We know this is a lot of information to take in — especially when you’re already dealing with symptoms and the stress of navigating a healthcare system that’s keeping you waiting. Take this at your own pace. You don’t need to read it all in one sitting. Bookmark it, come back to the parts that matter most to you. We’ve organized it so you can jump straight to what you need.
Why This Guide Exists
If you’ve been told you need a “scope” but aren’t sure which one — or if you’ve been recommended both — this guide will help you understand exactly what each procedure involves, how they differ, what they cost in China, and how to plan your trip.
China performs over 28 million digestive endoscopies annually (2024 Report on Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy in China, PMC, 2025), making it one of the most experienced countries in the world for these procedures. For medical travelers, that volume translates into efficiency, expertise, and competitive pricing.
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Feature | Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) | Colonoscopy |
|---|---|---|
| What it examines | Esophagus, stomach, duodenum (upper small intestine) | Colon (large intestine) and terminal ileum |
| How it’s done | Flexible tube passed through the mouth | Flexible tube passed through the rectum |
| Duration | 10–20 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| Sedation | Usually conscious sedation or light general anesthesia | Usually conscious sedation or light general anesthesia |
| Preparation | Fasting 6–8 hours before | Full bowel prep (clear liquid diet 24h + laxative solution) |
| Recovery time | Same day; can resume normal activities within 24h | Same day; can resume normal activities within 24h |
| Cost in China | $250–$450* | $200–$500 |
| Cost in US (uninsured) | $1,000–$3,000 (Source: GoodRx, 2024) | $1,250–$4,800 (Source: GoodRx, 2024) |
| Cost in UK (private) | £1,000–£2,500 (Source: Practice Plus Group, 2025) | £1,200–£3,000 (Source: Practice Plus Group, 2025) |
| Combined (both) | — | $300–$700 in China; $4,000–$8,000 in US |
* Standard JCI-accredited international hospitals, including basic sedation. Premium-tier hospitals in Shanghai/Beijing may charge $400–$700. All China prices are based on platform-aggregated and hospital-direct self-pay data (2025–2026).
Part 1: Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)
What It Is
A gastroscopy — officially called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) — uses a thin, flexible tube with a high-definition camera to visually examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). The scope also has a working channel that allows the doctor to take tissue samples (biopsies), remove small polyps, or treat bleeding.
When It’s Recommended
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD) not responding to medicationDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)Unexplained weight loss with upper GI symptomsChronic nausea or vomitingUpper abdominal pain of unknown causeAnemia with suspected upper GI bleedingScreening for Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer (especially in patients with long-standing reflux)Follow-up for previously diagnosed conditions (ulcers, gastritis, celiac disease)
Preparation
Fasting: No food for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids may be allowed up to 2 hours before (confirm with your hospital).Medications: You may be asked to pause certain medications (blood thinners, iron supplements). Always discuss with your myMedVia coordinator and the hospital’s gastroenterology team.Transport: You will be sedated and cannot drive afterward. Arrange for a companion or use your interpreter (Full Concierge patients).
The Procedure Experience
You’ll lie on your left side. A mouth guard protects your teeth. Sedation is administered intravenously — most patients remember nothing of the procedure. The doctor advances the scope gently through your esophagus into your stomach and duodenum, examining the tissue and taking photos or biopsies as needed. You’ll wake up in a recovery area 15–30 minutes later with results available within hours (preliminary) and biopsy results within 2–5 days.
Part 2: Colonoscopy
What It Is
A colonoscopy uses a similar flexible tube with a camera, inserted through the rectum, to examine the entire length of the colon (large intestine) and often the terminal ileum (the end of the small intestine). Like gastroscopy, it allows for biopsies, polyp removal, and therapeutic interventions.
