China requires all international students to purchase comprehensive health insurance — at remarkably low costs compared to Western countries.
Last updated: February 2026
Best for: All international students (mandatory)
Government-approved insurance via lxbx.net. Covers outpatient visits, hospitalization, surgery, accidental injury, and death/disability. Administered by Ping An Insurance. Limited to public hospitals in mainland China.
Learn moreBest for: Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS/CSC) recipients
Full coverage included. Same LXBX plan but paid by the scholarship. Covers the entire study period.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting extended coverage
Some universities offer optional top-up plans with higher reimbursement limits and additional coverage for dental or traditional Chinese medicine.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting international hospital access and English support
Optional. Covers international clinics, VIP hospital wings, evacuation, and pre-existing conditions. Providers include Cigna, Allianz, and AXA.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LXBX Mandatory Insurance | CNY 800/year (~€100) | Standard plan for all international students. Purchased online at lxbx.net or at university registration. |
| LXBX 6-Month Plan | CNY 400 (~€50) | For exchange students or shorter programs. |
| Outpatient Visit (Public Hospital) | CNY 50–200 (~€6–25) | Most costs reimbursable through LXBX after deductible. Out-of-pocket costs at public hospitals are very low. |
| Hospitalization | Up to CNY 100,000 covered | LXBX covers hospitalization at public hospitals. Reimbursement typically 80–90% after deductible. |
| International Hospital Visit | CNY 1,000–5,000+ per visit | Not covered by LXBX. Requires private international insurance for reimbursement. |
LXBX Mandatory Insurance
CNY 800/year (~€100)
Standard plan for all international students. Purchased online at lxbx.net or at university registration.
LXBX 6-Month Plan
CNY 400 (~€50)
For exchange students or shorter programs.
Outpatient Visit (Public Hospital)
CNY 50–200 (~€6–25)
Most costs reimbursable through LXBX after deductible. Out-of-pocket costs at public hospitals are very low.
Hospitalization
Up to CNY 100,000 covered
LXBX covers hospitalization at public hospitals. Reimbursement typically 80–90% after deductible.
International Hospital Visit
CNY 1,000–5,000+ per visit
Not covered by LXBX. Requires private international insurance for reimbursement.
After receiving your admission letter, your university issues a JW201 or JW202 form for the visa application.
Apply for an X1 (long-term) or X2 (short-term) student visa at the Chinese embassy. Include admission letter, JW form, and health examination records.
During university registration, purchase the mandatory LXBX insurance (CNY 800/year). You can also buy online at lxbx.net before arrival.
If not done in your home country, complete the physical health examination at a designated hospital in China within 30 days of arrival.
Within 30 days, apply for your Residence Permit at the local Entry-Exit Administration. Insurance proof may be required.
China hosts nearly 500,000 international students, making it Asia’s top study destination. With prestigious universities like Tsinghua, Peking University, Fudan, and Zhejiang University, plus the generous Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), China attracts students from over 190 countries.
China’s approach to student health insurance is simple: all international students must purchase the government-approved Comprehensive Insurance plan (来华留学生综合保险, administered via lxbx.net). At CNY 800/year (~€100), it’s one of the most affordable mandatory student insurance requirements in the world.
The insurance is administered by Ping An Insurance, one of China’s largest insurers, and covers:
The mandatory plan only covers public hospitals in mainland China. If you prefer international clinics with English-speaking doctors (common in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou), you’ll need private international insurance separately.
Reimbursement is not immediate — you typically pay upfront and submit claims with receipts afterward. The insurance company processes reimbursements to your Chinese bank account.
If you’ve received a Chinese Government Scholarship, congratulations — your insurance is typically included at no extra cost. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance.
The mandatory Comprehensive Insurance (LXBX) costs CNY 800/year (~€100) or CNY 400/6 months. This is one of the cheapest student insurance requirements globally. CSC/CGS scholarship students get it free as part of their scholarship.
It covers outpatient medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, accidental injury, and death/disability benefits. Coverage is limited to public hospitals in mainland China. The plan is administered by Ping An Insurance with a 24-hour hotline (400-810-5119).
No. The mandatory LXBX insurance only covers public hospitals in mainland China. For international clinics (like those in Beijing and Shanghai with English-speaking staff), you need separate private international insurance.
Yes. A physical health examination is required for all international students. You can complete it in your home country before departure or at a designated hospital in China after arrival. Results must be submitted to your university.
CSC/CGS scholarship recipients typically have the comprehensive insurance included in their scholarship package at no additional cost. Verify with your scholarship agency, but you generally don't need to purchase it separately.
Understand China's student insurance requirements and find supplementary coverage for international clinics.
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