1. Insurance Structure & Coverage
- Multi-Tiered Medical Security SystemChina’s medical security system centers on Basic Medical Insurance (BMI), supported by supplemental insurance, medical aid, maternity and long-term care coverage. Private insurance, employee mutual aid, and charity also supplement public arrangements.
- Near-Universal Coverage AchievedInsurance coverage has surged from about 10% two decades ago to approximately 95% today, aided by merging urban employee and rural/resident systems into a unified structure.
2. Service Delivery & System Evolution
- Dominated by Public HospitalsPublic hospitals deliver about 90% of services, equipped with skilled clinicians and infrastructure, though access remains uneven between regions.
- Coexistence of Traditional & Western MedicineTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) operates alongside Western medical practice. The legacy of locally trained grassroots providers ensures basic care, particularly in rural areas.
- Health Indicators ImproveLife expectancy rose from 67.8 years (1981) to 76.7 (2019). Initiatives under the Healthy China 2030 Blueprint are addressing chronic & environmental health issues.
3. Challenges & Reform Drivers
- High Expenses for Serious IllnessesCatastrophic health costs can still impoverish families despite broad insurance coverage.
- Urban-Rural Disparities PersistSignificant inequalities in healthcare access and quality exist across regions.
- Opening to Advanced Foreign MedicinesUnder the Healthy China 2030 plan, China has streamlined access to imported U.S. medical products via tariff exemptions and state insurance coverage.
- Aging Population Fuels Healthcare DemandThe so-called “silver economy” is expanding, but elder-care services face profitability challenges.
- Telehealth ExpansionCOVID-19 accelerated digitization. Tech firms like Baidu, JD, Alibaba now offer remote consultations, improving rural healthcare reach.
How Dogpay Bridges Cross-Border Healthcare Payments
| Scenario | Common Issues | Dogpay Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Paying for Healthcare Abroad | Delayed transfers, poor FX visibility | Instant multi-currency payments with transparent fees |
| Handling Reimbursement & Aid | Lengthy claim cycles, complex processes | Payment traceability, easy documentation integration |
| Managing Out-of-Pocket Costs | Low reimbursement, high personal spending | Fast, flexible options including stablecoin support |
| Emergency Medical Support | Slow transfers disrupt urgent care needs | Rapid transfers + alert system for timely response |
