Documents for a Chinese hospital visit: materials named in government guides

A guide on the Shanghai government English site, updated 26 May 2026, says materials needed for registration include the patient's passport and maybe a piece of paper with the name of the specific department.

Identification

A handbook on the Shanghai government English site, dated 17 November 2025, says to bring your ID and other necessary documents to identify your verification.

The handbook says hospitals generally require real-name registration.

A student's guide on the Shanghai government English site, dated 29 October 2024, says hospitals use a real-name registration system, so remember to bring your identification documents.

The Shanghai guide says that after arriving at the hospital, the patient should first register (guahao) at the admission desk and pay an admission fee.

Hospital card and record booklet

The Shanghai guide says the patient will get a hospital card (binglika) if he or she has not been to the clinic before.

The Shanghai guide says the hospital card is needed during future visits.

The student's guide says that for first-time visits, you may need to purchase a medical record booklet and a magnetic card, although some hospitals now use electronic medical cards available through WeChat.

An identity card used for online booking in Guangzhou

A news item on the Guangzhou International portal, updated 10 January 2024, says the health commission's mini program on WeChat has added the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card as one of the valid documents.

The Guangzhou item says this means that expats with this document can now make online medical appointments.

Insurance details

The handbook says to contact your insurance provider before visiting a hospital to confirm whether your plan covers outpatient and inpatient care, and which hospitals are included.

The handbook says common materials for reimbursement include medical records, fee lists, and official invoices.

The Beijing Municipal Government English medical guide for foreigners says international patients with high-end commercial health insurance may access direct billing services, and that if their insurer has a direct billing arrangement with the medical institution, patients can simply present their insurance card and passport for identity verification.

Written notes for the doctor

The handbook says that if there is a language barrier, you may bring a Chinese-speaking friend or write down key information, including symptoms and allergies, in Chinese.

Questions people ask

What does the Shanghai guide say registration needs?

The Shanghai guide says materials needed for registration include the patient's passport and maybe a piece of paper with the name of the specific department.

What does the handbook say about identification?

The handbook says to bring your ID and other necessary documents to identify your verification.

What does the Beijing guide say a patient presents for direct billing?

The Beijing guide says that if an insurer has a direct billing arrangement with the medical institution, patients can simply present their insurance card and passport for identity verification.

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general administrative information. It is not published by the bodies named above, and it is not medical advice. If it differs from the official pages, the official pages prevail, and figures and services may change after the check date.