Living and Traveling in China

Southwest China Health Information

Western-style medical facilities with international staffs are not widely available in Southwest China.  Some hospitals in large Southwest Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards. These feature reasonably up-to-date medical technology and physicians who are both knowledgeable and skilled. Most VIP wards also provide medical services to foreigners and may have English-speaking doctors and nurses. 

Hospitals in the Chendu consular district do not accept U.S. medical insurance.  Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to hospital admission to cover the expected cost of treatment.  Hospitals often do not accent credit cards for payment.  Even in the VIP/Foreigner wards of major hospitals, however, American patients have frequently encountered difficulty due to cultural and regulatory differences.  All Americans traveling to China are strongly encouraged to buy foreign medical care and medical evacuation insurance prior to arrival.

Medical Insurance

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

Altitude Sickness in Western China

Most roads and towns in Tibet and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Travelers in these areas should seek medical advice in advance of travel, allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude, and remain alert to signs of altitude sickness. Reuse or poor sterilization practices are problems in China, contributing to transmission of diseases such as Hepatitis, which is endemic in China. In order to protect themselves from blood and other tissue borne disease such as Hepatitis and HIV, travelers should always ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment and be prepared to pay for new syringe needles in hospitals or clinics. Tuberculosis is endemic in China. Air pollution is also a significant problem throughout China. Travelers should consult their doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on them. Travelers are advised to consult the CDC's traveler's health website prior to departing for China.

Medical Facilities in Chengdu

American citizens requiring medical services in the Chengdu consular district may contact one of the medical facilities listed below. The Consulate General of the United States in Chengdu assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of organizations whose names appear on this list.

Global Doctors Chengdu Clinic
KeLan Bangkok Garden
No. 21, Section 4, South Ren Min Road, Chengdu
Hours: 9:00 – 18:00
Phone: 028-8522-6058 (9:00-18:00)
Phone: 028-139-822-56966 (18:00-9:00)
Website: www.eglobaldoctor.com
 
Sichuan International Medical Center and Foreigner’s Clinic
#37, Guo Xue Lane  
Phone: 028-8542-2777, 8542-2408
Website: www.goldencard.com
 
West China Medical Hospital of Sichuan University
#37, Guo Xue Lane
Hours: 0:00-24:00
Switchboard: 028-8542-2114
Emergency Service: 028-8555-3329

Heart to Heart International Chengdu Clinic
3F, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Qing Yang District
#11 Guang Hua Cun Street
Physician: Brian L. Robinson, M.D. (Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine)
Mobile: 1398-228-6220
Interpreter: Wang Ling Fang
Mobile: 1309-6310-427