When It’s Recommended
Routine colorectal cancer screening (recommended from age 45 in the US; varies by country)Change in bowel habits (persistent diarrhea or constipation)Rectal bleeding or blood in stoolUnexplained iron-deficiency anemiaChronic abdominal pain or crampingUnexplained weight lossFamily history of colorectal cancer or polypsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) monitoring — Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
Preparation
This is the part patients dread most — the “bowel prep.” Here’s what to expect:
Day before procedure: Clear liquid diet only (water, clear broth, black coffee or tea, clear juice, Jell-O — nothing red or purple). No solid food.Laxative solution: You’ll drink a prescribed solution (usually polyethylene glycol, PEG) in split doses — half the evening before, half the morning of the procedure. This triggers multiple bowel movements to clear the colon completely.Fasting: No liquids for 2–4 hours before the procedure.Tip for travelers: Do your bowel prep in your hotel room near the bathroom. Plan for a quiet evening. The prep is uncomfortable but temporary — the quality of the prep directly affects the quality of the examination.
The Procedure Experience
Similar to gastroscopy: intravenous sedation, left-side positioning, and a brief period of amnesia. The doctor gently inflates the colon with carbon dioxide for better visualization, advances the scope through the entire colon, and examines the tissue on withdrawal. Polyps under 1 cm are typically removed immediately (polypectomy). You’ll recover in 30–60 minutes. Mild bloating and cramping are normal for a few hours afterward.
Part 3: Combined Procedures
If your doctor recommends both a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy, they can often be performed in a single session in China — saving you one round of sedation, one recovery period, and one trip. Combined procedures typically take 30–50 minutes total and cost $300–$700 in hospital fees in China, compared to $3,000–$8,000 for both separately in the US (Source: GoodRx, 2024).
Part 4: Planning Your Medical Trip to China
Visa and Entry
As of 2025, China offers several entry pathways for medical travelers:
30-day visa-free entry applies to citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and numerous other countries — covering short medical procedures, consultations, and health check-ups (Source: MedicalTravelChina.org, 2025).240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption is available at select ports (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and others) for citizens of 55 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.M visa (medical) is required for stays exceeding 30 days or for more complex treatment plans. Requirements typically include a hospital invitation letter and proof of funds.myMedVia’s Full Concierge service includes visa guidance, hospital invitation letters when needed, and application support. Fast-Track patients receive a detailed pre-departure checklist with current visa information.
Best Cities for Endoscopy in China
| City | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | Most international; excellent English-speaking gastroenterologists; direct flights from most major cities worldwide |
| Beijing | Top-tier medical institutions; rich cultural experiences for recovery days |
| Guangzhou | Lower costs than Shanghai/Beijing; warm climate; major international hub |
| Hangzhou | Less crowded than Tier 1 cities; high-quality hospitals; scenic recovery environment (West Lake) |
Accommodation Tips
Book a hotel within 1 km of your hospital. You’ll appreciate the short distance on procedure day.Request a quiet room — you’ll want rest after your procedure and during bowel prep.Kitchenette or room service is helpful during clear-liquid diet days.Most Chinese hospitals catering to international patients have partner hotels with discounted medical rates. myMedVia can help you access these.
Language and Communication
JCI-accredited and large teaching hospitals in China have international patient departments with English-speaking staff.For consultations and pre-procedure discussions, hospitals will provide an English-language consent form and explanation.myMedVia Full Concierge provides a medically trained interpreter who stays with you throughout.Fast-Track patients receive a bilingual medical phrase card and WeChat contact for urgent translation needs.
Recovery and Travel Tips
After gastroscopy: You can eat within 2–4 hours (start with soft, bland foods). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. You can fly the next day.After colonoscopy: Expect mild bloating for 4–6 hours. Eat lightly for the first meal. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. You can fly the next day.After combined procedures: Same as above. Plan for a rest day before flying.Sightseeing: If you’re feeling well, light sightseeing (walking, museum visits) is fine the day after your procedure. Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours.Results: Preliminary visual findings are available immediately. Biopsy results take 2–5 days. myMedVia ensures all results are delivered in English, whether you’re still in China or already home.
