Shanghai has a reputation for having the best medical facilities in all of mainland China, and expats should have no worries in finding quality healthcare when needed. Western-style clinics and hospitals have been especially set up to serve the ever-expanding expat population. Facilities at these institutions are improving every year, and some include 24 hour care and accident and emergency departments with trained international staff at hand.

A good number of public hospitals have set up VIP clinics, which cater specifically to expats. Foreigners are technically required to go to either a western-operated clinic or one of these VIP clinics, although some expats go to their local neighbourhood hospital. VIP perks include English-speaking staff, a nurse that will escort you around the hospital, and no waiting.

Attending a public hospital means you will have to pay a registration fee before treatment; this can cost ¥10 to ¥15 for local hospitals and roughly ¥100 for VIP clinics. VIP sections vary – some will charge fees comparable to local services, but some will charge five times this amount.

If you’re looking for a warm and inviting attitude from a doctor you should probably refer to the list of internationally focused western hospitals and clinics, where the doctors will be trained to provide the bedside manner you expect. Otherwise, Shanghai’s medical services do not emphasise human relations, and you might find staff to be unfriendly, blunt or uncommunicative.

A reliable general practitioner (GP) can be good for annual check-ups and can serve as a reference whenever you have a health-related concern. When looking for the right doctor for you and your family, it’s best to listen to the recommendations of your friends and colleagues.

Before you come to China, you’re advised to get the following immunisations up to date: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, polio and typhoid. If you are considering venturing to more rural areas, you should look into getting a rabies vaccination and the series of Japanese encephalitis shots. Travellers from South America, central Africa and other vulnerable areas are required to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival into China. Be sure to consult your physician before you get the vaccinations; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to receive any of the above immunisations.­­­­