[Guide to seeking medical treatment in Mainland China] Key differences, process, and must-know tips for Hong Kong residents

2025-09-24

5 Mins Read

Basic process for seeking medical treatment in Mainland China
3 Key differences | Complementary advantages of Mainland and Hong Kong healthcare
Important considerations for Hong Kong residents | AXA Health Concierge

In addition to travelling north for leisure and shopping, many Hong Kong residents have recently developed the habit of seeking medical treatment in mainland China — a trend that may be linked to the long waiting times for new appointments in Hong Kong’s public hospitals. According to data from the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, Shenzhen provided medical services to Hong Kong residents 700,000 times in 2023¹, reflecting the growing demand for cross-border healthcare.

Whether for specific treatments or for advantages such as shorter waiting times and greater cost-effectiveness, mainland healthcare has become one of the options for Hong Kong residents managing their health. However, with notable differences between the healthcare systems in mainland China and Hong Kong — including processes, fees, and insurance reimbursement — understanding the following key points in advance can help ensure a smoother and more reassuring cross-border medical experience.

AXA Health Concierge stands by you

From the burden of medical expenses to the stress of recovery, AXA Health Concierge is here to support you — safeguarding every step of your treatment journey and helping you face each challenge with peace of mind.

Basic process for seeking medical treatment in Mainland China

1. Choosing a suitable hospital

The hospital tier system in mainland China is well-defined. According to standards set by National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, hospitals are classified into three tiers, with Grade 3A hospitals being the highest level of comprehensive public hospitals². They are known for their advanced equipment and concentration of medical experts, offering the most extensive range of services. Selecting a suitable hospital is the first step for Hong Kong residents seeking medical care in mainland China. You can search for information via hospital websites or healthcare platforms. AXA's customers can also enquire about institutions covered within their medical network to save research time. Those planning to seek treatment in mainland China may prioritise choosing a Grade 3A hospital to ensure both safety and quality of care. To learn more about the advantages of 'Grade 3A Hospitals' and view a list of major ones in the Greater Bay Area, you can refer to this article.

2. Making an appointment

Hong Kong residents seeking medical care in mainland China need to make an appointment in advance. The main methods include:

On-site registration (may involve long waiting times)
WeChat official accounts (e.g., directly through a specific hospital's official account to make an appointment)
Third-party booking platforms
Telephone booking (available at some hospitals)
Online booking

After completing the booking, the system will issue a QR code. You simply need to present this QR code and relevant identification documents at the hospital at your scheduled time to check in.

3. Consultation and payment process

The process for seeing a doctor differs from that in Hong Kong. Mainland China operates on a 'pay first, then receive treatment' model. The specific process is as follows:

Pay the consultation fee during registration (payment can be made at self-service kiosks, via mobile devices, or at payment windows).
Receive a queue number and see the doctor for an initial diagnosis.
The doctor issues examination requests or a prescription for medication.
Take the slips to the payment counter to settle the relevant fees (covering the consultation, any tests, treatments, and medications, etc.).
Proceed for examinations or to the pharmacy to collect medication using the payment receipt.

It's important to note that hospitalisation or surgery usually requires an advance deposit. Electronic payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are the most common methods, though cash and credit cards are also generally accepted. Furthermore, standard outpatient clinic fees are usually relatively low, suitable for minor illnesses or initial check-ups, while fees at Grade 3A hospitals or specialist clinics are typically higher but offer higher quality medical services.

4. Follow-up appointments or hospitalisation arrangements

If a follow-up appointment is needed, it usually requires making a new registration. The process for hospitalisation is more complex, involving steps like paying a deposit and signing relevant documents.

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3 Key differences between seeking medical care in Mainland China vs. Hong Kong

Difference 1: Consultation and payment process

Hong Kong generally follows a 'treatment first, payment later' model. Public healthcare only requires a registration fee, and private clinics also typically charge after the consultation. In contrast, mainland China operates primarily on a 'pay first, then receive treatment' basis. Fees for registration, examinations, medications, etc., often need to be paid in separate stages. Hong Kong residents planning to seek medical treatment on the mainland should ensure they have sufficient funds readily available and familiarise themselves with the payment process beforehand.

Difference 2: Fee structure and items

Medical fees in Hong Kong are relatively transparent and often bundled. In mainland China, costs are itemised in detail into separate charges for registration, the consultation itself, various tests, medications, and more. These may also include:

Price differences for consultations with doctors of different seniority levels.
Costs for high-value medical consumables.
Surcharges for night-time, weekend, or public holiday services.
Ambulance service fees.

