appointments

If your doctor agrees and your schedule allows, Shanghai's official heritage routes include the Bund, Yu Garden and the Shanghai History Museum [7]. Plan medical appointments first and keep sightseeing flexible. We don't sell tours.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to register at a hospital in Shanghai?

Shanghai's official guide lists a passport among the documents for registration. Check the booking route and any other requirements with the hospital you plan to visit.

Do doctors in Chinese hospitals speak English?

It varies by hospital and department. Ask before your visit whether English-language consultation or an interpreter is available.

Can I pay with a foreign bank card?

It depends on the hospital. Ask in advance which payment methods are accepted for overseas visitors.

Can I get copies of my medical records?

Shanghai's rules refer to providing copies of medical records. Ask the hospital how to request them, in what language and format, and whether there is a charge.

What number do I call in a medical emergency in Shanghai?

Call 120.

Can I use a visa-free policy for medical treatment in Shanghai?

Don't assume so. The regional policy that lists medical purposes applies to Hainan. Check with the official office responsible for your application.

If you have planning questions, you can contact us.

General information, not medical advice. Shanghai Care Planning is an early-stage planning project, not a hospital.

Sources

  1. Shanghai Municipal Government, How to see a doctor at a local hospital — https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Individuals-Healthcare-Medicalservices/20260805/d57788398d424f318a5d18610ee035db.html — Last checked: 28 Oct 2026
  2. Shanghai Municipal Government, Procedures on Prevention and Mediation of Medical Malpractice Disputes, Article 17 — https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Bulletin/20241231/915d660d48944a7ba02bef7ad5b0b219.html — Last checked: 28 Oct 2026
  3. National Immigration Administration, Regional Visa-Free Entry Policies for Foreign Nationals — https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c180637/content.html — Last checked: 28 Oct 2026
  4. Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Tijuana), S2 visa guidance (a regional example of how documents and decisions are handled) — https://www.visaforchina.cn/TIJ4_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/banliliucheng/551677835937452058.html — Last checked: 28 Oct 2026
  5. Shanghai Municipal Government, Public service hotlines in Shanghai — https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-EmergencyNumbers/20240104/8eec5a3d2b864187af8f383cc6b94ae5.html — Last checked: 28 Oct 2026
  6. Videos (public titles and descriptions only): China Unpacked, "I went to a Chinese Hospital as a Foreigner (Here's the Reality)", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ODSkMDwKYI; Living in China, "My Parents came to USE the Hospital in China! (UK don't have this)", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvU6R-Kg38E — Last checked: 29 Oct 2026
  7. Shanghai Municipal Government, Cultural heritage tours — https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-CityTour/20240613/e04a0466a3b841edb0dcfc07791be002.html — Last checked: 29 Oct 2026

Clinical review pending: the medical information in this article has not yet been reviewed by a doctor. Confirm suitability, preparation and follow-up with the treating provider.

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