Shanghai - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It's really hot and humid during the summer. Pollution is better but can still hit 250-300 AQI some days. Health care is awesome -- cheap and on par with Western medicine. My doctor was an NYU Med School grad. Only the really tough stuff will get you a ticket out. Otherwise you'll get your treatment in Shanghai. - Nov 2020
Pollution and food safety are two major concerns. Expats seek medical care at private hospitals and clinics with international standards. - Apr 2017
Lots of air ground and water pollution. Each person responds differently. Many people have stomach and respiratory issues. Folks are tested for TB upon departure. - Oct 2016
There is generally high quality medical care here if you take advantage of the Western facilities and faculties. You can find Chinese practice too. Prices tend to be higher. - Dec 2014
Air quality can be a concern if you have respiratory issues, and you shouldn't drink water that isn't bottled or boiled. Food poisoning is pretty common due to lax health standards at some restaurants, but drug stores with Western brand medicines (you may need to look up the generic or Chinese name, though) are ubiquitous. There are hospitals and clinics that cater to foreigners and even take insurance, though they can be pricey. Watch out for stray dogs and cats, since rabies is endemic to China. Psychiatric care is very, very limited, so if you do have mental health issues, see if you can Skype with your therapist, and bring enough of any psychiatric drugs you take to last for your time in China (if you're not going home at any point). HIV/AIDS is a growing concern in some parts of China, but you can easily buy condoms at any convenience store (birth control is also very easy to find, though not all Western brands are available). - Aug 2014
The pollution can be bad, and lots of people have gotten food poisoning. There are some Western medical facilities available that are decent but for anything major I would go to Singapore, Hong Kong, or back home. - Aug 2011
Excellent. Many western clinics with international staff. Several good (but expensive) hospitals available too, and clinics/services have relationships with highly regarded local hospitals that are among the best in China. - Dec 2010
International hospitals are available but very costly. - Jul 2010
Many and varied. Food safety is a major issue that is, and should be, a constant worry. Air quality means sore throats and persistant cough. Overcrowding means lots of opportunity for passing of colds and flus. My family spent much of the winter sick, with several hospital visits. Medical care is fair. There are two Western Clinics (Parkay and Shanghai United) that do a good job, but are expensive. For other than routine issues, I'd go to Hong Kong though. - Feb 2009
Well the air can be pretty bad. There are a few Western style medical facilities that cater to the expat community. - Jun 2008
