Health in China: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

Vaccines: keep your standard schedule up‑to‑date and add hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid for most trips; Japanese encephalitis if you’ll be in rural areas during summer. Water: treat tap water by boiling or buy sealed bottles. Insurance: purchase a policy covering hospital care and evacuation.

The CDC and WHO list routine immunisations (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella) as a baseline for any international travel. For China, health authorities recommend hepatitis A for all travellers, hepatitis B for those who may have medical procedures or prolonged stays, and typhoid for visitors eating street food or staying outside major cities. Japanese encephalitis is advised for rural travel in the summer months (May‑Oct) in provinces such as Yunnan, Sichuan and Guangxi.

Tap water in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) is treated but may contain chlorine residues; many locals still boil water before drinking. In smaller towns and rural areas, boiling or using sealed bottled water is the safest option. Ice in drinks should be from boiled water or sealed bags. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit unless you can wash them with safe water.

Public hospitals in China provide high‑quality care in big cities, but English‑speaking staff are limited. Private international clinics in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou offer English services and accept foreign insurance, but can be expensive. Travel insurance that includes hospitalisation, outpatient treatment and medical evacuation is strongly recommended, especially for remote travel or adventure activities.

Check the latest entry requirements and health advisories from your government before you travel.

Vaccination schedules require time; plan ahead to complete any series before departure.