Before you travel from the United States to China for medical care

Ask whether it is appropriate to travel or wait for an appointment, and what follow-up you may need at home. If you need urgent care, seek help locally.

Find out which hospital and department would see you, who will review your records, what the review costs and what can only be decided in person. Ask for the proposed appointments and order of tests in writing.

Ask for an itemised estimate in the original currency. Separate hospital and clinician fees from coordination, interpreting, flights, accommodation and companion expenses. Confirm the payee, deposit, payment method, receipts, cancellation terms and refunds with each supplier.

Ask your US insurer in writing about planned care, prior approval, exclusions, complications and follow-up at home. Medicare generally has limited coverage abroad. Travel disruption, emergency medical care and medical evacuation are different types of cover; check the terms of your policy.

Use the public form for planning questions only. Before sharing records, find out who needs them, for what purpose, where they will be kept, for how long and who can see them. Use the agreed secure channel and send only what is needed. Do not send passport details or medical records in ordinary email.

Check official entry guidance for your passport and route. Confirm accessibility, medicines, local transport, payment and emergency arrangements. Ask who will interpret at the appointment, what it costs and which documents can be translated. Before leaving, ask for your visit summary, results, images and medication list; agree who will send outstanding results to your US clinician.

Reconsider if the hospital or department is unnamed, there is pressure to pay, the fees or records arrangements are unclear, or anyone guarantees a cure or an appointment. You can decide to stay with your care team at home.