How to Register at a Chinese Hospital as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide

Hospital registration in China is called guahao, or 挂号. It is the step that assigns you to a department, doctor type and visit slot.

For foreigners, registration can be the hardest part of a hospital visit because many public hospitals use Chinese-language apps, self-service machines and local ID workflows. With preparation, the process is manageable.

This guide explains how to register at a Chinese hospital as a foreigner.

Quick overview

The usual process is

1. Choose the right hospital and department.
2. Register online, by phone, through a hospital international department, or in person.
3. Create a patient profile using passport information.
4. Pay the registration or consultation fee.
5. See the doctor.
6. Pay for tests, imaging, medicine or follow-up care as ordered.

Step 1: Decide whether the case is urgent

If the patient has chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, major trauma, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding or another serious emergency, call 120 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.

For non-emergency care, choose the hospital and department before registering.

See our emergency medical guide if the case may be urgent.

Step 2: Choose the hospital type

Foreigners usually choose between three options

Use the China hospital directory to compare hospitals by city and specialty.

Step 3: Choose the right department

Chinese hospitals are department-based. Choosing the wrong department can waste time.

Common examples

If unsure, call the hospital, ask the international department, or start with general medicine.

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Bring

• Passport
• Visa, residence permit or Chinese residence card if applicable
• Chinese phone number if you have one
• Insurance card or policy details
• Previous medical records
• Medication list
• Allergy list
• Test or imaging reports
• Chinese address
• Payment method

Take photos of important documents in case you need them at a kiosk or registration desk.

Step 5: Register online or in person

Many hospitals use WeChat, Alipay, hospital apps or official websites for registration. Search the hospital's official account or mini program, create a patient profile, choose the department and select a time slot.

Passport registration does not always work smoothly online. If the system only accepts a Chinese ID number, try one of these options:

• Use the international department or VIP department.
• Call the hospital service desk.
• Register at the hospital registration window.
• Ask a Chinese-speaking friend or coordinator to help.
• Go early and register in person.

Step 6: Pay the registration fee

Public hospitals often require payment before the visit is confirmed. The registration fee may depend on doctor seniority, department and hospital type.

Common payment methods include

• WeChat Pay
• Alipay
• Chinese bank card
• Cash at some hospitals
• International credit card at some private or international hospitals

Payment options vary. Do not assume every public hospital cashier accepts international cards.

Step 7: Check in and wait for your number

After registration, you may receive a queue number or appointment time. At public hospitals, you may need to check in at a machine, nurse station or department desk.

Watch the screen or listen for your number. If announcements are only in Chinese, show your registration record to a nurse and ask where to wait.

Useful phrase

More phrases are available in our medical phrases tool.

Step 8: Pay for tests and medicine

In many Chinese hospitals, you pay before each service. After the doctor orders tests, imaging or medicine, you may need to pay at a cashier, self-service machine or mobile app before receiving the service.

The process may look like this

1. Doctor orders blood test.
2. Patient pays for blood test.
3. Patient goes to lab.
4. Results become available.
5. Patient returns to doctor or checks report.
6. Doctor prescribes medicine.
7. Patient pays at pharmacy.
8. Patient picks up medicine.

This is normal in many public hospitals.

Step 9: Keep records for follow-up and insurance

Ask for

• Outpatient record
• Diagnosis certificate
• Test reports
• Imaging reports
• Prescription list
• Official invoice or fapiao
• English summary if available

If you need reimbursement, ask your insurer which documents are required before leaving the hospital.

When to use an international department

An international department may be worth the extra cost if

• You need English support.
• You have international insurance.
• You need a senior specialist but want smoother service.
• You are arranging planned surgery or inpatient care.
• You need English medical records.
• You are unfamiliar with Chinese hospital workflows.

International departments are not available everywhere and may not cover every specialty.

FAQ

Can foreigners register at Chinese public hospitals?

Yes. Foreigners can register at public hospitals, usually with a passport. Online systems may be harder if they require a Chinese ID number.

Do I need an appointment?

For non-emergency care, an appointment is recommended. Some hospitals allow same-day registration, but specialist appointments may be limited.

Can I register without speaking Chinese?

It is possible, but difficult in ordinary public outpatient departments. Consider an international department, private hospital or translation support.

Do Chinese hospitals accept international insurance?

Some private hospitals and international departments support direct billing. Many public hospitals require payment first and reimbursement later.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general information only and does not provide medical advice. Hospital registration rules vary by city and hospital. Confirm the current process with the hospital before your visit.

Useful links

• China hospital directory
• Hospitals in Beijing
• Hospitals in Shanghai
• Hospitals in Guangzhou
• Hospitals in Shenzhen
• Medical Chinese phrases