Many assume foreigners can't enroll in China's basic医保 — but that's not true.
Who Can Enroll
Three categories: legally employed foreign workers (through employer), holders of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (as flexible employees), and foreign students (by local standards).
Flexible Employment Enrollment
Since 2025, foreigners with 2+ year residence permits can enroll in职工医保 in pilot cities, enjoying the same benefits as Chinese citizens. Yiwu is the first pilot city. As of 2026, 10,408 foreigners from 126 countries have enrolled in Yiwu.
Employer Obligation
Employers must register foreign employees for social insurance within 30 days of obtaining employment documents.
Family Members
Eligible family members can also enroll. Foreign children with local student status can enroll in basic医保 and major illness insurance.
Maternity Insurance
Eligible foreigners enjoy the same maternity insurance benefits as local residents.