According to China’s National Health Commission, over 600,000 international patients traveled to China for care in 2019 alone. For those seeking high-quality treatment at significantly lower costs, the country’s leading medical centers in Beijing and Shanghai offer exceptional services. Below, we highlight five world-class hospitals providing specialized care, particularly in oncology and cardiology, with transparent pricing and real patient experiences.
1. Beijing Cancer Hospital (CHCAMS) – Dedicated International Department
Ideal for: Oncology, breast cancer comprehensive treatment, immunotherapy, and tumor surgery.
China’s premier cancer institute, founded in 1958, treats more than 500,000 outpatients each year. Its international department provides English-speaking coordinators, visa support, and second-opinion services. A multidisciplinary team handles complex cases like breast cancer. For example, a 58-year-old patient from the UK received breast cancer comprehensive treatment—including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (Herceptin), and radiation—for $10,000 to $30,000. This represents a 50-70% savings compared to similar care at US institutions like MD Anderson. While not JCI-accredited, the hospital follows international protocols. A Middle Eastern patient with advanced breast cancer used telemedicine for a second opinion, then traveled for surgery and immunotherapy, with total costs under $20,000. Reduced wait times were a key benefit.
2. Shanghai Ruijin Hospital – International Medical Center
Ideal for: Hematology, leukemia, endocrinology, and burn treatment.
Founded in 1907, Ruijin was the first Chinese public hospital to earn JCI accreditation. Its International Medical Center features bilingual staff, private rooms, and direct billing for international insurance. The hematology department is among Asia’s best, with leukemia survival rates comparable to US centers. A bone marrow transplant here costs $30,000–$50,000, versus over $300,000 in the US. The hospital also excels in burn treatment using advanced skin grafting. A 45-year-old US patient with acute myeloid leukemia received chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant for $40,000, with follow-up telemedicine check-ins.
3. Fuwai Hospital – International Cardiology Services
Ideal for: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), cardiac surgery, and interventional cardiology.
Performing over 4,000 cardiac surgeries annually, Fuwai in Beijing specializes in off-pump CABG. Its International Patient Center offers fast-track appointments, English translators, and postoperative rehabilitation. Coronary artery bypass graft costs range from $15,000 to $28,000, including a 14-21 day hospital stay—compared to $100,000–$200,000 in the US. Fuwai is JCI-accredited and collaborates with the American Heart Association. A 62-year-old Canadian patient with triple vessel disease had off-pump CABG for $22,000, including a week in a private room with a dedicated nurse.
4. Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) – International Medical Services
Ideal for: Complex diagnostics, multispecialty consultations, and rare diseases.
PUMCH, China’s top general hospital, operates a dedicated International Medical Services (IMS) wing with VIP suites, 24/7 English support, and direct coordination with overseas doctors. Overseas patients can access full health screenings or second opinions starting at $500 for a basic checkup, up to $5,000 for comprehensive panels. Though not JCI-accredited, its reputation draws patients from over 100 countries. A 50-year-old Brazilian patient with unexplained abdominal pain had a full workup including MRI and laparoscopy for $8,000, leading to timely surgery for early-stage pancreatic cancer.
5. Huashan Hospital – International Patient Center
Ideal for: Neurology, neurosurgery, and infectious diseases.
Shanghai’s Huashan Hospital is renowned for neurology, treating brain tumors and stroke. Its International Patient Center provides expedited appointments, interpretation in 10 languages, and case management. A craniotomy for brain tumor costs $12,000–$20,000, versus $50,000–$100,000 in the UK. Huashan is JCI-accredited and publishes outcome data in journals like The Lancet. A 55-year-old Australian patient had awake craniotomy for a meningioma at Huashan for $15,000, praising the multilingual nursing team.
How SSAnkang Medical Can Support Your Journey
Navigating international patient services in Beijing and Shanghai can be complex. SSAnkang Medical connects you to these top hospitals, coordinating everything from visa letters to follow-up care. With a network of over 20 partner hospitals, SSAnkang ensures personalized treatment plans and transparent pricing. For instance, a breast cancer patient using SSAnkang would receive a tailored package at CHCAMS starting at $12,000, including a dedicated coordinator.
To explore your options for oncology or cardiology care in China, contact SSAnkang for a free consultation.
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