Most expats needing healthcare in Beijing go to the city's private hospitals and medical centres. Public hospitals are cheap, but waiting times are often long and the quality of treatment can vary greatly.
Private medical centres are also preferred by expats for non-emergency visits. Beijing locals generally don't use separate general practitioner clinics, but queue at the public hospitals for non-emergency treatments and advice. This often creates enormous and frustrating waits that can be avoided at private centres.
Doctors at private clinics generally speak English and are often expats from Europe or the US themselves. Some Chinese doctors use elements of traditional medicine in their practice, although in general, the two fields have little overlap in Beijing medical centres.
Hospitals in Beijing
Beijing United Family Hospital
Website: beijing.ufh.com.cn
Address: 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District
International Medical Center Beijing
Website: www.imcclinics.com
Address: 50 Liangmaqiao Rd, Chaoyang District
Beijing Vista Medical Center
Website: www.vista-china.net
Address: 1 Guanghua Road, Guo Mao, Chaoyang District