Introduction: A New Healthcare System
Related Articles
Learn more about [our complete hospital guide](https://mymedvia.com/best-hospitals-in-china/best-hospitals-in-china-complete-guide-for-international-patients-2026/) and [how to choose a hospital](https://mymedvia.com/best-hospitals-in-china/how-to-choose-a-hospital-in-china-decision-framework-for-international-patients-2026/).
China’s healthcare system is entirely different from the NHS or the US commercial insurance system. Understanding the basic framework is the first step toward informed decisions.
1. Hospital Grading: What Does Grade 3A Mean?
| Grade | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3A (top-tier) | Highest level, top specialty or comprehensive | 2,000+ nationally |
| Grade 3B | Second-highest | — |
| Grade 2A | Regional hospitals | — |
Grade 3A = China’s top-tier hospitals. Over 2,000 nationally, but those at the top of specialty rankings concentrate in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
2. International Medical Departments: The Foreign Patient Track
What Are They?
International Medical Departments (IMDs/IMS) are independent service systems within public Grade 3A hospitals dedicated to foreign patients.
Key Features
Physically separate: Distinct buildings or floors from regular outpatientFinancially separate: Self-pay or international insurance, no Chinese public insurance fundsUpgraded service: Private rooms, English service, longer consultation timesSame doctors: The same top-tier specialists, but faster booking### Cost Mechanism
| Item | Regular Outpatient | Intl Department |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | ¥50-¥100 | ¥600-¥1,200 |
| Tests | Public insurance rate | 6-12x public rate |
| Room | ¥100-¥300/day | ¥1,500-¥5,000/day |
| Surgery | Public insurance rate | 8-12x public rate |
Even at international department rates, most procedures cost significantly less than in the West.
3. JCI Accreditation
JCI (Joint Commission International) is the global standard for healthcare quality and safety. JCI-accredited Chinese hospitals include Longhua (TCM), Jiahui (private), United Family, and Yanda International. Re-inspection every 3 years.
4. Process for Foreign Patients
Step 1 → Contact mymedvia, describe condition
Step 2 → Assessment, hospital and doctor recommendation
Step 3 → Confirm appointment and costs
Step 4 → Visa processing
Step 5 → Fly to China
Step 6 → Visit international medical department
Step 7 → Examination, diagnosis, treatment plan
Step 8 → Treatment/surgery
Step 9 → Discharge, recovery
Step 10 → Return home (online follow-up)
Contact mymedvia through our website. We’ll navigate China’s healthcare system for you.
mymedvia — Making China’s healthcare system familiar.
