Getting sick in Hainan: hospitals, insurance and your consulate
Quick answer
For anything urgent, go to the emergency department of a major hospital, such as Hainan General Hospital in Haikou or Sanya Central Hospital. You usually pay first and claim from your insurer later, so buy travel insurance with medical cover. Many countries' consulates in Guangzhou cover Hainan; for US citizens it's the US Consulate General in Guangzhou.
Before you go
- Travel insurance with medical and emergency evacuation cover. Chinese hospitals usually want payment upfront; keep every receipt for your claim.
- Prescription medicine: bring it in the original packaging, with a doctor's note or prescription in English.
If you get sick
- Go to the emergency department (急诊) of a major hospital, for example:
- Haikou: Hainan General Hospital (海南省人民医院)
- Sanya: Sanya Central Hospital, also called Hainan Third People's Hospital (三亚中心医院)
- Few doctors speak English. Use a translation app, or bring a local friend.
- Ambulance: 120.
- Sanya Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has an international department popular with foreign visitors, but it focuses on acupuncture, massage and similar treatments. It's not for emergencies.
Your embassy or consulate
- For a lost passport, an arrest or another serious emergency, contact your country's embassy or consulate. Many countries' consulates in Guangzhou cover Hainan.
- US citizens: Hainan is covered by the US Consulate General in Guangzhou. Enroll your trip in the State Department's STEP program before you go.
- Many other countries have similar travel registration services. Check your foreign ministry's website before you leave.