China has introduced new policies for medical visits, further improving visa facilitation for international patients, and Shanghai's medical tourism is ushering in new development opportunities. The new policies create a more friendly policy environment by simplifying visa procedures, extending stay durations and expanding visa-free arrangements.
Key points of the new policies
The visa facilitation policies mainly include: implementing or expanding visa-free entry for certain countries; simplifying visa material requirements so patients can conveniently apply with hospital invitation letters and appointment confirmations; extending stay durations for long-term treatment patients to meet treatment course needs; and supporting accompanying family members during the treatment period.
These measures significantly reduce the time and procedural costs of seeking medical treatment in China.
Impact on Shanghai medical tourism
As one of the cities with the most concentrated medical resources in China, Shanghai has numerous top-tier hospitals and international hospitals, leading in oncology, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and assisted reproduction. Visa facilitation will further attract patients from neighboring countries and Europe/America, driving sustained growth in Shanghai's medical tourism market.
How international patients can use the new policies
International patients can obtain hospital invitation letters through regulated medical service platforms and apply for visas with relevant materials. It is advisable to plan the treatment cycle and itinerary in advance to ensure the visa type and stay duration match the treatment plan.
MedBridge services
MedBridge can provide international patients with full-process services including visa material assistance, hospital booking, itinerary planning and interpretation accompaniment, helping patients make full use of the facilitation policies for a smooth visit to Shanghai.