Health In China

In China, the healthcare industry has gone through many reforms since its inception in 1949. The Chinese government is still working till this day to attain the goal of basic healthcare and medical coverage for all of China's citizens. In China the healthcare industry has experienced a 16% growth rate for a decade, due to the multiple factors such as the aging population, the higher living standards and the enhanced health awareness. The Ministry of Health in China has recently made a few decisions, which is affecting the whole structure of the health services sector, which has issued new regulations in regards to health care service providers.

Until recently, the medical care system in China was free for urban residents. As for now, it is being changed as people are being encouraged to buy health insurance. Doctors in China are not making a lot of money as they get paid very little. Every school, town, factory etc. has a clinic like hospital on site where you will be treated much faster for they are responsible for you whilst on the property. In case you should need any injections, I recommend that you take some unused hypodermic needles along with you as they reuse the needles, as you may have heard.

In China, the medical costs are not much at all. For the westerners, there are a variety of well-known medicines available. In the international hospitals, the medical facilities are very good as the Chinese use many traditional and herbal forms of medication. If travelling to China, Worldwide Medical Insurance is strongly recommended.

Food and Drink

All water in China in which is needed to be used for drinking, freezing or brushing your teeth should always be boiled first or sterilised to avoid any diseases the water may carry. You should only eat very well cooked meet and fish, preferably piping hot. You should be aware of salads and some types of meet such as pork, as they may carry a risk of diseases. All fruit and vegetables should be carefully prepared, Cook all types of vegetables and fruit must always be peeled.

Your Safety

Before you travel to China, make sure you are protected from Tetanus (diphtheria, polio and TB). If you are over 55 years old, go to your GP to check if you are still immunised. Another is Typhoid; this protects you from the food and water where the hygiene is poor. Also Hepatitis A & B, Hep A' can also be transmitted through food and water where Hep B' is known to be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Go to your GP around 6 weeks before travelling to have these vaccinations for a safe holiday. Avoid swimming in the fresh water; make sure the water in the swimming pool is well and chlorinated and well maintained.

Globalsurance is an independent Worldwide Health Insurance Advisor. If you are an expat living in China or have plans to live or move to China we can give you independent advice or a range of free Health Insurance Quotes; click for Free Advice and Quotes.

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