Health and Safety

General Health Information from the American Consulate General Shanghai's Health Unit

It is relatively easy to remain healthy during your stay in Shanghai with the practice of normal hygienic and sanitary measures. The following are recommendations on how to better prepare for a safe stay in China:

Ensure that all preexisting medical or dental problems are attended to prior to arrival. Bring copies of medical and immunization records. If taking routine medication, bring an adequate supply, as many western medications are not available locally. If applicable, bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and a copy of the prescription.

Study health insurance plans carefully. Ensure that the insurance covers overseas travel. Medicare, for example, does not cover health costs for U.S. citizens who are traveling or living outside the U.S. It is important to know who will pay the expenses if an emergency medical evacuation from China becomes necessary. It is not uncommon for an emergency medical evacuation to Europe or the United States to cost a private citizen as much as $40,000-$80,000 if a special plane has to be used.

All visitors should get all recommended immunizations prior to coming to Shanghai. There is a very limited supply of imported vaccines available at one or two of the health care facilities which see expatriates and availability is inconsistent. Before travel, contact a family doctor or one of the "Travel Medicine" centers in most major cities and inquire about the needed vaccines.

Visitors are encouraged to take a "CPR" and First Aid course before their travel to China. In China CPR skills are particularly useful since many emergency medical care staff such as ambulance drivers are not trained in CPR or other life-saving measures.