Healthcare Warning For Expats In China

Expats moving to China have been advised to take extra precautions with medical care, especially when traveling or residing outside of major cities.

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) July 22nd, 2011 – A leading international healthcare provider has warned that Expats in China need to take extra care with their medical cover when moving to regions outside of major cities.

Outside of the major cities, Expats would struggle to find doctors that speak fluent English or were able to prescribe western medicines.

Part of the problem is the ongoing conflict between traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. The Chinese government has to difficult task of introducing modern healthcare across as very large and populous nation while trying to break down people’s reliance and belief in traditional medicine.

At present there is an uneasy marriage between the two forms of medical treatment and practitioners often give patients conflicting advice.

For the most part Expats in China will have access to VIP healthcare centres, but these are only up and running in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Expats have also been advised to ensure their vaccinations are fully up to date. This includes vaccinations against rabies (still relatively common in China), tick borne encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria, dengue fever and schistosomiasis.

One solution to the issue of healthcare is to have provision in nearby Hong Kong. As rural areas of China can be highly remote from the major cities, in some cases it can actually be easier to receive healthcare in Hong Kong where the medical care is also world-class.

David Retikin, Director of Operations at Pryce Warner International, a financial services provider for Expats, commented: “Arranging appropriate healthcare cover when moving overseas is one a top priority for many, particularly those planning on retiring or with young families. It is doubly important to ensure that you are covered in countries where healthcare provision may not be the same standard in your home country. Often this requires individuals to get private healthcare, which can be costly. Before moving always discuss with an independent financial advisor what methods may available to you to help shoulder the cost of healthcare.”

Pryce Warner International Group provide International Asset & Investment Management, Independent Financial Advice & QROPS Overseas Pensions.

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By: Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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