Furthermore, there is a noticeable difference in costs between public and private hospitals. While prices at public Grade 3A hospitals are relatively reasonable, the processes can be more complex.

Difference 3: Medical insurance claims process

Regarding medical insurance reimbursement, collecting the necessary documents in Hong Kong is relatively straightforward and centralised. In mainland China, the reimbursement process is more cumbersome. Policyholders must personally collect and retain various documents from different sources, which is often cited as a significant challenge for Hong Kong residents seeking care. Required documents typically include:

Outpatient medical records and prescription slips.
Detailed itemised fee lists stamped with an official hospital seal.
Laboratory/imaging test reports and diagnosis certificates.
Hospitalisation summaries (if applicable).

Additionally, these documents are usually in Simplified Chinese. Lack of familiarity with the process can easily lead to missing documents, causing significant delays in claim settlements.

To address these differences, some health insurance products on the market offer specific features like 'cashless arrangements', providing greater support for Hong Kong residents seeking medical treatment in mainland China and making the process smoother. For example, some of AXA's health insurance plans specifically offer this cashless service³, relieving customers from the burden of paying large deposits upfront and making the overall experience much more effortless.

Complementary advantages of Mainland and Hong Kong healthcare: Precisely meeting cross-border needs

The healthcare systems of Mainland China and Hong Kong each have distinct characteristics, creating a complementary relationship. For Hong Kong residents, seeking medical treatment across the border is not merely a substitute but an expansion of healthcare options.

Dual core advantages of Mainland healthcare

1. Technology accessibility and flexible treatment options

Take breast cancer treatment as an example: a Hong Kong patient was advised to undergo a full mastectomy after diagnosis, but hoped to preserve her breast and struggled to find alternative options. Later, with support from AXA’s GBA Cancer Medical Concierge Service Network and dedicated case manager, she was able to get a second medical opinion and was referred to a Grade 3A hospital in the Greater Bay Area. After undergoing argon-helium cryoablation, she successfully preserved her breast.

This case illustrates how exploring medical resources in Mainland China can offer Hongkongers more treatment options—especially when seeking more efficient and personalised care solutions.

2. Efficiency and cost advantages

Leveraging vast patient databases and specialised tiered systems, Mainland Grade 3A hospitals demonstrate significant efficiency advantages in diagnosing complex diseases and managing critical and severe illness pathways². Furthermore, the outstanding cost-effectiveness of Mainland healthcare, coupled with increasingly advanced medical equipment, attracts many Hong Kong residents for treatments related to common illnesses, chronic disease management, and preventive medicine.

The irreplaceable value of Hong Kong healthcare

1. Internationally standardised quality control systems

From pharmaceutical regulation (adhering to FDA/EMA standards) to operating theatre infection control (ISO 13485 certification), the standardised operations and quality traceability mechanisms of Hong Kong medical institutions enjoy global recognition, providing stable assurance for long-term post-operative follow-up^4,5. Additionally, the rapid introduction of advanced medical technologies and drugs in Hong Kong keeps its healthcare standards at the forefront internationally, with particularly significant advantages in certain specialties (e.g., liver transplants, cancer treatment).

2. Cross-cultural medical communication

The bilingual capabilities of Hong Kong medical staff and their Western medical training background align more closely with the cultural expectations of Hong Kong patients in areas such as breaking bad news, Shared Decision Making⁶, and psychological support, thereby reducing communication barriers.

AXA Health Concierge stands by you

Important considerations for Hong Kong residents seeking medical treatment in Mainland China

Documentation and payment preparation

Carry your Mainland Travel Permit (回鄉證) and Hong Kong Identity Card with you.
A Mainland mobile phone number (not always mandatory, depends on the hospital).
A summary of your medical history, a list of current and past medications, allergy records, and recent medical test reports.
Ensure your Alipay/WeChat Pay is linked to a bank card with sufficient funds.
Have some RMB cash on hand as a backup, particularly for potential hospital admission deposits.

Document management

Use a dedicated folder to collect all medical receipts and documents.
Verify that fee lists and other documents are stamped with the hospital's official seal.
Safely keep all medical record booklets, test reports, and other materials.

