Frequently Asked Questions

Our fixed service fee (quoted before you commit) covers: free initial assessment, hospital and specialist matching, visa support documentation, airport transfer coordination, hotel-near-hospital booking assistance, 1-on-1 nurse concierge at every appointment, medical translation throughout, recovery planning, departure support, and 6 months of remote aftercare.

Yes, for most procedures. China's 15-day visa-free entry covers 53 countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada, all EU nations). The standard L tourist visa (30–90 days) works for dental veneers, LASIK, Botox, acupuncture courses, and health check-ups — no medical documentation needed. Key insight: immigration officers aren't asking "are you getting medical treatment?" — they're checking you have return flights, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds. Medical appointments are your private business. You only need hospital documentation for major surgeries requiring 4+ weeks in China. WellMeet provides hospital invitation letters to support any visa application.

Medical vacation (dental, LASIK, minor cosmetic): 7–14 days total. Medical tourism (major surgeries): 3–5 weeks including pre-operative testing, treatment, and post-operative clearance before flying home. WellMeet provides exact timelines during your free assessment phase, based on your specific procedure.

Essential: WeChat (communication + payments), Didi (China's Uber alternative), Google Translate in offline mode (download Chinese language pack before departure), and a VPN if you need Google services (download before arriving — you cannot download VPNs after arriving in China). Your WellMeet concierge will guide you through setup.

Grade 3A is China's highest hospital classification — equivalent to a US Level-1 trauma centre or NHS Teaching Hospital. These facilities have passed rigorous national evaluations for medical quality, safety, research capability, and patient care. Only the top 10% of Chinese hospitals achieve this rating. WellMeet exclusively partners with Grade 3A and JCI-accredited hospitals.

Reality check by hospital type: Private international hospitals (United Family, Parkway): doctors 90–95% fluent, nurses 70–80%, admin staff 95%+, hospital signage fully bilingual. Public hospital VIP/international departments: doctors 60–80% (medical English to fluent), nurses 30–60% variable, admin staff 50–70%. Public general wards: 10–30% English — not recommended for foreign patients. Pro tip: test the doctor's English during your initial virtual consultation. If you can't understand them via video, you won't in person. Cultural insight: Chinese medical staff are generally patient with non-Chinese speakers and will try multiple ways to communicate — pantomiming, drawing pictures, using phone translation apps. The effort to bridge language gaps goes both ways. Real patient example (Marcus, Chengdu TCM): "We could talk about my back pain and treatment for hours. When I asked about local restaurants, she needed the translation app. Perfect for medical care, which is what mattered." Bottom line: you don't need Chinese language skills for safe medical procedures IF you choose hospitals with adequate English support. A hospital that can't communicate clearly during the consultation phase won't suddenly improve after you arrive.

The best Chinese hospitals are world-class by any measure. 7 Chinese hospitals appear in the global top 250 ranking. Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Huashan Hospital are consistently ranked in Asia's top 10. More importantly, Chinese hospitals perform many procedures at volumes Western hospitals cannot match — experience that directly translates to better outcomes.

WellMeet charges a fixed, transparent service fee published before you commit. We apply zero markup to hospital costs — you pay hospital bills directly at the cashier, at the same price local Chinese patients pay. Our fee is the only charge from WellMeet. No percentage markup, no hidden coordination fees, no surprises at the cashier.

Dental implants: $600–900 vs $3,000–5,000 (saves 78–82%). Knee replacement: $10,000–14,000 vs $45,000–60,000 (saves 70–78%). IVF: $4,000–7,000 vs $15,000–25,000 (saves 60–73%). LASIK: $800–1,500 vs $4,000–6,000 (saves 75–80%). Full body check-up: $500–1,200 vs $3,000–8,000 (saves 75–85%). All include accommodation near the hospital.

Chinese hospitals expect deposits before major procedures — this is standard practice, not distrust. Deposits are typically 20–50% of the estimated procedure cost. Your final bill is itemised afterward with refunds for any unused portion. WellMeet guides you through the payment process so there are no surprises.

Depends entirely on the procedure: Dental (fillings, veneers, crowns): 24–48 hours — air pressure changes can cause discomfort; wait until swelling/bleeding fully stops. Minor cosmetic (Botox, fillers, laser): 2–3 days — you want swelling to decrease before 10+ hours in dry airplane air. LASIK/eye surgery: 5–7 days — doctor must confirm eyes have stabilised. Rhinoplasty/facial surgery: 7–10 days — significant swelling plus altitude changes affect healing. Orthopedic surgery (knee, hip, spine): 14–21 days minimum — blood clot risk from prolonged sitting is real; need medical clearance confirming you can sit comfortably. Major abdominal/chest surgery: 2–4 weeks — air pressure and prolonged sitting carry serious risks. IMPORTANT: always get written medical clearance before booking return flight — airlines can refuse boarding if you appear to be a medical risk. Pro tip: many patients fly Beijing/Shanghai → Hong Kong by high-speed train (smooth ride), then fly internationally from Hong Kong.

