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China

Healthcare quality & costs · 2022

Fair — 59.5/100   Mixed system
Healthcare Index 59.5/100 -5.5pp vs Asia avg
Life Expectancy 77.5 yrs -0.2 vs region avg
GP / Doctor Visit $23 USD
Hospital Stay / Day $166 USD
Private Insurance / Month $55 USD
Public Coverage 96.0% of population
Health Spend (% GDP) 5.30%
Doctors per 1,000 3.10
Hospital Beds per 1,000 6.50
Infant Mortality Rate 5.00 per 1,000

Healthcare index trend

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Asia comparison

CountryIndexLife ExpGP VisitDoctors/1kCoverage
Singapore 84.2 83.2 yrs $92 2.60 100.0%
Hong Kong 83.8 84.4 yrs $74 2.00 100.0%
Japan 81.5 83.6 yrs $28 2.60 100.0%
South Korea 79.8 82.9 yrs $14 2.50 100.0%
Taiwan 77.5 80.5 yrs $14 3.40 99.0%
Thailand 65.5 76.5 yrs $28 0.95 99.0%
Malaysia 60.8 75.8 yrs $32 1.50 70.0%
China 59.5 77.5 yrs $23 3.10 96.0%
Vietnam 53.8 74.7 yrs $14 0.94 88.0%
Indonesia 46.2 71.0 yrs $18 0.47 56.0%
Philippines 44.5 71.8 yrs $17 0.64 40.0%
India 42.5 70.1 yrs $11 0.70 27.0%

Healthcare in China — FAQs

How good is healthcare in China in 2022?

China scores 59.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2022, rated as "Fair". Life expectancy is 77.5 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 5.30% of GDP on health services.

How much does a doctor visit cost in China?

A typical GP / doctor visit in China costs approximately $23 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $166 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

Is healthcare free in China?

96.0% of the China population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 5.30% of GDP on healthcare.

How much is private health insurance in China?

Average private health insurance in China costs approximately $55 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

What type of healthcare system does China have?

China has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 96.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.

How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in China?

China has 3.1 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 6.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

What is the life expectancy in China?

Life expectancy in China is 77.5 years in 2022, compared to the Asia average of 77.7 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

What is the infant mortality rate in China?

The infant mortality rate in China is 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.

How does China compare to other Asia countries?

China ranks 8 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 59.5/100 is -5.5pp below the Asia average of 65/100. Life expectancy is -0.2 years versus the regional average.

Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in China?

Foreign nationals and expats in China typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.

Is China a good destination for medical tourism?

China is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

How much does a hospital stay cost in China?

A hospital stay in China costs approximately $166 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Is China's healthcare improving?

China's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 59.5/100 to 61.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 77.5 to 78.2 years over the same period.

What is the quality of hospitals in China?

Hospital quality in China varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 6.50 beds per 1,000 people and 3.10 doctors per 1,000.

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