Emergency Medical Assistance Services for Expats in Shanghai: A Complete Guide
Shanghai offers various services to assist expats during medical emergencies, making it easier for you to receive prompt and effective care in urgent situations. These services include emergency hotlines, specialized clinics, and well-equipped international hospitals.
Emergency Hotlines in Shanghai
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120 – Medical Emergencies: This is the emergency medical hotline in Shanghai. Dialing 120 will connect you to ambulance services, and they can assist in life-threatening situations or when immediate medical attention is required. Operators may not speak English, so it’s helpful to have a Chinese-speaking person with you when calling.
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110 – Police Emergency: In case of an emergency involving criminal activity or safety concerns, you should call 110. They can assist with any medical emergencies resulting from accidents or criminal activity.
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119 – Fire Emergency: In the event of a fire or hazardous situation that could lead to injuries, calling 119 will dispatch fire services, which may also be needed to handle complex emergency situations.
Emergency Medical Assistance Services at International Hospitals
Several international hospitals in Shanghai are equipped to handle medical emergencies and provide services tailored to expats. These hospitals offer a range of medical specialties, including emergency services, surgery, intensive care, and diagnostic tests. They also provide a higher level of comfort for foreigners, including English-speaking staff and direct billing for international insurance.
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Shanghai United Family Hospital: One of the best-known international hospitals in Shanghai, offering comprehensive emergency services.
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ParkwayHealth: Another top option, offering a 24/7 emergency department for expats and direct billing with major international insurance companies.
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Raffles Medical Shanghai: Provides emergency care, outpatient services, and treatment for a wide variety of health issues, making it a popular choice among expats.
These hospitals not only provide emergency medical care, but they also have experienced medical teams familiar with the needs of foreign patients. The ability to communicate in English and the familiarity with international insurance coverage makes these hospitals a top choice in times of crisis.
Ambulance Services for Expats
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Ambulance Availability: Shanghai's ambulances are often dispatched by local hospitals. Expats can also rely on private ambulance services or use a taxi or ride-sharing services (e.g., Didi) to quickly get to a hospital. When going to an international hospital, many expats find using a taxi or ride-sharing service quicker than waiting for an ambulance.
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Non-Urgent Transport: For non-life-threatening emergencies, such as minor injuries or medical consultations, ride-sharing apps are a convenient option. Many hospitals in Shanghai, especially international ones, will allow expats to go straight to their emergency department if needed.
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#EmergencyServices #ExpatHealth #EmergencyHotlines #MedicalAssistance #ShanghaiHospitals #AmbulanceServices #ExpatLife #HealthCareShanghai