Language communication

Prepare key medical vocabulary in advance.
Doctors in larger hospitals may understand English, but administrative staff often only speak Mandarin.
Consider using a translation app or seeking professional assistance.

Seeking medical treatment in mainland China has become a new trend for Hong Kong residents, yet the differences in healthcare systems between the two places can limit options for some. AXA has consistently monitored market trends, places great importance on the customer healthcare experience, and maintains close cooperation with various medical institutions. Beyond providing customers with dedicated service networks for cross-border cancer care ('Dedicated Cancer Care Service') and cross-border endoscopy services ('Endoscopy Service') in the Greater Bay Area, AXA has recently launched the 'AXA Health Concierge' service. If you are an eligible insured member under specified AXA medical protection plans⁷, you can access diversified and comprehensive medical support, ensuring efficient and convenient healthcare services no matter where you are, truly enabling a seamless cross-border experience.

AXA Health Concierge services include^7,8:

1. First in market⁹- Medical Green Pass¹⁰

Extensive and experienced medical network

Priority arrangements for appointments are applicable to over 2,000 network healthcare facilities among Hong Kong and Mainland China¹¹
AXA Signature Network^12,13 has a vast and diverse network of experienced network healthcare facilities. It covers more than 500 experienced network doctors^12,13 and more than 30 medical and surgical specialties

Early prevention of disease:

Arrange to be admitted to a designated hospital^12,13or receive outpatient services^12,13 as soon as possible. The network healthcare facilities will provide relevant treatment as needed

2. Professional medical advice

AXA Health Concierge can handle questions about your health condition with professional knowledge and provide health related information

3. GBA Endoscopy Medical Concierge Service Network

Helps you obtain world-class medical services and professional medical team support in cities in the Greater Bay Area

GBA Cancer Medical Concierge Service Network

AXA extends the specified cancer care to the Greater Bay Area, ensuring that both northbound and southbound travel patients receive exceptional, tailored care every step of the way. Services include^7,8:

Premier medical services^12,13: Access world-class medical services and healthcare teams’ supports across the Greater Bay Area^12,13
Dedicated case management^12,13: Receive personalised guidance from a Case Manager with over 10 years of medical experience^12,13
Extra care and support¹⁴: Enhance your comfort with free private transportation15 between Hong Kong/Macau and selected cities in the Greater Bay Area, along with a complimentary ward upgraded from specified ward to standard private room^14,16 to aid your recovery

GBA Endoscopy Medical Concierge Service Network

AXA extends the Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy ('OGD') and/or Colonoscopy care to the Greater Bay Area to help identify asymptomatic cancer patients or high-risk individuals early¹⁷, thereby improving cure rates and preventing cancer. Services include^7,8:

One-stop online service: You can make an appointment for consultation by phone, and it will provide you with online medical consultation and appointment for admission¹⁸
Additional support and benefits: Free shuttle bus to and from designated medical institution and Futian Port¹⁹. Customers can also enjoy early check-in to a standard private room^18,19 the day before your endoscopy, regardless of coverage level
Hassle-Free cashless arrangement³: Facilitate cashless arrangement³ on your behalf and eliminate the need for upfront deposits, making your experience stress-free by removing the burden of immediate costs

Outpatient consultations discount

1. Discounted outpatient consultations²⁰

Eligible persons can enjoy discounted outpatient consultations at designated network healthcare facilities¹¹
Insured of designated AXA medical insurance plans can enjoy up to 30% off discount on outpatient consultations fees, while their policyholders can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees
Insured/ policyholders of other non-designated AXA medical insurance plans (including life, critical illness, savings, investment-linked policies, etc.) can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees

2. Gifts of love

Discounted outpatient consultations are also extended to immediate family member²¹ of eligible AXA customers
Immediate family member of AXA Life insured/ policyholders (including Life, Medical, Critical Illness, Savings, Investment Linked policies etc.)²¹ can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees by simply online registration

In today's world of growing healthcare demands, AXA firmly believes that every customer's needs deserve to be attentively heard and meticulously cared for. We stay abreast of the latest trends in cross-border medical care, striving to provide more flexible and considerate health support. Our goal is to make every medical journey more reassuring and straightforward.

Whether you are planning to undergo advanced treatment or need to arrange prompt examinations, our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way—from coordinating appointments to providing post-treatment follow-up care. This allows you to focus solely on your recovery, free from worries.

