How to seek medical help in emergencies? How to find English-speaking hospitals?
PM 23:06 2025/04/22
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Part One: Steps to Seek Medical Help in Emergency Situations

  1. Call China’s Emergency Number: 120
  2. This is a nationwide free emergency number providing 24-hour service.
  3. After dialing, try to briefly explain the situation in simple English (e.g., "I need an ambulance") and inform them of your specific location (address, landmark, or hotel name).
  4. If language communication becomes difficult, ask people around you, hotel staff, or use a translation app for assistance.

  5. Contact Your Hotel or Local Institutions

  6. Hotel front desks usually have emergency procedures and can assist in contacting hospitals or translation services.
  7. In tourist attractions or shopping malls, you can seek help from the staff, who will guide you to the nearest medical point.

  8. Use International Insurance Emergency Services

  9. If you have purchased international travel insurance, call the 24-hour emergency rescue number provided by the insurance company (such as Allianz, AXA), and they will coordinate with hospitals and handle the expenses.

  10. Go to the Nearest Public Hospital Emergency Department

  11. The emergency department (Emergency Department) of public hospitals in China provides basic emergency services.
  12. It is recommended to carry your passport, insurance policy, and a list of commonly used medications with you.

Part Two: How to Find Hospitals That Speak English

1. Recommended International Hospitals in Major Cities

The following hospitals have international medical departments or offer English services:
- Beijing
- Beijing United Family Hospital (United Family Hospital)
Address: No. 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-5927-7000
Services: General practice, emergency, multi-language services, accepts international insurance.

  • Beijing International Medical Center (IMC)
    Address: No. 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District
    Phone: +86-10-6465-1561

  • Shanghai

  • Shanghai United Family Hospital (United Family Hospital)
    Address: No. 1139 Xianxia Road, Changning District
    Phone: +86-21-2216-3900

  • Huashan Hospital International Medical Department
    Address: No. 12 Wuzhong Middle Road, Jing'an District
    Phone: +86-21-5288-9999

  • Guangzhou

  • Qifu Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Address: No. 8 Shiguang Road, Panyu District
    Phone: +86-20-8451-8222

  • Guangzhou Raffles Medical Center
    Address: No. 222 Xingmin Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
    Phone: +86-20-8755-5656

  • Other Cities

  • Chengdu: Chengdu Gleneagles Hospital
  • Hangzhou: International Department of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
  • Shenzhen: International Medical Center of Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital

2. Use Tools to Search for Hospitals Providing English Services

  • Alipay/WeChat Mini Programs
  • Search for “International Hospital” or “Foreigner-friendly Hospital” to view reviews and navigation.
  • Use the “SOS International Rescue” function (available through some insurance cooperation services).

  • Map Apps

  • Search for “International Hospital” or “Foreign-funded Hospital” using Amap or Baidu Maps.

  • Embassy Recommended Lists

  • Some embassies in China list recommended hospitals on their official websites (e.g., the U.S. Embassy in China, the British Embassy in China).

Part Three: Notes and Practical Suggestions

  1. Language Communication
  2. Download translation apps in advance (such as Google Translate, Tencent Translation), and save translations of the following phrases in Chinese:

    • “I need emergency help” (我需要急诊帮助)
    • “I have a drug allergy” (我对药物过敏)
    • “Please provide English service” (请提供英语服务)
  3. Costs and Payment

  4. Emergency fees at public hospitals are relatively low (approximately 200-1000 RMB), but cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) is required on-site.
  5. Fees at international hospitals are higher (emergency fees approximately 2000-5000 RMB), so it is recommended to confirm the insurance coverage in advance.

  6. Medications and Prescriptions

  7. Carry commonly used medications (such as allergy medicine, painkillers) and English prescriptions to avoid customs issues.
  8. Pharmacies (such as Watsons, Tong Ren Tang) can sell over-the-counter drugs, but pay attention to whether the drug ingredients comply with local regulations.

  9. Emergency Contacts

  10. Save the contact information of local friends, tour guides, or embassies in China (e.g., the emergency phone number of your country’s embassy in China).

Part Four: List of Useful Tools

  1. Emergency Numbers
  2. Medical Emergency: 120
  3. Police: 110
  4. Fire Department: 119
  5. Multilingual Alarm: Some cities have foreign language services available (e.g., Shanghai 110 can switch to English).

  6. Medical Information Platforms

  7. “SOS International”: Provides 24-hour medical consultation and hospital referral services (phone: +86-10-6462-9111).
  8. “Global Doctor”: Covers networks of English-speaking doctors in multiple cities (website: www.globaldoctor.com.au).
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Anything you want to know about China travel, such as visa, guide, destination, transportation, accommodation, local foods ect.