Job Discussion Forums

[MrWright]

I wasn't sure if I should post this under job-related or off-topic. I'm new here in the prc. So far, I like/love it, but I have to admit to being appalled at the medical care I have received thus far. And the medical insurance through my work is laughable. This is just my newbie experience, so forgive the ignorance if displayed. Guilty. That's why I am asking. But from what I've seen the hospitals are archaic, the doctors seem all too willing to prescribe anecdotal "chinese" medicine over proven, science-based treatments, rarely does anyone speak english, and like I said, the insurance is horrible. Granted, the costs here are way low, but perhaps you get what you pay for. I'm 42, but am interested in staying long term. How does one proceed in age and get the medical care required for that unfortunate inevitability? Are there good hospitals that I don't know of simply because my insurance sucks? Is there fully modern care available? Do the better jobs, which someday perhaps I could get, offer legit insurance? Please advise. Thank you. I admit not knowing what I'm talking about, so haters please know you will be ignored.

[asiannationmc]

PICC had a line of ins. for expats and HK'ers.

You can also go the western style hosp. route but I have found that the same doctors often practice at both Chinese and western. Western ins. is "muy caro".

[fpshangzhou]

You are right about the social insurance offered by these schools/companies laughable. When offered, I turned it down and have insurance from an outside provider, but more expensive obviously.

As for the hospitals, don't get me started. My girlfriend had a baby here and the experience was totally unforgettable. Have you ever watched the tv series M.A.S.H? The facilities and limited technology and practices here are horrendous and barbaric. Now, if you have the common cold, flu or something that just requires a day's visit to the doctor, then no worries, but for the more serious health issues, I would never use the local hospitals again.

The upside to being near a big city (Shanghai), they have an American hospital with modern facilities and practices with western doctors. Albeit a bit expensive, it's definitely worth a visit if you have a choice. They also accept international insurance companies.

Cheers,

Aaron

[Bud Powell]

I don't think that it is true that all hospitals outside the major metro cities are awful. The "public health" clinics can be scary, but In Jiangsu province, the hospitals that I've visited (all of 3) were fairly modern and clean. When I caught pneumonia, the #1 and #2 hospitals both had CAT scanners. (You can probably find me with a geiger counter now).

The #3 hospital wanted to remove a lung if I underwent treatment (IV drip) there. They didn't even offer to pay for the body part. I declined and got out of there before I passed out and had no say in the matter.

[roadwalker]

In follow up to Bud's post, in my experience, even the same hospital can have a modern ward next to the scary ones. Ask fellow teachers, students and anyone else you meet for their opinion of good hospitals or bad ones to avoid. Some Chinese will tell you that if it's bad, go to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or the nearest big city. Some here will say go to Hong Kong. I've had minor care and wasn't killed.

One thing, if not mentioned already above, is that Chinese hospitals don't feed patients that they admit overnight. Your family or friends are supposed to do that. In my case, student volunteers took turns looking after me.