Health insurance

Before you begin

Why health insurance matters

Healthcare in Shenzhen ranges from basic public facilities to premium international hospitals. Having appropriate health insurance ensures you can access quality care when needed without facing significant financial burden.

Key considerations:

• Medical costs can be high, especially at international facilities
• Public hospitals may have language barriers
• International hospitals typically require insurance or upfront payment
• Emergency care can be expensive without coverage

Types of health insurance

1. Social Insurance (Social Medical Insurance - 社会医疗保险)

• Mandatory for employees of Chinese companies
• Basic coverage at public hospitals
• Lower premiums but limited coverage
• High copayments and deductibles
• May not cover international hospitals

2. Private International Health Insurance

• Optional but highly recommended for expatriates
• Access to international hospitals
• English-speaking doctors
• Higher coverage limits
• May include medical evacuation

3. Combination Approach

• Many expatriates use both social insurance and private insurance
• Social insurance for basic needs
• Private insurance for comprehensive coverage

Social insurance (五险一金)

What is social insurance?

Social insurance (五险一金) is China’s mandatory social security system that includes five insurances and one fund:

Five Insurances:

1. Pension Insurance (养老保险)
2. Medical Insurance (医疗保险) - Health insurance component
3. Unemployment Insurance (失业保险)
4. Work Injury Insurance (工伤保险)
5. Maternity Insurance (生育保险)

One Fund:

• Housing Fund (住房公积金)

Medical insurance component

Coverage:

• Basic medical services at public hospitals
• Partial coverage of medical expenses
• Prescription medications (partial coverage)
• Emergency care

Limitations:

• High copayments (typically 20-30% of costs)
• Annual deductibles
• Limited coverage at private/international hospitals
• May not cover all procedures or medications
• Language barriers at public hospitals

Cost:

• Employee contribution: Typically 2-3% of salary (deducted monthly)
• Employer contribution: Additional percentage (paid by employer)
• Exact percentages vary by location and salary level

How it works:

• Your employer automatically enrolls you
• Contributions deducted from salary monthly
• You receive a social insurance card (社保卡)
• Present card at public hospitals for coverage
• Pay copayment at time of service

Private international health insurance

Why consider private insurance?

While social insurance provides basic coverage, most expatriates supplement with private international health insurance for:

• Access to international hospitals with English-speaking staff
• Higher coverage limits for serious conditions
• Lower or no copayments at preferred facilities
• Medical evacuation coverage for serious conditions
• Dental and vision coverage (often as add-ons)
• Coverage outside China (depending on plan)

Major insurance providers

Cigna

Features:

• Comprehensive international coverage
• Direct billing at network hospitals
• Good coverage in China
• Medical evacuation included
• English customer service

Best for: Comprehensive coverage, frequent travelers

Aetna

Features:

• Strong network in China
• Good for families
• Preventive care coverage
• International coverage options

Best for: Families, long-term residents

Allianz

Features:

• Global coverage
• Flexible plan options
• Good customer service
• Direct billing available

Best for: Global coverage needs, flexible plans

AIA (AIA Group)

Features:

• Strong presence in Asia
• Good network in China
• Various plan tiers
• Local customer service

Best for: Asia-focused coverage

Ping An

Features:

• Local Chinese insurer
• Competitive pricing
• Good network in China
• May have less English support

Best for: Cost-conscious, comfortable with Chinese language

Choosing a plan

Key factors to consider:

1. Coverage limits: Annual and lifetime maximums
2. Network hospitals: Which facilities are covered?
3. Copayments and deductibles: Out-of-pocket costs
4. Geographic coverage: China only or worldwide?
5. Pre-existing conditions: Are they covered?
6. Family coverage: Options for spouse and children
7. Dental and vision: Included or separate?
8. Medical evacuation: Is it included?
9. Premium cost: Monthly or annual premiums
10. Customer service: English support availability

Typical plan costs (as of January 2025):

• Basic: RMB 500-1,000/month (individual)
• Standard: RMB 1,000-2,000/month (individual)
• Comprehensive: RMB 2,000-4,000/month (individual)
• Family plans: Typically 2-3x individual cost

Accessing healthcare

International hospitals in Shenzhen

Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital (香港大学深圳医院)

• International standard facilities
• English-speaking staff
• Accepts international insurance
• Comprehensive services
• Located in Futian

Peking University Shenzhen Hospital (北京大学深圳医院)

