Payment & Medication: Getting It Done Before You Leave
Two practical realities of Chinese hospitals: payment is mostly digital, and medication pickup happens inside the hospital. Here's how both work — and what to collect before you fly home.
How payment works
- Mobile payment (WeChat Pay / Alipay) is the default across Chinese hospitals, including self-service kiosks. Many visitors can now link international cards.
- International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at international departments and private hospitals, and increasingly at kiosks.
- Cash (RMB) is accepted at the registration counter, but mobile is faster and expected.
- Direct billing — if you have international insurance with direct billing, the hospital handles the claim and you pay only the excess. Confirm at the billing desk first. See insurance guide.
The pharmacy step
After your consultation, the doctor issues prescriptions digitally. The flow is: pay at the counter/kiosk (or on your phone) → go to the hospital pharmacy (药房) with your payment confirmation → collect your medication by window number. Bring your own bag — hospital plastic bags may be charged or unavailable.
Ask the pharmacist or doctor for English instructions and the generic names of your medications. For controlled medications, get a doctor's letter explaining the prescription — useful for customs at home.
Before you leave the hospital — document checklist
- Itemized invoice (费用明细单) with each charge.
- Official receipt (发票) for insurance claims.
- Discharge or consultation summary in English.
- Test and imaging reports — including digital copies.
- Prescriptions and doctor's letters for medications.
- Follow-up plan — what to do next, when to re-test, and how to contact the department.
International departments routinely assemble this "reimbursement package" — ask for it before discharge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay the whole treatment with a foreign card?
At international departments and private hospitals, usually yes. At local departments, mobile payment is the norm — set up WeChat Pay/Alipay before your visit or bring RMB cash as backup.
Are hospital medicines cheaper than at home?
Generally yes, and some drugs not available in your country may be available in China. Always verify medications with your home doctor before starting them.
Can I take Chinese medicines home?
Check customs rules in your country and China's export rules for controlled substances. Get prescriptions and doctor's letters for every medication you carry.