More than most patients expect — and Chinese medicine actually encourages it. Chinese doctors embrace "动静结合" (dòng jìng jiéhé) — combining movement with rest. Light activity is considered beneficial: gentle walking improves qi flow, fresh air aids healing, stress reduction from enjoyable activities enhances recovery. Modern Chinese doctors understand you didn't fly 6,000+ miles to sit in a hotel room. Common doctor advice: "Go walk in the park — fresh air will help you heal" / "Visit museums but rest frequently" / "Light tourism is good for your mental health, which helps physical healing." One TCM doctor literally prescribed a mountain walk as part of the treatment plan: "Trees have qi, go absorb it." What doctors DO care about: your safety and recovery timeline, following dietary restrictions, not doing obviously risky activities. What they DON'T care about: whether you're sightseeing instead of resting in the hotel. Best approach: be honest about your tourism plans and ask specifically — "Can I visit the Forbidden City on Day 5?" Most will say yes with guidance.

Yes, and most people need TWO separate policies. Here's why: Scenario 1 — You're in China for dental veneers; on Day 5 you slip in the hotel shower and sprain your ankle. Standard travel insurance covers the emergency room visit. Medical tourism insurance doesn't (unrelated to dental work). Scenario 2 — Your veneers develop an infection on Day 6. Standard travel insurance doesn't cover this (it's your planned procedure). Medical tourism insurance covers the infection treatment. Scenario 3 — Your surgery takes longer to heal; doctor says you need 5 more days before flying. Standard travel insurance doesn't cover this (medical recovery, not emergency). Medical tourism insurance may cover the extra accommodation. The math: both insurances combined cost $500–900. Potential savings if you need them: $5,000–50,000+. Some medical tourism insurance providers bundle basic travel insurance — ask if a combined package is available (saves $50–100).

Short answer: probably not for the procedure itself, but details vary by country. US: employer health insurance covers emergency care abroad if the plan includes international coverage — but NOT elective procedures, planned surgeries, dental, or cosmetic. Exception: HSA and FSA funds CAN be used for medically necessary procedures regardless of where they're performed (dental, vision correction, necessary surgeries, some TCM if prescribed) — pay in China, file reimbursement when home. UK NHS: covers nothing outside the UK except emergency care in EU countries. China procedures are entirely out-of-pocket. Australian Medicare: covers nothing in China. UK/Australian private insurance: usually doesn't cover overseas elective procedures, but some premium plans offer global coverage — check your specific policy. International/expat health insurance (Cigna Global, Bupa International, Allianz Worldwide Care): MAY cover planned overseas procedures — call your insurer, ask specifically about your procedure at a named Chinese hospital, and get the answer in writing. Bottom line: plan your China trip as out-of-pocket expenditure. The cost savings vs home country prices are the real "insurance." Be pleasantly surprised if you get any money back.

All WellMeet partner doctors are Chief Physicians (主任医师 — the highest rank in China's medical system) with 15+ years of experience. We provide their CVs, publication lists, and annual surgery volumes upon request. Many have trained in the US, Europe, or Japan. For independent verification, physician credentials can be checked on China's National Health Commission (NHC) registry at nhc.gov.cn. We encourage patients to request a virtual pre-trip consultation to assess the doctor directly before committing.

On the contrary. Grade 3A hospitals in China often have newer equipment than many Western public hospitals, driven by rapid government investment. Most have the latest Da Vinci Xi surgical robots (China has the 2nd largest installed base globally), 3.0T MRI scanners, PET-CT, and AI-powered diagnostic systems. Crucially, this technology is standard equipment across all Grade 3A hospitals — not concentrated in a few elite private centers as in many Western countries. Advanced care in China is accessible, not a privilege.

This is a common misconception. Major Chinese cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen — are statistically safer than most US and European cities for violent crime. China has strict gun control laws, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and a highly visible police presence. Walking alone at night is completely normal and safe. China consistently ranks in the top 10 safest countries for travelers (Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026). Our patients from the UK, US, and Australia regularly report feeling safer in Shanghai than in their home cities.

WellMeet adheres to EU GDPR standards and aligns with US HIPAA guidelines for medical data handling. All medical records are transferred via encrypted SSL/TLS channels and stored on secure servers with strictly limited access. Every staff member signs a strict NDA — your medical condition is known only to you, your treating doctor, and your dedicated concierge. We never sell or share your data with third parties. Download our full Data Processing Agreement from the Trust Center.

