The booking process for a health checkup in China looks different depending on whether you choose a public hospital international department or a private international hospital. Here is the full process, in order.
Step 1: Choose the Right Facility
Your two realistic options are a Grade 3A public hospital with an international department, or a private international hospital. For most foreign visitors, the public hospital international wing is the best value: same senior specialists, lower price, and bilingual support. Private international hospitals cost 2 to 3 times more but default to English and offer direct insurance billing.
Step 2: Get a Quote in Writing
Ask for an itemized quote before booking. The quote should list every test, the report language, report turnaround time, and any exclusions (endoscopy sedation, pathology, follow-up consultations). A vague quote is a red flag.
Step 3: Make the Appointment
You can book directly through the hospital’s international patient service hotline, or through a coordination service. Appointments are usually available within 1 to 3 days for screening packages. Specify three things when booking: English-language report, morning appointment (blood work requires fasting), and the exact package name.
Step 4: Prepare for the Visit
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours before blood work
- Bring your passport and any previous imaging or lab results
- Bring a written list of current medications
- Arrive 15 minutes early
Step 5: What Happens on the Day
Registration with passport, then a sequenced route through blood draw, imaging, ultrasound, ECG, and a final physician consultation. Most packages are designed so you never wait long between stations. Expect 3 to 6 hours total depending on the tier.
Step 6: Getting Your Results
Blood work takes 3 to 7 working days. Ask in advance whether the report will be emailed, available via app, or requires a pickup visit. If you need it before you leave the country, say so at booking.
Step 7: Follow-Up
Anything outside the normal range should come with a written referral for the next step. Take the bilingual report and the referral to your home physician.