Do I need an appointment to see a doctor?

For public hospitals, you usually register on the day (挂号). Some departments need an online booking through the hospital app.

Will the doctor speak English?

In big city hospitals, some staff do, but do not count on it. Write your symptoms in Chinese or use the annotator on this page.

Is it expensive to see a doctor in China?

Costs are generally low, and a school insurance plan often covers most of it. Keep the receipt (发票) for reimbursement.

Chinese Phrases for Seeing a Doctor in China | Degree in China

Chinese Phrases for Seeing a Doctor in China

China’s public hospitals use a registration system that is unfamiliar to many newcomers. Knowing a few phrases helps you get from the entrance to the right department and explain your symptoms.

When you want to say	中文	Pinyin	English
I’d like to register	我想挂号	wǒ xiǎng guà hào	I want to register / get a number
I don’t feel well	我不舒服	wǒ bù shū fu	I don’t feel well
I have a headache	我头疼	wǒ tóu téng	I have a headache
I have a fever	我发烧了	wǒ fā shāo le	I have a fever
I have a cough	我咳嗽	wǒ ké sou	I have a cough
I’m allergic to …	我对…过敏	wǒ duì … guò mǐn	I am allergic to …
Where is the payment desk?	收费处在哪里	shōu fèi chù zài nǎ lǐ	Where is the cashier?
How do I take this medicine?	这个药怎么吃	zhè gè yào zěn me chī	How do I take this medicine?
How many times a day?	一天几次	yī tiān jǐ cì	How many times a day?
Do I need emergency care?	需要看急诊吗	xū yào kàn jí zhěn ma	Do I need the emergency room?

Public hospitals use 挂号 (guà hào, registration): get a number at a kiosk or the hospital app, then wait for your department. Bring your passport and your insurance card (医保卡) if you have one. Emergency number is 120.

How hospital registration (挂号) works

Chinese public hospitals do not work like walk-in clinics. You register first (挂号) at a window or, more often, through the hospital’s WeChat mini program, where you pick the department (科室) and a time slot. 门诊 (outpatient) is for normal visits; 急诊 (emergency) is for serious, immediate issues. Big 三甲医院 (top-tier hospitals) are crowded, so go early in the morning.

Bring your passport and your insurance card to every visit. The reception desk may ask 哪里不舒服 (where does it hurt) to route you, so the phrase “I have a pain in my…” from the table is the key opener.

Pharmacies, prescriptions, and getting your medicine

For minor issues, a 药店 (pharmacy) sells 非处方药 (over-the-counter medicine) without a prescription. Anything stronger needs a doctor’s prescription from the hospital. Keep the prescription slip, because some medicines must be collected at the hospital pharmacy, not outside.

Common mistake: walking in and expecting to see a doctor immediately. Register (挂号) first, usually on the hospital WeChat account, and bring your passport and insurance card. Without registration there is no consultation.

Try it yourself

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment to see a doctor?: For public hospitals, you usually register on the day (挂号). Some departments need an online booking through the hospital app.
Will the doctor speak English?: In big city hospitals, some staff do, but do not count on it. Write your symptoms in Chinese or use the annotator on this page.
Is it expensive to see a doctor in China?: Costs are generally low, and a school insurance plan often covers most of it. Keep the receipt (发票) for reimbursement.