Medical Service

Private and Public Hospitals

There are a number of private and public hospitals in Shanghai, some with dedicated clinics for non-Mainland patients. It is worthy to note that the medical system or service process between the Mainland and Hong Kong are quite different. Thus, Hong Kong residents need to consider the medical service provided by the hospitals and form your own assessment based on your own medical records and medical needs before visiting the clinics / hospitals.

In addition, hospitals in the Mainland usually do not accept electronic payments, e.g., credit card, Union Pay etc. Therefore, Hong Kong residents should bring sufficient cash or membership card provided by insurance company or medical insurance provider before receiving any medical treatments. You should also confirm whether the medical insurance card is accepted by the clinic / hospital.

It is worthy to note that the reimbursement of medical fees on direct basis under schemes by foreign insurance providers is applicable only to a number of hospitals jointly established by local PRC and foreign investors, and / or international medical department in public hospitals. Most hospitals in the Mainland do not accept settlement via foreign medical insurance as yet, hence Hong Kong residents may be required to apply for claims with respect to expenses incurred with their overseas insurance companies.

For more information on public hospitals in Shanghai, please visit the website of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission: http://wsjkw.sh.gov.cn (Chinese Version Only)

Meanwhile, some hospitals in Shanghai provide online booking and telephone booking services. From January 1, 2016, "Shanghai Development Center" has extended its services to 50 hospitals in the whole country and Shanghai area for free booking/reservation services.

For detailed information on medical institutions, please refer to: http://www.91985.com/users/portal/hospital.do (Chinese Version Only).

Guide on Emergency Aid

Emergency Hotline 120

120 Emergency Hotline has set up quite a number of Emergency Aid Spots / Stations in the city. While fees are generally charged to services provided, rates may vary.

Hospital hotlines

In addition to the 120 Emergency Hotline, most hospitals in Shanghai also offer emergency hotline for their patients. Please visit the official websites of the hospitals for more details.

International SOS Center

Shanghai International SOS Center operates modern medical and dental clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort services, as well as 24-hour emergency hotline (+86-21 -6390-1466) to those in need.

Offices of the Hong Kong Government in the Mainland

For Hong Kong residents who are injured or suffer from illness in the Mainland, you should first seek medical treatments from a nearby hospital. Generally speaking, you should consult a doctor to ensure that the patient is fit for travel before making any arrangements for returning to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Government does not offer cross-border patient transfer or ambulance booking services. If you, your companions, friends or relatives are injured or are suffering from illness in the Mainland, and require ambulance service upon arrival in Hong Kong, you may call the Immigration Department Hotline at (852) 1868 for enquiries, or seek assistance from duty officers in Hong Kong upon arrival. Under current arrangements, an ambulance will convey the patient to a nearby hospital in Hong Kong for medical treatment after they have entered into Hong Kong territory. For further assistance, please contact the Hong Kong Immigration Division's support team, which is dedicated in providing services to Hong Kong residents abroad, via the 24-hour hotline: (852)1868.


Difference between the PRC and Hong Kong legal systems

The Mainland adopts a civil law system, while Hong Kong adopts a common law system. The two legal systems differ on many aspects including legislative base, authority / judicial power of the judges, proceedings arrangements etc. Hong Kong residents should ensure that they have a clear understanding of relevant provisions and observe the laws of the Mainland when visiting or living in the Mainland. In the event of any violation of the laws in the Mainland, the Hong Kong resident concerned should bear the corresponding legal responsibilities. Hong Kong residents are recommended to consult legal advisers or institutions when encountering legal problems in working, living or doing business in the Mainland.

Notary service providers / organization in Shanghai

According to the provisions in Notarization Law of the People's Republic of China, notary service providers / organizations' offer services ranging from notary of contract, division of property, bidding and tendering, auction, marriage status, kindred relationship, adoption relationship, birth, existence, death, identity, experience, education background, academic degree, job title, professional title, illegal and criminal record check, article of association, any matter that may be notarized under laws or administrative regulations, to drafting of notarization-related legal documents for others.

For more information on the list of the notary organizations in Shanghai, please visit the website of the Shanghai Notary Association (Chinese Version Only): http://www.shnotary.org.cn

For more information on the legal services provided in Shanghai, please visit the website of Shanghai Bar Association (Chinese Version Only): http://www.lawyers.org.cn