Chinese hospitals work on a registration (挂号) system rather than appointments. Understanding the sequence saves most of your time.
What to bring
- Passport — required for registering as a foreign patient
- Payment method — WeChat Pay or Alipay; cash is increasingly unusual
- Any previous records if you have them
The sequence
| Step | What happens | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register — machine, app, or counter | 我要挂号。 — wǒ yào guàhào. |
| 2 | Choose department and doctor level | 挂普通号还是专家号？ — guà pǔtōng hào háishì zhuānjiā hào? |
| 3 | Pay the registration fee | 可以扫码吗？ — kěyǐ sǎomǎ ma? |
| 4 | Wait for your number to be called | 到哪里候诊？ — dào nǎlǐ hòuzhěn? |
| 5 | Consultation | 我头疼，嗓子也疼。 — wǒ tóuténg, sǎngzi yě téng. |
Registration levels
- 普通号 (regular) — cheaper, longer wait, fine for common issues
- 专家号 (specialist) — costs more, limited daily numbers, released the evening before or the same morning
Practical notes
- Numbers for popular specialists are released on a schedule and can be gone in minutes. Ask at the counter or check the hospital's WeChat account for release times.
- Emergency departments (急诊) accept walk-ins at any hour.
- Larger hospitals in major cities often have an international department with English-speaking staff, though fees are higher.
Is hospital treatment covered by insurance?
Only if you hold Chinese social insurance or a private plan that covers mainland China. Otherwise expect to pay at the counter and claim later.
Can I go straight to a specialist?
No — you register for a department first, and referral to a specialist follows from there, unless you book a specialist registration directly.