Healthcare costs in China for expatriates are soaring
Healthcare Is Expensive for Expatriates in China – Health Coverage is Vital
Many people can’t resist the appeal that China has to offer – the beautiful and diverse scenery, the local culture and is one of the main economic hubs of the world. There are so many fantastic career opportunities for expatriates in China where the economy is still growing at a fantastic rate. As an expatriate, it is not easy to resist the temptation to relocate to China – whether it be Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing or other major cities within.
Public Care
While taking into account China’s increasing population rates, increasing life expectancy rates and a stimulated economy increasing demand, the cost of China’s health care system is dramatically increasing as the years move forward. With this current trend, there is no foreseeable decrease in these costs, and it is explicitly important for non-native residents to take extra precaution. As China’s non-communicable disease rates are on the rise, the difficulty in obtaining sustainable public health care will continue to decline. As the cost of public healthcare continues to rise, the government is no longer able to support the financial demand – and is therefore forced to lower the standards of care in the general public hospitals. In our experience, expatriates do not seek healthcare system in China from the public system and almost always obtain medical assistance in the private clinics and hospitals.
Private care
As the general association between the cost of buying and operating in China is generally thought of as being inexpensive, this may lead an expatriate to believe that the cost of obtaining health and medical services would follow the same trend. This may be true for locals in China, as it is possible to find relatively inexpensive care in public hospitals; however, most expatriates will atomically seek medical treatment in private hospitals. It is much better for an expatriate to seek out private care, as it will be more likely to be close to their own standards of care, as well as less limitation with the language barrier.
Private hospitals, albeit more expensive than the public ones, will still cost approximately 80% of what one would pay for medical treatment in an American hospital and clinics. In some cases even more than the USA. The levels of care that an expatriate will find in a private hospital is substantially better than what he will find in the public sector; it is even common for the wealthier Chinese nationals to seek private care in the country. Since you are probably from a country outside of China, it is critical that you get a plan that will also cover you back in your home country and throughout the region.
With the idea of private care in mind, it is crucial for expatriates living in any Chinese city to obtain international health insurance coverage for your relocation. Even though China is a major economic hub for many people, the cost of living is still one of the most expensive places in the world and obtaining an international health plan will allow you to have peace of mind and financial protection.
Expat Financial, a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd, can easily obtain coverage for most expatriates in China. Our staff has the necessary knowledge to provide you with complete insurance coverage that will protect you while being posted in China. You can get a quote for healthcare in China via our quote page or by clicking the quote button below. Most people can obtain a quote in minutes and many are approved in minutes or after a few days.
Contact Expat Financial today for a more in-depth examination of your global health insurance needs for China and what plans we can offer you. If you require a quote for Chinese expat insurance, contact Expat Financial today. Please send along any relevant risk information that may be available or obtain a quote via the link above for the best plan that we can offer expatriates living in China.