CAR-T and proton or carbon-ion therapy
Cell therapy for specific blood cancers and one gastric cancer, and particle radiotherapy for selected solid tumours.
- China-approved CAR-T products
- Sourced US and China drug prices
- Records specialists ask for
Global Advanced Medical Solutions in China for International Patients
Plain-language guides to four types of care at Chinese hospital international departments, what each needs from you, and how to check a hospital before you travel.
Four areas international patients ask about
Each guide covers who it may suit, what records to prepare and what is still unknown.
TCM acupuncture and rehabilitation
Acupuncture and rehabilitation for chronic pain and stroke recovery, used alongside standard care.
- What the research shows
- Realistic expectations
- Safety with your medicines
Da Vinci robotic surgery
Robot-assisted keyhole surgery for selected abdominal procedures, and how joint robots differ.
- Who may be suitable
- Hospital stay and fitness to fly
- Follow-up at home
Reconstructive plastic surgery
Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery at tertiary hospitals, with the licensing rules that apply.
- Surgeon licensing checks
- Planning and consent
- Recovery time before flying
International patient numbers are rising
Recent reporting on official figures shows fast growth at China's key foreign-related hospitals.
1.28 million
International patient visits at China's key foreign-related hospitals in 2025, as reported
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
73.6%
Reported growth in those visits compared with three years earlier
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
2x
Reported change in patients from Europe and North America over the same period
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
413,000
Reported 2025 visits made purely for treatment, up 63% year on year
Source: Sina Finance / Caijing
What the growth figures do and do not mean
The same report names tumour treatment, cardiovascular surgery and CAR-T as the fastest-growing areas. It also notes that international departments of public hospitals sit outside Chinese medical insurance and charge about 3 to 10 times the standard insured price.
- Growth figures describe demand, not results for any one patient
- Prices at international departments differ from published domestic prices
- Every treatment decision belongs to the treating specialists
How a planned treatment journey usually works
This is the typical order of steps once a hospital agrees to review a case.
Records review
You gather reports, imaging files and treatment history. A doctor checks that the file is complete enough for specialists to read.
Case evaluation
Specialists at the hospital review the records and say whether the treatment may suit you, or what else they need.
Written cost estimate
Ask for an itemised estimate in writing. Hospitals price in RMB; a USD figure is a conversion that changes with exchange rates.
Travel planning
Check visa rules, how long you must stay and whether a companion should travel with you.
Treatment in China
The hospital confirms the plan in person, carries out treatment and decides when you are fit to travel.
Follow-up at home
Your doctor at home receives the discharge summary and continues your care. Follow-up calls with the treating team can be arranged.
Our role and its limits
What FreeClinic plans to do
- One free online triage consultation to discuss your situation
- Follow-up consultations at USD 28 each, paid directly to the doctor
- Help preparing records and questions for a hospital
What FreeClinic does not do
- No prescriptions, remote treatment or hospital admission
- No partner hospitals announced yet
- No emergency service. Contact local emergency services instead
Questions from international patients
Who decides if I am eligible for treatment in China?
The treating specialists at the hospital decide, after a full review of your records. A triage call can help you prepare, but it cannot confirm eligibility.
Are these treatments approved in China?
The CAR-T products described on this site are approved by China's National Medical Products Administration for specific diagnoses. Each guide lists what is approved and for whom. Ask the hospital to confirm approval for your exact case.
How long would I need to stay in China?
It depends on the treatment and your recovery. Ask the hospital for the expected stay before treatment and the time it wants you nearby afterwards, in writing.
Will hospitals accept my medical records in English?
Ask the international department directly. Some accept English reports; others ask for a translation. Bring imaging as original files, not only printed images.
Can I pay in a foreign currency, and will my insurance cover it?
Hospitals usually price in RMB. Ask which international cards or bank transfers they accept. Many health plans do not cover planned treatment abroad, so ask your insurer before you book.
Do I need a visa?
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before planning travel.
Start with a free triage consultation
Tell us about your diagnosis and goals, and a doctor will suggest realistic next steps. Your first triage consultation is free.
In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Please do not delay care at home while waiting for a reply.
Sources
Prices and policies change. Figures are for general information and are not a quote or medical advice.