What Documents Do You Need for Medical Care in China?

Core Concept in Three Sentences

Identity documents are not the same as medical documents. Your passport proves who you are; your medical records provide the basis for diagnosis and treatment. You need both. Different scenarios require different documents. Outpatient visits, major surgery, discharge, and insurance claims are completely different workflows. The worst case is arriving in China without complete identity documents, translated medical records, or a reachable insurance hotline. Good document preparation already wins half the medical-care experience.

Chapter 1: Identity Documents

• Document: Required?; Notes
• Original passport: Required; Must generally be valid for at least six months
• Passport copy: Strongly recommended; Often kept for registration or admission
• Visa page copy: Recommended; Proves legal stay
• Residence permit, if held: Strongly recommended; Simplifies registration
• Social security card, if enrolled: Strongly recommended; Used for medical insurance reimbursement
• International insurance card: Strongly recommended; Used for direct billing and claims
• Accommodation registration form: May be needed for hospitalization; Receipt issued through police registration

What Is Usually Needed at Registration?

• Ordinary outpatient visit: Original passport
• International department or special medical service: Passport and insurance card
• Emergency care: Passport; in a true emergency, treatment may start first and paperwork follows
• Hospital admission: Passport, deposit, and guarantee letter if using insurance direct billing

Chapter 2: Medical Records to Bring Before Departure

• Document: Required?; Notes
• Previous medical record summary: Highly recommended; Print and bring it
• Diagnosis certificate: Highly recommended; Issued by your doctor at home
• Surgical records, if any: Required when relevant; Especially important for repeat surgery
• Pathology report, if any: Strongly recommended; Cancer patients may also need tissue slides or paraffin blocks
• Imaging data: Strongly recommended; Bring original DICOM files on CD or USB; film alone is not enough
• Lab reports: Recommended; Recent blood tests and related results
• Medication record: Recommended; Use generic names and dosages
• Allergy history: Recommended; Medication and food allergies

Imaging Data: A Common Mistake

The correct form is the original DICOM imaging data on CD or USB. High-resolution printed films are only barely acceptable. A text report without images is often not enough.

How to Handle Translation

For diagnosis certificates, pathology reports, and surgical records, use a translation company. For ordinary medical history, AI translation combined with English communication with the doctor may be acceptable, but it is not a formal document.

• Qualified translation company: Five stars; Critical records such as diagnosis, surgery, and pathology
• Hospital internal translation: Four stars; Some hospital international departments provide this
• Self or AI translation: Three stars; Oral reference for doctors, not a formal document

Chapter 3: Documents to Collect During Visits and at Discharge

After every visit, actively request the outpatient record, prescription, test reports, and diagnosis certificate when needed.

• Outpatient medical record: Five stars; Needed for follow-up visits
• Prescription: Five stars; Needed for medication pickup and insurance claims
• Test report: Five stars; Includes CT, MRI, and lab results
• Diagnosis certificate: Five stars; Essential for insurance claims and should carry the official seal

For insurance claims, the five key files are the bilingual diagnosis certificate with official seal, itemized expense list rather than only a total bill, formal invoice with finance seal, discharge summary, and prescriptions plus medication records.

Pre-Discharge Checklist

Before leaving the hospital, obtain the bilingual diagnosis certificate with seal, itemized expense list, formal invoice, discharge summary, and medication list. Make two to three copies of everything. Photograph and scan everything to your phone, cloud storage, and a family member.

Chapter 4: Payment and Insurance

Direct billing usually works as follows: the doctor recommends hospitalization; you contact the insurance company to confirm coverage; the insurance company issues a guarantee letter to the hospital; the hospital confirms it and admission or surgery proceeds; after discharge, the hospital settles directly with the insurer; the patient pays only uncovered amounts. Regardless of insurance type, keep at least CNY 50,000 in available funds. If online direct billing fails and you need to pay upfront, you will not be trapped. Payment acceptance: WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most widely accepted. Cash in RMB is accepted almost everywhere. UnionPay cards are widely accepted. International credit cards are usually accepted only at international hospitals and some public international departments.

Chapter 5: Scenario Quick Reference

Ordinary outpatient visit: original passport, passport copy, previous medical records, imaging data, and WeChat Pay or Alipay. International department: passport, insurance card, translated medical records, and imaging disc. Inpatient surgery: passport, visa copy, insurance card, guarantee letter, deposit, all medical records, and accommodation registration receipt. Insurance claim: bilingual diagnosis certificate with seal, itemized expenses, invoice, discharge summary, claim form, and prescription. Visa extension for continued treatment: passport, visa copy, hospital medical-condition certificate, treatment plan, admission record, accommodation registration form, financial proof, and photo.

Chapter 6: Digital Backup

Store files on your phone, in the cloud, and with a family member. All three are necessary. Recommended naming examples: 2026-06-10_Diagnosis_Certificate_EN.jpg; 2026-06-10_Itemized_Expense_List_P1.jpg; 2026-06-10_Invoice.jpg. Photograph documents immediately when the nurse gives them to you at discharge; do not wait until returning to the hotel.

One-Sentence Summary

If documents are complete, the medical-care experience in China is already half won. If documents are incomplete, insurance may not pay, visa extension may fail, and tests may need to be repeated. Complete documents make the process smoother and can speed reimbursement to as little as three to seven working days.

Related MedToChina Resources

• China medical visit visa guide
• Hospital appointment guide
• Paying for treatment in China
• Second medical opinion records

Planning Note

MedToChina can help international patients organize records, compare suitable hospital pathways, coordinate appointments, arrange medical translation, and plan non-emergency travel logistics in China. MedToChina is not a hospital, insurer, emergency provider, or source of medical advice. Clinical decisions must be made with licensed clinicians after reviewing the patient's case.

Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for general education and planning only. It does not replace professional medical, legal, insurance, immigration, or financial advice. Requirements, prices, hospital access, and visa handling can change. Patients should confirm details with the relevant hospital, insurer, Chinese visa center, immigration authority, and licensed professionals before making decisions.