Embarking on your study journey in China is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge you’ll face in China as an international student is understanding and navigating the medical care system. This blog post is your comprehensive guide to the medical insurance scheme at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).
The Importance of Medical Insurance
As per the regulations of the Ministry of Education of China, you, as an international student studying in China, must be covered by medical insurance. This insurance should be part of the group medical insurance scheme designated by your university or college and meet the fundamental medical insurance standard. Remember, failure to purchase insurance within a specified time can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion or denial of registration.
Your UCAS Group Comprehensive Insurance Plan
Your group comprehensive insurance plan at UCAS is underwritten by PingAn Annuity Insurance Company. This insurance plan is designed to provide coverage for a variety of medical needs. For more detailed information about your insurance, you should refer to the Instructions of Insurance Schemes and Procedure of Insurance Claim.
Pingan Annuity
Utilizing the Medical Insurance Consultation Service
The medical insurance consultation service is available 24/7 for you. By calling the service line (400-810-5119), you can receive advice and instructions when you need medical care due to illness or accident. Always have your passport number ready when calling, as it’s required to confirm the validity of your insurance.
Emergency Help
In case of an emergency, you should call 120 or 999 for an ambulance. These numbers are crucial to remember and could potentially save your life.
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Guidance for Out-patient and In-patient Medical Treatment
When you need medical care, whether, for out-patient or in-patient treatment, there are specific steps you must follow. These steps involve calling the service line, confirming the validity of your insurance, and keeping all invoices, medical records, and diagnostic documents for making a claim.
Please note that the school clinic is not qualified to provide medical services to international students.
Only the general sections in public hospitals in mainland China are supported by your insurance. Treatment in private hospitals, VIP sections, and hospitals outside of mainland China is not covered.
Making a Claim
To make a claim, you need to fill in the APPLICATION FORM FOR CLAIM OF PINGAN HEALTH INSURANCE and prepare the required documents. These documents should be sent as soft copies to a specified email and hard copies to the insurance company’s address. It usually takes 7-15 working days to process your application.
Health Insurance in China
Q&A Section
Q: Do I need to have medical insurance as an international student in China
Yes, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education of China, every international student studying in China must be covered by medical insurance.
Q: What happens if I don’t purchase insurance within the specified time?
Failure to purchase insurance within a specified time can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion or denial of registration.
Q: Who underwrites the group comprehensive insurance plan for international students at UCAS?
The group comprehensive insurance plan for international students at UCAS is underwritten by PingAn Annuity Insurance Company.
Q: What should I do if I need medical care due to illness or accident?
You should call the medical insurance consultation service line (400-810-5119) for advice and instructions. Remember to provide your passport number to confirm the validity of your insurance.
Q: What should I do if I need to see a doctor?
If you require medical attention due to illness or an accident, you should call the service line (4008105119EXT1) for guidance. A consultant will provide instructions or connect you with a doctor for advice. Remember to visit a public hospital and keep all invoices, medical records, and related paperwork for insurance claims. In case of an emergency, dial 120 or 999 for an ambulance.
Q: What should I do in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency, you should call 120 or 999 for an ambulance.
Q: Can I receive medical service at the school clinic?
No, the school clinic is not qualified to provide medical services to international students. Only the general sections in public hospitals in mainland China are supported by insurance.
Q: How long does it take to process my application for a claim?
It usually takes 7-15 working days to process your application.
Q: Can I seek medical help at the on-campus hospital?
Unfortunately, no. The on-campus clinic is not authorized to provide medical services to international students. You should seek medical help from the general sections in public hospitals in mainland China, which are covered by your insurance.
Q: Which hospital should I visit for treatment?
You can refer to the provided list for the nearest large hospital and network hospital for each UCAS campus. If you need to be hospitalized and wish to apply for pre-payment of medical expenses, choose a network hospital. More information about network hospitals can be found here.
Insurance
Q: Can I receive advance payment from the insurance?
If you’re an out-patient, you’ll need to pay the medical fees upfront. Keep all invoices, medical records, and diagnostic documents to make a claim later. If you’re hospitalized, you can apply for pre-payment of medical expenses at a network hospital. Once approved by the insurance company, the service personnel will handle the pre-payment procedures.
Q: How much of my medical expenses can be reimbursed?
The starting line for payment limitation is RMB 650 (accumulative for one time during one valid insurance period). If your medical expenses exceed RMB 650, the remaining amount after deducting RMB 650 will be reimbursed at a rate of 85%, up to a maximum limit of RMB 20000. Expenses below the starting line are not eligible for a claim.
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