Emergency Care: What to Do & Where to Go
Emergencies happen even on well-planned trips. Here's what to know before you need it: the numbers to call, the hospitals that never close, and what to carry.
The numbers to know
- 120 — medical emergency / ambulance in China.
- 110 — police (call if you need help finding the right emergency response).
- Your insurer's international assistance line — the first call for medical emergencies abroad; they coordinate payment guarantees and hospitals.
English-speaking dispatchers are not guaranteed on 120 — if you don't speak Chinese, call your insurer's assistance line and/or ask a bilingual contact to make the call.
24-hour international emergency departments
Some international hospitals run 24-hour emergency services with English-speaking staff. Notable examples from our directory:
- Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital — 24h, 400-8683-000.
- Shanghai Orient International Medical Center — 24h emergency/inpatient, 021-5879-9999.
- Beijing United Family Hospital — 24h hotline 4008-919-191.
Most major public hospitals also run 24-hour emergency departments; international departments can usually arrange an English-speaking doctor, but call ahead if you can.
What to bring to an emergency
- Passport (mandatory for registration)
- Insurance card and policy number
- Medication list and allergies (in Chinese if possible)
- Your hospital's contact number and any treatment records
- Phone with translation app
How payment works in an emergency
Emergency departments treat first and discuss payment after stabilization, but you will be asked to provide a deposit or guarantee. If you have international insurance with direct billing, the assistance line can issue a payment guarantee. Without insurance, you may need to pay out of pocket and claim later — keep every receipt. See the insurance guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get an English-speaking doctor in an emergency?
At private international hospitals, yes — 24h. At public hospital emergency departments, an interpreter may be arranged on request; use your insurer's assistance service to coordinate if possible.
Does travel insurance cover emergency treatment in China?
Most travel insurance policies cover emergency medical care abroad, subject to policy limits. Check your policy for China coverage, limits, and the claim process before travelling.
Can I go to any hospital in an emergency?
Yes — emergency departments are open to everyone. If you have time to choose, head to a hospital whose international department can serve you in English; ambulances take you to the nearest appropriate facility.