China requires every international student to be insured — and most universities ask for one low-cost comprehensive plan at CNY 800 a year.
Sold via lxbx.net, a platform run by the broker Lianhua International Insurance Brokers; identical versions are underwritten by Ping An, Guoren and AXA Tianping. Inpatient cover up to CNY 400,000 and outpatient cover up to CNY 20,000 a year at public hospitals in mainland China. 24-hour hotline: 400-810-5119.
The scholarship pays the same comprehensive insurance: CNY 800 a year, or CNY 400 for programs under 6 months. Some universities ask you to buy it yourself and refund you.
Optional higher tiers: the 1000 plan adds third-party liability, the 1200 plan raises inpatient cover to CNY 800,000, and the 1800 plan pays outpatient costs at 85% with no deductible. Check that your university accepts the plan you choose.
Optional. The standard plan excludes private hospitals, VIP and international departments, and pregnancy. International plans (e.g. from Cigna, Allianz or AXA) can cover these, often with evacuation; lxbx.net also sells a high-end plan from CNY 18,000 a year that includes private hospitals.
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 800 plan (12 months) | CNY 800 (~€100) | Required by most universities. Bought online at lxbx.net before arrival or during university registration. |
| Standard 800 plan (6 months) | CNY 400 (~€50) | For exchange students and shorter programs. Monthly rates start at CNY 160 for 1 month. |
| Outpatient treatment (illness) | 85% after a CNY 650 deductible | Up to CNY 20,000 a year and CNY 600 a day. You pay first and claim afterwards. |
| Hospitalization | Up to CNY 400,000, paid at 100% | Reasonable costs within the local basic medical insurance list, no deductible. Call 400-810-5119 before admission so the insurer can pay the hospital directly. |
| International clinic visit | From CNY 413 per first visit | Example: CNY 413–1,639 for a first general outpatient visit at United Family Tianjin (list prices). Not covered by the standard plan. |
In 2018, the latest year with official figures, China hosted 492,185 international students from 196 countries and regions (Ministry of Education). Universities such as Tsinghua, Peking University, Fudan and Zhejiang University, plus the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), attract students from around the world.
China requires every international student to be insured (Ministry of Education Order No. 42, 2017). Most universities require the Comprehensive Insurance for International Students (来华留学生综合保险), sold via lxbx.net. At CNY 800 a year (~€100), it’s one of the most affordable mandatory student insurance plans in the world.
lxbx.net is run by the insurance broker Lianhua International Insurance Brokers; the plan is underwritten in identical versions by Ping An, Guoren and AXA Tianping. It covers:
The plan only covers general departments of public hospitals in mainland China. Private hospitals, VIP or international departments and international clinics with English-speaking doctors (common in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) are not covered — for those you need a higher-tier or private international plan. Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy are excluded, and on a first policy illness is only covered after a 30-day waiting period.
For outpatient care you pay first and claim afterwards; reimbursements go to your own bank account in mainland China. Before a hospital stay, call the 24-hour hotline 400-810-5119 — then the insurer can pay the hospital directly.
If you hold a Chinese Government Scholarship, your comprehensive medical insurance is paid by the scholarship (CNY 800 a year, CNY 400 for programs under 6 months), alongside tuition, accommodation and a stipend. Some universities ask you to buy it yourself and refund you.
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