Question 1

Do I need a visa to receive medical treatment in China?

Accepted Answer

It depends where you are treated. Hainan grants visa-free entry to nationals of 61 countries for up to 30 days, and the policy text explicitly lists medical treatment as a permitted purpose — but it is valid only inside Hainan Province. For treatment in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou you need an S2 visa (up to 180 days) supported by a formal invitation letter bearing the red seal of a Grade-3A public hospital. China's 240-hour visa-free transit (57 countries) does not permit medical treatment, and neither does the 30-day unilateral visa waiver that covers UK and Canadian passport holders — its permitted purposes are business, tourism, visiting relatives, exchanges and transit.

Question 2

How much cheaper is surgery in China?

Accepted Answer

Published market ranges as of September 2026: knee replacement USD 7,600–11,800 in China against USD 35,000–50,000 in the United States and roughly GBP 12,000–18,000 in UK private care; coronary artery bypass USD 11,800–20,200 against USD 70,000–120,000. These are researched market ranges, not quotations — the treating hospital sets the binding price after reviewing your records.

Question 3

Who issues the hospital invitation letter for a medical visa?

Accepted Answer

Only a licensed hospital may issue it. Letters issued by agencies or intermediaries are not accepted. Chinese consular guidance asks for an invitation letter, admission notice or acceptance certificate issued by the treating hospital in China, normally with its official seal, plus proof of funds. Letters on an agency's letterhead are not accepted. Whether a particular private or foreign-invested hospital's letter is accepted is decided by the consulate handling your application.

Question 4

Can I pay for treatment with a foreign credit card in China?

Accepted Answer

Partly. After passport verification, Alipay and WeChat Pay allow up to USD 5,000 per transaction and USD 50,000 per year on foreign cards (PBoC, March 2024). Large hospital bills are still normally settled by card at the hospital counter or by international wire to the hospital's account — do not plan to pay for surgery by QR code.

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