In countries such as the US and Europe, some patients rely primarily on publicly funded healthcare systems, where waiting times can be lengthy. When their conditions cannot wait, those who can afford it may look overseas, paying out of pocket for faster access to treatment.
Others have premium health insurance with global coverage. Even when they are required to shoulder part of the cost themselves, treatment in China is often more affordable than in the US and Europe.
Public data show that Shanghai’s public hospitals treated 73,200 foreign patients in 2025. During the same period, Guangzhou recorded 168,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient visits from foreign patients.
So what gives Chinese hospitals an edge in attracting foreign patients who urgently need treatment and are willing to pay a premium?
In practice, this spending will ultimately flow into Chinese hospitals only if they can offer the treatments that overseas patients urgently need.
The high fees paid by foreign patients can provide Chinese hospitals with an additional source of revenue beyond China’s basic medical insurance system. Treating complex cases can also help relevant departments build up experience and expertise.
There is another potential impact. As hospitals invest further in equipment, medical talent and additional beds to capture demand from foreign patients seeking high-end healthcare, the resulting expansion of medical capacity could also benefit domestic patients.
