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Medical treatment in Beijing for international patients
Practical guide for international patients seeking hospital care in Beijing — how hospitals are organised, which have international departments, and how to prepare.
Why international patients come to Beijing
Beijing concentrates a large number of China's top-tier tertiary hospitals, many affiliated with national medical colleges and research institutes. The city has historically been a referral destination for complex cases from across China and from overseas, particularly in fields such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and rare disease diagnosis. This does not mean Beijing hospitals are right for every case — it means the density of specialist capacity is high, and many hospitals have long-established processes for handling patients from abroad.
How Beijing hospitals are organised
Most of Beijing's major hospitals are large public institutions organised into outpatient departments by specialty. Standard outpatient registration (挂号) is done in Chinese, requires a Chinese phone number for most online systems, and handles very high patient volumes. Patients from abroad are generally directed to the hospital's international department (国际医疗部 or 国际医疗中心), which is a separate service pathway — not a separate building — using the same doctors and facilities but with dedicated coordination staff.
Three of Beijing's major hospitals operate named international departments that are listed on the official Beijing government medical guide for foreigners:
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) operates International Medical Services (IMS) at its Dongdan campus. The IMS was established in 1951 and covers more than 30 clinical specialties. It provides 24-hour emergency access and accepts appointments by phone and app.
- Beijing Friendship Hospital operates an International Medical Center across three campuses (Xicheng, Tongzhou, and Shunyi), with coordination available in English, French, Japanese, and Russian.
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital has a named International Department (国际部) in Chaoyang District, with English and Japanese interpretation services and online booking.
These are examples of what exists. Other hospitals in Beijing also have international departments. See the hospital selection guide for how to assess which facility is appropriate for your case.
Getting to Beijing and reaching the hospitals
Beijing is served by two main airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in the northeast and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) in the south. Most long-haul international flights arrive at Capital Airport. Journey times from the airports to central Beijing hospital districts vary — allow 45 minutes to over an hour by express rail or taxi depending on traffic and destination. Hospital districts are spread across several areas of the city; the hospital you are attending may not be near your accommodation or the airport. Plan transfers carefully, particularly if you are travelling after a long flight or arriving with reduced mobility.
Practical notes on registration and administration
All hospital signage, registration screens, and standard administrative processes operate in Chinese. If you are attending through an international department, the coordination staff will assist with registration using your passport. Even so, you will encounter Chinese-language forms and systems throughout your visit.
Standard outpatient appointment systems in Beijing require a Chinese mobile phone number for SMS verification. International departments typically have a direct booking line or accept appointments by phone or email — confirm the method with the specific department before you travel.
Accommodation near hospitals (医院附近住宿) is widely available in Beijing but varies by district. If you are staying for multiple appointments or for an inpatient stay, look for accommodation within the same district as your hospital to reduce daily travel.
Language support
Beijing's international hospital departments offer coordination in English, and some provide Japanese, French, Korean, Russian, or German — check with the specific department for your language. This support covers administrative coordination and, in some cases, basic clinical communication. It does not guarantee that every doctor or nurse you encounter will speak your language fluently. For complex consultations, diagnostic discussions, or surgical consent processes, having a professional medical interpreter present significantly reduces the risk of misunderstanding. Read about what a medical interpreter does and how to arrange one.
Preparing your documents before you arrive
Chinese hospitals conduct all clinical work in Chinese. The doctors reviewing your case need a Chinese-language version of your medical history, test results, imaging reports, and any referral letters before they can assess your situation and assign you to the right department. Bring translations with you — do not assume the hospital will translate documents on arrival. See the full documents checklist and allow at least four to six weeks before your appointment to request records from your home hospital and have them translated. TranslationChina translates medical documents including diagnostic reports, discharge summaries, and referral letters for use in Chinese hospitals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register at a Beijing hospital without a Chinese phone number?
Standard hospital registration systems in Beijing require a Chinese mobile number for online booking. If you are attending through an international department, the department's own booking line or email is usually the correct channel — they are accustomed to handling patients who do not have a Chinese number. Confirm the booking method directly with the international department before you travel.
Is PUMCH the right hospital for every foreign patient in Beijing?
Not necessarily. PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) has a long-established international department and handles a wide range of specialties, but it is not the only option. The right hospital depends on your specific condition and which department has relevant expertise. Other hospitals in Beijing also have international departments. See how to choose a hospital for guidance on matching your case to a facility.
How far in advance should I contact a Beijing hospital's international department?
As early as possible. International departments typically ask for your medical records before they can confirm an appointment or assess whether they can take your case. This review process takes time. A realistic minimum is four to six weeks before your intended travel date — and longer if your records need to be translated first.
What if I need emergency care when I arrive in Beijing?
For genuine emergencies, go directly to the emergency department (急诊) of the nearest large hospital, or call 120 (China's emergency medical number). Emergency departments do not require advance registration. The standard hospital emergency pathway and the international department are separate; in an emergency, your priority is immediate access to care, not the international department route. Bring your passport and any allergy information with you at all times.