Several partner hospitals hold JCI accreditation, and all hold China's Grade 3A status — which in many ways exceeds JCI requirements due to stricter patient volume thresholds and mandatory annual inspections by the National Health Commission. We can provide JCI-accredited options upon specific request. Grade 3A hospitals without JCI still meet rigorous international quality benchmarks; many simply haven't pursued JCI certification as their primary patient base is domestic. WellMeet only works with hospitals it has vetted directly.

Tap water in major Chinese cities is not recommended for drinking, but bottled water is universally available and inexpensive. Hospital food is nutritious and plentiful — dietary requirements (Halal, vegetarian, low-sodium, diabetic) can be accommodated with advance notice. Major cities have a wide range of international restaurants, and food safety standards in hospitals are strictly regulated. WellMeet coordinates all dietary needs with the hospital and your hotel, and communicates requirements in Chinese on your behalf.

You can go directly — but you'll face significant challenges: language barriers at registration and during consultations, complex hospital systems that require Chinese apps and ID, no advocacy if something goes wrong, and no guarantee you'll see the right specialist. WellMeet ensures you see the right doctor, understand every diagnosis in plain language, get priority scheduling, and have emotional support throughout. We also handle all logistics (visa, hotel, airport transfer) and provide free post-care follow-up for 6 months after you return home.

Your WellMeet medical concierge — all are trained nurses or medical graduates — does far more than translate. Before your trip: reviews your records, matches you with the right specialist, coordinates your complete itinerary. At the hospital: accompanies every appointment, explains diagnoses in plain language, assists with registration and payment, provides emotional support. After your trip: delivers translated discharge documents to your home GP within 48 hours, checks in at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, and remains available on WhatsApp for any question.

Yes — our care doesn't end at the airport. WellMeet provides free long-term post-care support: a translated discharge summary sent to you and your home doctor within 48 hours; scheduled check-in calls at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months; direct WhatsApp access to your coordinator; Chinese hospital available for telemedicine follow-up via WeChat; help translating follow-up prescriptions for dispensing at home. Many patients stay in regular contact with their coordinators long after their trip.

WellMeet has a clear satisfaction commitment. If you're dissatisfied with our coordination, contact us within 30 days and we'll work to resolve it — including a partial service-fee refund where the shortfall is within our control. For medical outcome concerns, we act as your advocate with the hospital and can facilitate second-opinion consultations. We maintain formal escalation channels with all partner hospitals. Our 98% patient satisfaction rate reflects our commitment to getting this right every time.

Yes — strategically. For minor procedures (dental, LASIK, checkups): explore freely from day 2–3 onward. For major surgery: by week 2–3, most patients can enjoy gentle walks, tea houses, flat malls, and scenic gardens. WellMeet designs "Recovery-Friendly Itineraries" — low intensity, private transport, medically cleared activities tailored to your energy level. China's landscape — from the Great Wall to Chengdu's Panda Base to Shanghai's riverside gardens — offers wonderful recovery environments. We adjust the pace week by week as you regain strength.

Yes. Major hospitals accommodate Halal, vegetarian, low-sodium, and diabetic dietary requirements with advance notice — simply inform WellMeet when booking. Chinese cuisine is naturally rich in vegetables, tofu, and plant-based dishes. Major cities have dedicated Halal restaurants, especially in areas with Muslim communities (Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, Beijing's Niujie district, Shanghai's Huxi area). WellMeet's concierge team identifies suitable restaurants near your hospital and hotel, and communicates dietary requirements in Chinese on your behalf.

In major medical cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu), English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist areas, airports, and international restaurants. In local shops and smaller restaurants, English may be limited — but translation apps (Google Translate, Baidu Translate) work excellently, and most younger Chinese use them willingly to help. Hospital international departments have English-speaking staff throughout. WellMeet provides a local SIM card or eSIM setup on arrival so you always have connectivity for translation, maps, and communication.

Our top recovery-friendly destinations: Beijing — Temple of Heaven park and Summer Palace (flat paths, peaceful gardens); Shanghai — The Bund riverside walk, Xintiandi gardens, Yu Garden; Chengdu — Panda Base (gentle, joyful, minimal walking); Hainan (Boao Lecheng) — tropical beach walks, resort-grade recovery environment; Suzhou — classical UNESCO-listed gardens, flat and serene. WellMeet designs itineraries matched to your recovery stage — week-by-week activity escalation as you regain strength. Recovery in China is an experience, not just a wait.