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the quality of endoscopy in China comparable to Western countries?
A: Yes. China’s top-tier hospitals use the same Olympus and Fujifilm HD endoscopy systems found in leading US and European hospitals. China performs over 28 million digestive endoscopies annually — a procedural volume that supports high technical proficiency. Many Chinese gastroenterologists have trained or completed fellowships in the US, Europe, or Japan. JCI-accredited hospitals follow international patient safety standards.
Q: How do I know which hospital to choose?
A: myMedVia matches you based on three criteria: the specific procedure you need, your preferred city, and your budget. We only work with JCI-accredited hospitals or China’s Class A Grade 3 (三甲) hospitals — the highest tier in China’s hospital classification system. You make the final choice.
Q: What if a biopsy shows something concerning?
A: If a biopsy requires follow-up treatment, your myMedVia coordinator will help you understand the findings in plain language, connect you with the gastroenterologist for a telehealth consultation, and — if needed — coordinate with a specialist in your home country for continuity of care. Full Concierge patients receive three post-procedure telehealth sessions for exactly this scenario.
Q: Can I use my home country’s health insurance?
A: Most national health systems (NHS, Medicare, RAMQ) do not cover elective procedures abroad. However, some private international health insurance plans offer coverage for medical travel. Check with your insurer. Many myMedVia patients choose to pay out-of-pocket, as the combined cost of travel and procedure in China is often lower than out-of-pocket costs at home.
Q: What if I don’t speak Chinese or English well? Will someone help me through the whole process?
A: Yes. If you choose Full Concierge, a medically trained interpreter stays with you from registration to discharge — every appointment, every conversation, every form. If you’re on Fast-Track Access, you’ll receive a bilingual medical phrase card and a WeChat contact for urgent translation needs. All your medical records, consent forms, and results will be in English. The hospitals we work with are accustomed to serving international patients — many of their staff speak English, and they know how to communicate across language barriers. You won’t be left guessing.
Q: I’m really anxious about this whole process — the travel, the procedure, being in a foreign country. Is that normal? How do you help?
A: It’s more than normal — it’s almost universal. Nearly every patient who contacts us starts with some version of this anxiety. Here’s how we address it: First, your care coordinator will walk you through every step before you commit to anything, so the unknowns become knowns. Second, the procedure itself is done under sedation — most patients remember nothing of it. Third, you’re never alone at the hospital: whether through your interpreter (Full Concierge) or the hospital’s international patient desk (Fast-Track), someone is always with you. And finally, the timeline — from first contact to results in days, not months — means the anxiety has an expiration date. The waiting is the hardest part. We shorten that part dramatically.
Related Articles
Explore [why China for gastroscopy and colonoscopy](https://mymedvia.com/endoscopy-gastroscopy-in-china/why-choose-china-for-gastroscopy-colonoscopy-2026-complete-guide/), [endoscopy cost comparison](https://mymedvia.com/endoscopy-gastroscopy-in-china/endoscopy-cost-comparison-2026-uk-canada-us-vs-china-complete-data/), and [what to expect during endoscopy in China](https://mymedvia.com/endoscopy-gastroscopy-in-china/what-to-expect-a-step-by-step-endoscopy-experience-in-china/).
Q: Is sedation safe?
A: Yes. Sedation for endoscopy in China is administered by board-certified anesthesiologists using propofol or midazolam under continuous vital sign monitoring. The safety profile is comparable to international standards. You’ll be screened for contraindications before the procedure.
Next Steps
[Contact myMedVia ]
Whether you need a gastroscopy, a colonoscopy, or both, China offers world-class care at a fraction of the cost — and a fraction of the wait. The hardest part isn’t the procedure itself. It’s the waiting.
Ready to stop waiting? Visit [myMedVia.com](%23) , complete the 2-minute intake, and speak with a care coordinator within 24 hours. From consultation to results, we measure our timeline in days — because your peace of mind shouldn’t be measured in months.