Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of China.
How Does the Healthcare System Work in China?
China does have free public healthcare which is under the country’s social insurance plan. The healthcare system provides basic coverage for the majority of the native population and, in most cases, expats as well. However, it will depend on the region you reside in. As some areas don’t require their foreign residents to support the local healthcare system by paying the appropriate taxes, those residents will not be covered by public healthcare.
Medical insurance can be broken down into three subcategories: basic cover for urban enterprise employees, basic cover for other urban residents, and rural cooperative medical insurance for the farming population.
In China, urban employee basic medical insurance is obligatory insurance and the healthcare costsare paid by the employer and employee. Although the contributions to it vary from one municipality to another, they are usually 6% of the salary cost for the employer and 2% of the salary for the employee. The self-employed can also benefit from this insurance but must make all contributions.
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For non-enterprise residents, health insurance is paid for by themselves and the state. For the unemployed or those on social assistance, insurance is subsidized by the state.
Some of the Chinese private insurance companies include:
International healthcare providers usually cater to the needs of expats. They should be able to provide the necessary information in English, however, the choices in their policies can be limited and they aren’t always able to cover you for expenses in some hospitals. Therefore, make sure you fully understand what is covered by your plan
Some of the companies include:
How to Find a Doctor or Dentist?
http://www.cmdae.org/?page_id=25
How to Find a Family Doctor and Specialists?
Ping A Good Doctor with this Chinese site-
Giving Birth in China
https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-china/working
Insurance in china
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29459-health-insurance
Hospitals in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29459-health-insurance/hospitals-in-china-17737
Private Health Insurance in China
Public Healthcare in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29459-health-insurance/public-healthcare-in-china-17739
Travel Health Tips for China
China 04: Housing, Renting, Buying, Shelter
Everything You Need to Know About Finding a New Home
From traditional housing to glamorous villas with swimming pools and gyms, there are many different types of houses and apartments for rent in China.
While you decide which one is right for you, there are some short-term rental options available, but most regular apartments have a one-year lease. Remember: you’ll need to start house hunting at least two months before your target move-in date.
As well as property type, our guide covers the most popular areas for expats in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou as well as tips on utility providers, including Chinese phone carriers.
If you’re planning to stay long term and are considering buying a house in China, make sure you read up on the quirks of the Chinese leasing system, and keep in mind that you have to live in the property that you purchase.
Renting a House or Apartment
https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-china/housing
China Government Rules
Expat Housing in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/living-in-china-15403/expat-housing-in-china-2
Website in Chinese
Rent in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29463-housing-accommodation/rent-in-china-17853
China 06: Education, Schools, Universities
The Education System in China
China is one of the most progressive countries in terms of economic and business development, with an education system that offers children many opportunities to thrive in the future. The Chinese school system is often perceived as a breeding ground for highly educated future professionals.
However, while schools in major metropolises seem to offer great quality education, schools in rural areas aren’t as developed. They are often terribly understaffed, and the student’s opportunities and the educational environment are radically different from that in the big cities.
Another good insight into what the schools are like in China is the infamous National Exam. The pressure is so high, many students burn out, and stories of depression and suicide are not unheard of. Therefore, you should make sure that the Chinese school system is the right choice for your child.
https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-china/education
International Schools
https://www.international-schools-database.com/articles/comparing-the-cost-of-international-schools-2018
Top International Schools in China’s Biggest Cities
Beijing
- Beijing BISS International School
- 3e International School
- Beijing International Bilingual Academy
- Beijing City International School
- Canadian International School of Beijing
- Dulwich College Beijing
- Yew Chung International School of Beijing
- Harrow International School Beijing
- House of Knowledge Beijing
- International School of Beijing
- Saint Paul American School
- Western Academy of Beijing
- The British School of Beijing
- Hope International School
Guangzhou
- American International School of Guangzhou
- The British School of Guangzhou
- Utahloy International School Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Huamei International School
- Clifford School
- Guangzhou Grace Academy
- Guangzhou Nanfang International School
Shanghai
- Concordia International School Shanghai
- Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
- Shanghai Community International School
- Dulwich College Shanghai
- Shanghai Livingston American School
- The British International School Shanghai, Pudong
- The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
- Shanghai American School
- Britannica International School Shanghai
- Wellington College International Shanghai
Shenzhen
- International School of Nanshan Shenzhen
- QSI International School of Shenzhen
- Shenzhen College of International Education
- Shekou International School
Tianjin
Universities in China-
- Peking University– offers undergrad programs in science, languages and linguistics, business and management, art and design, and many more.
- Fudan University– a very international school with many programs taught in English. Excels in both humanities (philosophy, history, and literature) and science (engineering, science, and medical science).
- Zhejiang University– another C9 member with faculties in arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, medicine, IT, science, and agriculture and environment.
- Tsinghua University– offers various programs in science, engineering, business, humanities, law, and medicine.
- University of Science and Technology of China– best known for its programs in sciences (physical, computer, life, and engineering science, mathematics, and chemistry)
Resource- https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-china/education
China: 03 Visa, Passport, Travelling Documents
Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements
As part of the Chinese visa application process, expats on a Z visa will need a medical exam and official employment license. While China doesn’t operate an immigration point system as such, you’ll need to be classed as a “foreign expert” and in-demand skills are looked upon favorably.
If your stay in China extends to a few years or more, you might be eligible to apply for the so-called Chinese Green Card. If China’spermanent residence visa is not enough and you wish to further commit to the country, you can opt for citizenship. And while the fees to get one are not high, it will cost you a lot of patience and time.
You’ll need to register with the police on arrival no matter how long you’re staying here. Getting a residence permit is a requirement for individuals with long-term Chinese visas. We cover each step of the process from application to arrival in this relocation guide.
you can also check all the details here-
https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-china/visas-work-permits
About chinease visa-
http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/t1095035.shtml
Apply for visa here-
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/zwjg_665342/2490_665344/
Self Employed visas
Self-employment specific visas are not available in China. Becoming a legally self-employed expat in China is a challenging process that will require time, effort, and money. The legal grounds for self-employed are not set, there are no programs for self-employed, and usually one needs to work their way through and around various obstacles that inevitably come their way. However, if you do want to pursue your freelancing career, we have a few suggestions listed in the Working section of this guide.
China 07: Employment, Jobs, Work permits
Jobs and Business in China
Starting over in China is easier said than done, especially for expats who want to start their own business. But simply doing business in China can already be a challenge and come with a lot of pitfalls. Luckily, we have solutions to all your business-related problems to start your career in China.
There are many things you need to keep in mind when doing business in China. Business negotiations, meetings, and even greeting your business partners come with their own protocol. Did you know, for instance, that you should always greet the most senior person in the room first? When you schedule meetings, try to always avoid important Chinese holidays, like the Chinese New Year and confirm the date way in advance. Gift giving is another aspect that is often underestimated: Certain objects and colors have certain meanings. Those that are associated with death or have another negative meaning should be avoided.
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29456-jobs-business
How to Find a Job in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29456-jobs-business/how-to-find-a-job-in-china-17862
Starting a Business in China
How to Apply for a Job in China
Doing Business in China
https://www.internations.org/china-expats/guide/29456-jobs-business/doing-business-in-china-17865