International healthcare, medical insurance in Shanghai

Tools:

Until recently, healthcare in urban areas was provided for free, but due to the pressures placed on the public health system by an aging population and increased awareness of general health issues, people are being encouraged to subscribe to health insurance policies.

If you are not provided with insurance by your employer, you will find a wide variety of companies offering medical insurance to the expatriate in China. As with all insurance purchases, it is important to compare the policies on offer carefully, paying particular attention to the 'small print' and exclusions of each policy to ensure that you fully understand the level of cover provided. Almost all policies will exclude pre-existing medical conditions from cover, while others may exclude 'high risk' leisure activities, the definition of which can vary from policy to policy. Many policies have a limit on the amount payable per treatment, or in a given calendar year and some even limit the number of days hospital stay that you will be covered for.

If you need to make a claim, make sure that you fully understand your insurance company's requirements. Many insurance companies will require that the doctor/dentist who provided the treatment completes part or all of the claim form; while he or she might find this task a nuisance, you may have to insist if you want your claim to be successful. There are also cultural differences with regard to the level of information that is released to the patient and in some cases, you may find that you have to be persistent in order to get full details of your treatment from your doctor.

Dental insurance policies are also available, often as an add-on to medical insurance policies, but they can be very expensive. Check carefully what the policy covers, particularly with regard to routine work such as examinations, x-rays and dental hygiene services.

Update 11/09/2006


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Expatriate health insurance in China

With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Shanghai is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in China So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!

Cigna Logo

Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.

Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to China. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in China, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.

Getting a health insurance quote

Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.

Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about international healthcare, medical insurance in Shanghai, healthcare.