Why a structured checklist matters:
Medical travel to China involves more than packing a suitcase. Visa timing, document translation, hospital deposits, and post-discharge follow‑up are just as critical. This guide is designed for international patients, expats, and Hong Kong seniors — covering every step from the initial consultation to your journey home.
Part 1: Before You Book a Flight — Ask the Right Questions
🎯 Define Your Medical Purpose
✔️ Exact diagnosis?
✔️ Surgery, outpatient therapy, or health screening?
✔️ Estimated treatment + recovery time?
✔️ Need a companion or caregiver?
📋 Check Insurance & Budget
✔️ Does your policy cover overseas treatment?
✔️ Direct billing or reimbursement?
✔️ Hospital deposit (usually 30‑50% of estimated cost).
📄 Gather Medical Records
✔️ Imaging CDs (CT, MRI, PET‑CT)
✔️ Pathology reports and surgical history
✔️ Complete medication list (generic names, dosages).
🩺 Medical Clearance
✔️ Confirm your condition is stable enough to travel.
✔️ Some patients need a letter from their home doctor.
💡 Contact Saprimed for a free initial case review — we help you match with the right hospital, obtain an invitation letter (for S2 visa), and provide a personalized document checklist.
Start Free Case Review →Visa Guide for Medical Travelers
| Visa Type | Duration | Best For | Invitation Letter Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240‑hour Transit‑Free | ≤10 days | Short consultation or health checkup | ❌ |
| Tourist (L) | 10‑90 days | Outpatient care, minor procedures | ⚠️ (sometimes) |
| Medical (S2) | ≤180 days | Surgery, inpatient treatment, long‑term care | ✅ Required |
👉 Action: Apply at least 4‑6 weeks before travel. Saprimed can provide an official S2 invitation letter from a partner hospital.
Part 2: The Complete Medical Travel Checklist
📂 Essential Documents (Digital + Physical)
- Passport (6‑month validity)
- Chinese visa (or visa‑free approval)
- Hospital invitation letter (for S2)
- Medical records (English + Chinese translation recommended)
- Travel insurance covering overseas treatment
- Flight itinerary & hotel reservation
💊 Medications & Medical Supplies
- Regular prescription meds (enough for stay + 2 weeks extra)
- Doctor's letter explaining each medication
- OTC basics (pain relievers, digestive aids)
- Medical devices (CPAP, glucose meter with spare batteries)
- Copies of prescriptions for glasses/contacts
🧳 Personal & Recovery Items
- Comfortable, layerable clothing, slip‑on shoes
- Toiletries (mild soap, moisturizer, wet wipes)
- Recovery aids (travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs)
- Entertainment (tablet, headphones, charger/adapter)
- Familiar snacks (check hospital policy)
💰 Money & Payment
- International credit card (Visa/Mastercard/AE)
- RMB 1,000‑2,000 cash for incidentals
- WeChat Pay / Alipay (can be set up with foreign card)
- Proof of funds (bank or credit card statement)
📱 Communication & Tech
- International roaming or local Chinese SIM (buy at airport)
- VPN (install BEFORE departure)
- Essential apps: WeChat, Alipay, Google Translate (offline), maps
- Portable charger for long hospital days
🏥 Hospital‑Specific Preparation
- Confirm admission date (≥2 weeks ahead)
- Understand payment policy and deposit amount
- Ask about language services (Saprimed provides in‑person escort)
- Know visiting hours and family accommodation options
Part 3: Special Considerations by Treatment Type
🦵 Orthopedic Surgery (Knee/Hip)
Plan for 3‑4 weeks in China. Bring loose clothing that fits over bandages.
🩺 Health Checkup Package
Usually 2‑3 days. Fast before blood work. Expect English report in 3‑5 days.
🧠 TCM Consultation
No special prep. Consider taking the free TCM Constitution Assessment beforehand.
❤️ Cardiac / Cancer Treatment
Longer stays → S2 visa required. Bring all previous imaging and pathology slides.
Part 4: After You Arrive — From Airport to Hospital
- At the airport: Complete online arrival card → Immigration → Collect luggage → Meet coordinator (Saprimed can arrange airport pickup).
- At the hospital: Register at international department → Pay deposit → Meet doctor.
- During your stay: Keep passport safe → Follow hospital policies → Stay in touch with Saprimed for any translation or coordination needs.
- Before you leave: Settle final bill → Obtain discharge summary (English) → Collect medical records → Confirm flight.
✈️ After You Return Home
✔️ Schedule follow‑up with your local doctor.
✔️ Keep a copy of all translated medical records.
✔️ Contact Saprimed if you need remote consultation for post‑treatment care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📚 Related Resources
This checklist is for informational purposes only. Medical travel requirements, visa policies, and hospital procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with the Chinese embassy and your chosen hospital. Saprimed provides coordination and escort services but does not give medical advice or guarantee visa approval.