Shanghai makes medical insurance more accessible for expats

Klaus, a software engineer from Germany, recently visited the Xinjing Town Community Affairs Service Center to apply for his medical insurance card and medical record booklet.

After joining a Shanghai-based tech company, he was informed by the HR department that once enrolled in the city’s social insurance program, he could apply for a medical insurance card at a community service center and enjoy the same health benefits as Chinese employees.

However, unfamiliar with the process, he had many questions, such as what documents were required, how long the process would take, and how reimbursement works after receiving the card.

Below is a detailed guide for expats employed in Shanghai applying for medical insurance cards and medical record booklets, taking employee medical insurance as an example.

1. Who is eligible

Foreign residents legally employed in Shanghai and enrolled in the city's basic pension and medical insurance programs.

2. How to apply

Insurance enrollment: The employer registers the foreign employee in the medical insurance system at the social security center.
Apply for a medical insurance card: Starting from the 15th day of the enrollment month, employees can take the passport used for registration to the nearest community affairs service center to apply for a medical insurance card. The card is issued on the spot.
Collect a medical record booklet: The booklet can be obtained at the same time as the medical insurance card.

3. Medical insurance reimbursement rates for 2025

Once enrolled, foreign employees receive the same reimbursement rates as local employees. The reimbursement rate is shown in the case below:

Klaus, employed by a Shanghai-based enterprise, was hospitalized in a tertiary hospital for acute appendicitis. The total cost was 17,000 yuan ($2,385). After deducting the 1,500-yuan deductible and non-covered expenses, the remaining amount was 14,000 yuan. Medical insurance covered approximately 11,900 yuan, and Klaus paid the remaining 2,100 yuan himself.

4. Medical treatment process

Seek treatment with the card: Medical insurance cards can be presented and used at designated healthcare institutions across Shanghai.
Real-time settlement: The system will directly deduct the portion covered by insurance, with individuals paying only their share.

5. Frequently asked questions

Q1: What if I lose my medical insurance card?

A1: Report the loss and apply for a replacement at the nearest community affairs service center. The new card will be issued immediately.

Q2: What if my name or passport information changes?

A2: First, update your registration information at the district human resources department. Once the system at the service center identifies the update, reapply for a new card. The old card remains valid until then.

Q3: What if my medical record booklet is full?

A3: Bring your medical insurance card to the nearest community affairs service center for a replacement.

Q4: Can I use medical insurance after leaving my job?

A4: Medical insurance benefits are suspended from the month following the termination of insurance payment by the employer. The balance in the personal account remains effective. Benefits will resume once you are re-enrolled.

Q5: Can I use my medical insurance abroad?

A5: No. Medical insurance benefits cannot be used or reimbursed abroad.

6.Policy extension: Protecting the medical insurance rights of foreign residents

Under the Social Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China and local implementation rules, foreign employees legally enrolled in China's social insurance system are entitled to:

Equal insurance benefits as local employees.
Transferable insurance relationships that can be carried when changing jobs across cities.
Eligibility for inter-city medical treatment registration and settlement.
Family pooling that allows spouses and children to be included in the same account.
Thanks to Shanghai’s accessible medical insurance policies, Klaus said he could easily use his insurance card to register for treatment and purchase medicine, encouraging more expats like him to settle in the city.

Source: Xinjing town government