1. Source: The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (Chinese only)
2. Source: National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Chinese only)
3. The availability of the cashless arrangement is provided by Network healthcare facilities, GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities (no need to pay deposit upon admission and enjoy cashless arrangement for eligible expenses at discharge) is subject to (a) the applicable benefit limits, deductible (if any) and exclusions under the relevant terms and benefits of the policy; and (b) acceptance of the cashless arrangement by GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities. The approval of the cashless arrangement is subject to the final decision of AXA. If applicable, the cashless arrangement is available to GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities in mainland China. The provision of the cashless arrangement from GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities or Case Manager shall not be deemed as an admission of our liability to pay and/or reimburse the policyholder under the policy or a waiver of any breach of the terms and benefits of the policy. The final claim decision will be determined by the medical information, and the benefits shall be payable subject to the applicable benefit limits of the chosen benefit level.
4. Source: Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Chinese only)
5. Source: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (Chinese only)
6. Source: Chan, Ho Man (2021). 'Shared Physician- and Family-based Decision Making and Pluralism' (Chinese only)
7. Terms and conditions of this promotion apply. For details, please refer to the promotion leaflet.
8. Detailed information and service eligibility are subject to change from time to time at AXA's sole discretion without any notice.
9. “First in Market” is based on AXA’s internal market research on 27 June 2025, with reference to similar types of “Green Channel” services provided in the Hong Kong market for comparison. Terms and conditions of this promotion apply. For details, please refer to the relevant website for details.
10. The “Medical Green Pass” is not applicable to eligible persons who suffer from acute illness, have been involved in an accident, or require urgent or immediate medical assistance. AXA will arrange hospitalization or outpatient consultation as soon as practicable but cannot guarantee the specific time available for appointment.
11. You can login to Emma by AXA app or other channels made available by AXA or call AXA Customer Care Hotline to obtain the latest Hong Kong network directory4,5, the list of designated hospitals in Mainland China and the China Hospital Enquiry Hotline. The Hong Kong network directory4,5 , the list of designated hospitals in Mainland China and the China Hospital Enquiry Hotline may change from time to time without any prior notice.
12. GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities are independent third parties and are not agents of AXA. AXA shall not have any obligation or liability whatsoever in relation to the medical services and advices provided by the service providers and their GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities are or its personnel (including doctors, nurses, or other medical staff).
13. The list of GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities will be regularly updated by AXA without any prior notice, but there is no guarantee that the list will always reflect the most current information. Therefore, the seniority and fellowship status of Case Manager may vary.
14. It is only applicable to designated medical insurance plans with the entitled ward class below standard private room and medically necessary hospitalisation.
15. Once the appointment is confirmed with the Case Manager, free private transportation service between Hong Kong/Macau and selected cities in the Greater Bay Area will be provided to the eligible insured when he/she visits the designated GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities. The free private transportation service may be modified from time to time at AXA's sole discretion without any notice.
16. Only applicable to cross-border drug treatment at designated GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities.
17. The above content is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a professional doctor for specific diagnosis and treatment.
18. Early check-in to a standard private room the day before your admission is only applicable for conducting colonoscopy or gastroscopy and colonoscopy at the same time.
19. Free shuttle bus service and standard private room are provided by designated GBA Healthcare Facilities. AXA shall not have any obligation or liability whatsoever in relation to the above services provided by the GBA Healthcare Facilities and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of GBA Healthcare Facilities.
20. The discounted outpatient consultations only covers the outpatient consultation fee and does not include the cost of medicines and other medical examinations. Designated medical insurance plans including AXA WiseGuard Pro Medical Insurance Plan (Basic Plan or Supplement) (Hong Kong only) /WiseProtect Pro Medical Insurance Plan(Basic Plan or Supplement) (Macau only), Global Elite Health Plan/ Global Elite II Health Plan, GlobalReach Medical Insurance Plan, MediPartner Health Plan, AXA WiseGuard Medical Insurance(Hong Kong only) and Smart Medicare (Hong Kong only)/ Smart Medical Insurance-Smart Medicare (Macau only) can enjoy up to 30% off discount on outpatient consultations fees, while its policyholders can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees. Policyholder and insured of AXA Life in-force policies (including Life, Medical, Critical Illness, Savings, Investment Linked policies etc.) and immediate family member can 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees.
21. “Immediate family member” refers to the legal spouse, children or parents of the policy insured or policyholder.

Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.

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