Insurance for expats in China: how to safeguard your loved ones while living abroad.

I am an expat in China, how do I pick the right insurance plan for me and my loved ones?

Residing outside of your native country is both exciting and challenging. It’s paramount to be healthy to turn these challenges to opportunities for better life. Our duty is to offer you a seamless frame to fully develop your capacity so you can reach your targets. With our help, you will have a sense of security, being at home or an expat in China. We are by your sideto help you find the best insurance for expats in China.

Health insurance for expats in China

Why it is important to have health insurance while living in China

Whether you moved to China to live, work, or start a family, you’re going to need health insurance. While some companies include this inside their employee benefits, this is not always the case.

Chinese hospitals are money-first

Unlike other countries, if you do not have health insurance, Chinese hospitals ask for a deposit before treatment. Having insurance can ensure in an emergency situation where you do not have cash on-hand, the admin will not have to collect a deposit. 

Insurance can cover English speaking facilities

Health insurance can also guarantee access to international medical facilities which provide services in English.

Chinese healthcare has a wide variety of pricing

China has both public and private hospitals. Public hospitals have three tiers, generally the third tier hospitals are only covered by social insurance because the standards are quite low. Fortunately, nearly every city has at least a tier-2 level hospital. The public hospitals also do have VIP services, which can also be covered by insurance.

The cost of medical treatment in China can vary. Private clinics can be as expensive as the US, but the quality of care is very high. Private clinics can also be covered by insurance, depending on the package.

From minor colds to serious illness or injury, medical expenses can be burdensome to expats. Health insurance takes care of the headache of medical bills so you and your family can focus on recovery.

Comparing health insurance options in China

Below, we compare two health insurance for expat in China which are available for foreigners.

Our experienced staff helps clients choose the optimal insurance in China with customized advice based on each individual’s needs.

Critical illness vs. health insurance in China

Critical illness insurance goes beyond standard health insurance to bring financial security to the whole family of someone who is critically ill. 

Standard health insurance just covers medical treatments in case of sickness and accident. However, critical illness insurance allows more flexibility as the indemnification can compensate loss of income in the event that someone cannot resume working after an operation for a cancer or a stroke.

These 2 types of insurance are needed. Health insurance provides cover for the day-to-day medical treatment. Critical insurance provides cover for severe sickness that might be a question life or death and also financial support to the whole family if a sick family member cannot resume working.

On top of standard virus-infections, some insurance companies added COVID-19 to their guaranteed range after the new disease’s outbreak in 2020. 

Insurance claims: what you should know

Before purchasing insurance, you must understand the range and rules to claim. Most health insurances in China require the insurant to get treated in domestic level 2 or above hospitals. Generally, Chinese insurances do not cover overseas treatment. However, some insurance products cover worldwide. Companies, such as AIA and Taiping Life allow clients to claim for overseas treatment. Below, we show some requirements for claims. 

Read more about health insurance in China with our thorough report below:

We are always by your side in case of something goes wrong during the indemnification process of a claim

Whatever your situation is in China, ARMS provides you professional and tailor-made advice. Contact us to safeguard your life and health in China.