Your Rights & What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Going to another country for care raises a fair question: “What are my rights, and what if something goes wrong?” This page explains your rights as a patient in China and practical steps if you encounter a problem.

Your basic rights as a patient

• Informed consent — you have the right to understand your diagnosis, the proposed treatment, the risks, alternatives, and costs before consenting. Ask questions until it’s clear.
• Privacy & confidentiality — your medical information is protected under Chinese medical confidentiality rules.
• Clear billing — you have the right to an itemized bill and to understand what you’re being charged for.
• Quality care — care should meet the standard of a qualified professional at the hospital.
• Access to your records — you can request copies of your medical records and reports.

Informed consent — make it explicit

Before any procedure:

• Get the diagnosis and treatment plan in writing (in English if possible).
• Ask about risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• Ask about the doctor’s experience with your specific procedure.
• Confirm the costs in writing.
• You can decline any treatment. No one should pressure you.

If you have a problem or complication

Act promptly and calmly:

1. Tell the medical team immediately. Complications are best handled early — inform your doctor at once.
2. Get a written account of what happened and the plan.
3. Request your records (in English if possible) — imaging, reports, notes.
4. Document everything — dates, names, conversations, receipts.
5. Contact us — we can help coordinate communication, translation, and next steps.
6. If it’s an emergency, call 120 (see our Emergency guide).

Complaints and redress

• Hospital patient-relations / complaint office — most Grade III-A hospitals have a patient-relations or complaints department. Raise your concern there in writing.
• International department — they often mediate issues for foreign patients.
• Health administrative authorities — for serious issues, the local health commission can be involved.
• Mediation / legal routes — for significant disputes, medical mediation or legal advice (often in English from an international firm) may apply.
• Your insurance — notify your insurer early if a claim or complication is involved.

⚠️ Be realistic about redress. Cross-border medical disputes can be complex, and legal remedies depend on the circumstances. The most effective approach is prevention: choose a high-quality provider (see Quality & Safety), get clear written consent, and document everything.

How we protect you

• We help you choose high-quality, accredited hospitals and vetted doctors.
• We make sure you have clear written consent and an itemized quote before treatment.
• We provide translation and communication support throughout.
• If a problem arises, we coordinate with the hospital’s international/patient-relations team to help resolve it.

💡 Prevention is the best protection. Choose well, consent clearly, and keep records. We support you at every step. Start a consultation.