• International Medical Department
• English-speaking doctors available
• Good reputation
• Various specialties
• Located in Nanshan

Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital International Medical Center (深圳南山医院国际医疗部)

• Dedicated international department
• English support
• International insurance accepted
• Located in Nanshan

Private clinics:

• Various international clinics throughout Shenzhen
• Often more convenient for routine care
• May have shorter wait times
• Check insurance network coverage

Public hospitals

Characteristics:

• Lower costs (especially with social insurance)
• May have language barriers
• Can be crowded
• Longer wait times
• Basic English support may be limited

When to use:

• Routine care if comfortable with Chinese
• Emergency situations
• When cost is primary concern
• For procedures covered by social insurance

Common issues and solutions

Issue: Insurance doesn’t cover preferred hospital

Solution:

• Check if hospital is in insurance network
• Contact insurance to add hospital to network (may be possible)
• Consider switching to plan with better network
• Use out-of-network coverage (higher copayment)
• Negotiate cash payment discount if paying out-of-pocket

Issue: Pre-existing condition not covered

Solution:

• Some plans cover pre-existing conditions after waiting period
• Look for plans with pre-existing condition coverage
• Consider higher-tier plans
• May need to pay out-of-pocket for related care
• Consult insurance broker for options

Issue: High copayments or deductibles

Solution:

• Understand your plan’s cost-sharing structure
• Choose plan with lower copayments if budget allows
• Use in-network providers to minimize costs
• Consider Health Savings Account if available
• Negotiate payment plans for large bills

Issue: Language barriers at public hospitals

Solution:

• Use international hospitals (if insurance covers)
• Bring Chinese-speaking friend or translator
• Use translation apps
• Some public hospitals have international departments
• Consider private clinics with English support

Issue: Need medical evacuation

Solution:

• Ensure your plan includes medical evacuation coverage
• Understand evacuation procedures and limits
• Keep insurance emergency contact numbers handy
• Some plans cover evacuation to home country
• Verify coverage before traveling

Tips and best practices

Before choosing insurance

• Assess your needs: Consider health history, family situation, travel plans
• Compare multiple providers: Get quotes from 3-5 insurers
• Read policy details: Understand coverage, exclusions, limits
• Check hospital networks: Verify your preferred hospitals are covered
• Consider your budget: Balance coverage needs with premium costs

After getting insurance

• Carry insurance card: Always have your insurance information
• Know your network: Familiarize yourself with covered hospitals
• Save emergency contacts: Insurance customer service, emergency numbers
• Understand claims process: How to file claims if needed
• Keep records: Save all medical receipts and documents

Using your insurance

• Verify coverage: Check if service is covered before treatment
• Use network providers: Minimize out-of-pocket costs
• Bring insurance card: Present at hospital registration
• Understand costs: Know your copayment and deductible
• Keep receipts: For reimbursement if needed

Maintaining coverage

• Pay premiums on time: Avoid coverage lapses
• Update information: Notify insurer of address or family changes
• Review annually: Ensure coverage still meets your needs
• Understand renewal: Know when and how to renew
• Consider life changes: Marriage, children, job changes may affect needs

Costs and fees

Social insurance costs

• Employee contribution: 2-3% of monthly salary (as of January 2025)
• Employer contribution: Additional percentage (varies)
• Copayments: Typically 20-30% of medical costs
• Deductibles: Annual deductible applies (varies)

Private insurance costs

Monthly premiums (approximate, as of January 2025):

• Basic individual: RMB 500-1,000/month
• Standard individual: RMB 1,000-2,000/month
• Comprehensive individual: RMB 2,000-4,000/month
• Family plans: 2-3x individual cost

Additional costs:

• Deductibles: Annual deductibles (varies by plan)
• Copayments: Per-visit or per-service fees
• Out-of-network: Higher costs for non-network providers
• Pre-existing conditions: May have waiting periods or exclusions

Resources

Insurance providers

• Cigna - International health insurance
• Aetna - International plans
• Allianz - Global health insurance
• AIA - Asia-focused insurance
• Ping An - Chinese insurer

Healthcare facilities

• Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital
• Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
• Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital International Medical Center

Helpful information

• Your employer’s HR department (for social insurance questions)
• Insurance brokers (for comparing private plans)
• Moving to Shenzhen - See “Health insurance” section

Related articles

• Moving to Shenzhen - General relocation guide
• Professional help - Insurance brokers and advisors

Need help?

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