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Emergency care for foreign visitors in China

Know the mainland China emergency numbers, what information to communicate and why a coordination platform is not an emergency service.

Reviewed 16 July 2026General information
Direct answer

For a medical emergency in mainland China, call the first-aid ambulance number 120. Police is 110 and fire is 119. China Med Links is not an emergency dispatch service and should not be contacted instead of local emergency services.

01

Call the correct emergency service

For urgent medical help in mainland China, call 120. Give the location first, then symptoms, patient condition and a callback number. Ask a nearby Chinese speaker, hotel or building staff to assist if communication is difficult.

02

Prepare location information

Keep the address in Chinese, building and room number, nearby landmark, patient's passport name, allergies, medicines, emergency contact and insurance assistance number accessible.

03

Do not delay for a preferred hospital

Emergency dispatch and clinical need may determine the destination. A preferred specialist or international department may not be the safest first destination.

04

After immediate stabilization

A family member can contact the insurer, collect records and discuss transfer or follow-up with clinicians. Any later transfer should be clinically approved and appropriately equipped.

Frequently asked questions

Can China Med Links send an ambulance?

No. Call 120 for medical emergencies.

Will 120 always provide English service?

Do not assume it nationwide. Seek help from hotel, airport, building or local staff when possible.

Should I call my insurer first?

In a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate local help first. Insurance assistance can follow when safe.

Official sources

  1. National Health Commission: emergency numbers in mainland China โ†—

Continue the patient journey

  1. 01Travel and accommodation planning for medical care in China
  2. 02Insurance and hospital payment for foreign patients in China
  3. 03Preparing for hospitalization in China
  4. 04Bringing a family member on a medical trip to China
  5. 05Follow-up care after returning home from treatment in China
  6. 06Emergency care for foreign visitors in China
Information, not professional advice

This guide explains general processes. Hospital requirements, entry rules, prices and individual circumstances vary. Confirm material decisions with the responsible hospital or authority.