Six Questions to Answer Before Seeking Medical Care in China

When you first consider medical care in China, don't start with a city or a flight. Start with the problem you want help with, any diagnosis you already have, and the reports, images and medication history you hold. Clear information helps a hospital identify the right department and reduces repeated requests for missing records.

Second, be clear about who makes medical decisions. Kangqiao can organise information, contact hospitals and coordinate communication, but only licensed hospitals and clinicians can decide whether to accept a case, what tests may be needed, what treatment might be considered and what risks apply. A hospital being named on a website does not mean it has accepted your case.

Third and fourth, clarify timing and costs. Ask how long a record review may take, when an appointment could be available and how long you might need to stay. Hospital charges, Kangqiao coordination fees and third-party travel costs should each state who is charging, the currency, the items included, the validity period and the cancellation terms.

Fifth, leave room for change. Health, hospital capacity, visas and flights can all change. Avoid non-refundable travel until the appointment and written arrangements are confirmed. Know who to tell about a change, and which appointments, transport or accommodation must be reconfirmed afterwards.

Finally, plan backwards from the care you will need at home. Before leaving China, know which reports, images, prescriptions, invoices and translations you need, when the next review should take place and which clinician will provide it. The six answers don't need to be perfect on day one, but they show what is still missing before you make a costly decision.