Emergency & Safety
Emergency numbers, safety tips, pharmacy basics, and what to do if something goes wrong during your stay.
China is a safe destination for medical tourists, with low violent crime rates and well-developed emergency infrastructure. However, navigating emergencies as a foreigner requires preparation — especially when language barriers and unfamiliar systems are involved.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulance | 120 | Nationwide; dispatcher speaks Chinese |
| Police | 110 | Nationwide; some cities have English-speaking operators |
| Fire | 119 | Nationwide |
| Traffic accident | 122 | For road accidents specifically |
| General emergency | 112 | Routes to appropriate service; gaining broader adoption |
| Tourist hotline | 12301 | English-speaking operators available; can assist with tourist emergencies |
Before you travel: Save all emergency numbers in your phone. Also save the tourist hotline 12301 — it has English-speaking operators who can assist with emergencies involving tourists.
Calling 120 (Ambulance)
- 1
Language barrier
The 120 dispatcher will likely speak only Chinese. If possible, have a Chinese speaker (hotel staff, hospital companion, passerby) make the call for you.
- 2
State your location
Give the street name and nearest landmark in Chinese. Keep your hotel address written in Chinese characters on a card at all times.
- 3
Response time
In major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), ambulance response is typically 10–20 minutes. In congested traffic, it may be longer.
- 4
Cost
Ambulance transport is not free. Expect 100–400 RMB ($15–$55) depending on distance. Payment is required at the hospital.
- 5
Alternative
In non-life-threatening situations, taking a DiDi (ride-hailing app) or taxi to the nearest hospital may be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
Chinese ER Process
When you arrive at a Chinese hospital ER, you'll be triaged at the entrance. Nurses assess severity on a 4-level scale:
| Level | Severity | Wait Time | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Life-threatening | Immediate | Cardiac arrest, severe trauma, stroke |
| Level 2 | Critical | < 10 minutes | Major bleeding, chest pain, severe allergic reaction |
| Level 3 | Urgent | 30 min – 2 hours | Fractures, moderate pain, high fever |
| Level 4 | Non-urgent | 2 – 4 hours | Minor injuries, mild symptoms, follow-up issues |
What to Expect
- Speed: Chinese ERs are efficient for acute cases. Level 1–2 patients are seen immediately.
- Testing: Blood tests, imaging (X-ray, CT), and ECG are typically completed within 1–2 hours.
- Observation: If monitoring is needed, you may be placed in an ER observation ward (usually a large open room).
- Admission: If hospitalization is required, international departments may arrange VIP ward transfer during business hours.
- Payment: ER charges are paid upfront or shortly after treatment. Major credit cards accepted at most large hospitals. See our Payment Guide for details.
ER Cost Estimates
| Service | Cost (RMB) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| ER registration fee | 10–300 | $1.50–$40 |
| Blood panel (basic) | 200–500 | $28–$70 |
| CT scan | 500–1,500 | $70–$200 |
| X-ray | 100–300 | $15–$40 |
| ECG | 50–150 | $7–$20 |
| ER observation (per hour) | 50–200 | $7–$28 |
| IV fluids and medication | 100–500 | $15–$70 |
Bring your passport:It simplifies registration and billing. If you don't have it, treatment will not be refused for emergencies. A full ER visit including tests and treatment typically costs $100–$400 total.
English-Speaking ERs
United Family Hospitals
The primary English-language emergency option for foreigners in China. All operate 24/7 emergency departments with bilingual staff.
| Location | Address | Emergency Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang | +86-10-5927-7120 |
| Shanghai | 1139 Xianxia Lu, Changning | +86-21-2216-3999 |
| Guangzhou | 28 Panyu Da Dao Bei, Panyu | +86-20-3610-2233 |
| Tianjin | 22 Tianxiao Yuan, Hexi | +86-22-5856-8500 |
SOS International Clinics
Handle non-life-threatening emergencies and can coordinate transfer to local hospitals for severe cases.
| Location | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | +86-10-6462-9112 | 24/7 clinic, emergency stabilization, evacuation coordination |
| Shanghai | +86-21-6295-0099 | 24/7 clinic, emergency consultation |
| Guangzhou | +86-20-8386-6988 | Clinic hours; 24/7 phone support |
| Shenzhen | +86-755-3308-1399 | Clinic hours; 24/7 phone support |
Other International Options
- Parkway Health (Shanghai): +86-21-6445-5999 (24/7 emergency line)
- Raffles Medical (Beijing): +86-10-6462-9112
- Global Doctor (Chengdu): +86-28-8528-3660
Tip:Save the nearest United Family Hospital's emergency number in your phone before traveling. They are the most reliable English-language emergency option across China.
