Introduction: Every Step of Medical Travel Answered
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For more information, see [post-surgery care and flying home after surgery in China](https://mymedvia.com/medical-travel-to-china/aftercare-flying-home-after-surgery-in-china-complete-guide-2026/).
When you decide to seek treatment in China, the biggest mental barrier is often “how do I get there?” This article answers each question.
1. Visa: Three Options
| Visa Type | Eligibility | Stay Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 75+ countries | 30 days | Major surgery + recovery |
| 144-Hour Transit | Via Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou to third country | 6 days | Minor procedures (cataract, gastroscopy, hernia) |
| M Medical Visa | All countries | Case-by-case | >30 days (CAR-T, cancer immunotherapy) |
2. Flights
| Departure | Direct to Beijing/Shanghai | Flight Time | Round-trip (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Multiple daily | 10-12h | ~£800-£1,200 (~$1,000-$1,500) |
| New York | Multiple | 14-16h | ~$1,200-$1,800 |
| Los Angeles | Multiple | 12-14h | ~$1,000-$1,500 |
| Sydney | Multiple | 10-12h | ~AUD $1,500-$2,000 |
| Toronto | Direct available | 13-15h | ~CAD $1,500-$2,000 |
3. Accommodation
| Type | Price/Night | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital-area hotel (comfort) | $50-$100 | Walk to hospital |
| Serviced apartment | $80-$150 | Kitchen, good for long stay |
| International 5-star | $150-$300 | Maximum comfort |
4. Airport to Hospital
| Option | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| mymedvia pickup (Full Concierge) | Included in $1,000 | ✅ Recommended |
| Taxi | ¥200-¥400 (~$28-$55) | Chinese communication needed |
| Ride-hailing (DiDi English) | ¥150-¥350 (~$21-$48) | Requires app |
5. Payment Methods
| Method | Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Visa/MasterCard | International hospitals |
| WeChat/Alipay (linked to intl card) | Widely used |
| Cash (RMB) | ¥1,000-¥2,000 for backup |
6. Packing Checklist
[ ] Passport (6+ months validity) [ ] Visa (if needed) [ ] Hospital invitation letter [ ] Diagnostic reports and imaging [ ] Medical records [ ] Regular medications (with prescription) [ ] Comfortable post-op clothing [ ] Translation app with offline pack
Contact mymedvia through our website. We handle all these details through our Full Medical Concierge service.
mymedvia — Your medical journey, fully accompanied from takeoff to homecoming.