Embassy Contacts
| Country | Beijing | Shanghai | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | +86-10-8531-4000 | +86-21-2020-4122 | +86-10-8531-4000 (after hours) |
| United Kingdom | +86-10-5192-4000 | +86-21-3279-2000 | +44-20-7008-5000 (London, 24/7) |
| Australia | +86-10-5140-4111 | +86-21-2215-5200 | +61-2-6261-3305 (Canberra, 24/7) |
| Canada | +86-10-5139-4000 | +86-21-3279-2800 | +1-613-996-8885 (Ottawa, 24/7) |
| Germany | +86-10-8532-9000 | +86-21-3401-0106 | +49-30-1817-0 (Berlin, 24/7) |
| Japan | +86-10-8531-9800 | +86-21-5257-4766 | +86-10-6532-2067 |
| South Korea | +86-10-8532-0700 | +86-21-6295-5000 | +82-2-2100-7500 |
Embassies Can Help With
- Issuing emergency travel documents (lost/stolen passport)
- Providing lists of local English-speaking doctors and lawyers
- Contacting family members on your behalf
- Visiting you if hospitalized or detained
- Coordinating medical evacuation in extreme cases
Embassies Cannot
- Pay your medical bills
- Intervene in Chinese legal or medical decisions
- Provide legal representation
- Arrange medical treatment directly
Insurance Hotlines
| Insurer | Hotline | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | +852-2530-4567 | 24/7; hospital referral, direct billing coordination, medical evacuation |
| Aetna International | +44-20-7423-4523 | 24/7; emergency authorization, hospital finder |
| Allianz Worldwide Care | +353-1-630-1301 | 24/7; emergency assistance, evacuation coordination |
| BUPA Global | Via member portal | 24/7; claims pre-authorization, hospital referral |
| International SOS | +86-10-6462-9100 | 24/7; full emergency response, evacuation, repatriation |
| World Nomads | +1-833-851-8877 | 24/7 emergency assistance |
Pro tip: In a medical emergency, your insurance hotline is often more helpful than your embassy. They can authorize treatment, coordinate with hospitals directly, arrange direct billing, and organize medical evacuation if needed.
Emergency Scenarios
Here's what to do in common emergency situations:
Allergic Reaction
- Mild reaction (rash, hives): Go to the nearest ER or international clinic. Carry antihistamines in your travel kit.
- Severe reaction (anaphylaxis): Use your EpiPen if available. Call 120 immediately. Say "guo min" (allergy) and "hu xi kun nan" (difficulty breathing).
- Prevention: Carry a medical alert card in Chinese listing your allergies. Provide it to every new doctor and pharmacist.
Post-Surgical Complication
- Contact your treating hospital first — call the international department or your surgeon's direct line.
- If after hours, go to the same hospital's ER with your discharge summary and medication list.
- If at a different location, go to the nearest ER, then arrange transfer to your treating hospital.
- Document everything for insurance claims and follow-up care at home.
Lost or Stolen Passport
- File a police report at the nearest police station (派出所). Get a police report certificate.
- Contact your embassy to apply for an emergency travel document.
- Bring 2 passport-sized photos, the police report, and copies of your original passport.
- Timeline: Emergency travel documents are typically issued within 1–3 business days.
- Inform your hospital's international department — they can work with a police report for billing.
Severe Weather
- Typhoons (southern/eastern China, June–October): Monitor weather apps. Stay indoors. Flights may be cancelled.
- Earthquakes (rare in eastern China): Drop, cover, hold on. Move to open areas after shaking stops.
- Flooding: Avoid underground areas during heavy rain. Do not walk through floodwater.
- Poor air quality (Beijing, northern cities): Stay indoors when AQI exceeds 150. Wear an N95 mask outside.
Mental Health Crisis
- Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center: +86-10-8295-1332
- Shanghai Mental Health Center: +86-21-6438-7250
- United Family and SOS International clinics have English-speaking mental health professionals
- Your embassy can provide referrals to English-speaking counselors
Safety Assessment
Violent crime
Very lowChina is one of the safest countries for foreign visitors in terms of violent crime.
Petty theft
ModerateKeep valuables secure in crowded areas and public transport. Use hotel safes.
Traffic safety
CautionBe cautious as a pedestrian. Electric scooters are silent and may not stop at crosswalks.
Hospital hygiene
High standard3A and international hospitals maintain hygiene standards comparable to Western facilities.
Digital safety
ModerateInstall a VPN before arriving. Use public Wi-Fi with caution. WeChat is monitored.
Emergency Kit Checklist
- 1
Medical alert card in Chinese
List your name, blood type, allergies, current medications, emergency contact, insurance details, and treating hospital
- 2
Passport photocopy
Keep separately from your passport. Also store a digital scan in email or cloud storage
- 3
Hotel address card in Chinese
Your hotel's name, address, and phone number written in Chinese characters
- 4
Insurance emergency card
Your insurer's 24/7 hotline number and your policy number
- 5
Treating hospital contact
International department phone number and your patient coordinator's WeChat
- 6
Basic medications
Pain relievers, antihistamines, antidiarrheal, any personal prescriptions
- 7
Power bank
Keep your phone charged — it's your lifeline for translation, navigation, and communication
Prepare before leaving home: Assemble your emergency kit before your trip, not after you arrive. Print your medical alert card and hotel address card in Chinese. Keep digital copies of everything in cloud storage.