How to Stay Healthy on a China Tour: Medical Tips for Australians

Travel Tips • 7 min read

Prevention Is Everything

The vast majority of health issues on China tours are preventable with simple preparation. In 35+ years and 50,000+ travellers, serious medical incidents have been extremely rare. Here's what to know and how to prepare.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are legally required for entry to China from Australia, but the following are recommended by travel health professionals: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria booster (if not current), Influenza (especially for seniors), and COVID-19 (current booster). Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Altitude Sickness (Tibet Tours Only)

If travelling to Tibet, altitude sickness is a real consideration. Lhasa sits at 3,650 metres above sea level. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. They typically appear within 6-24 hours of arrival and resolve within 1-3 days for most people.

Prevention: your doctor may prescribe Diamox (acetazolamide) to help with acclimatisation. Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol for the first 24-48 hours. Move slowly and rest when needed. Your guide monitors the group for altitude symptoms and knows when medical attention is needed.

Food and Water Safety

Never drink tap water in China — bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. On a guided tour, restaurants are vetted and hygienic. The most common issue is traveller's diarrhoea, which is mild and self-limiting. Pack Imodium, rehydration sachets, and paracetamol as standard precautions.

Air Quality

Air quality in major Chinese cities has improved significantly in recent years but remains variable. If you have respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD), pack your medication and consider bringing a pollution mask for high-haze days. Most hotel rooms have air purifiers.

Medical Facilities

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and other major tour cities have modern hospitals with international patient departments. Your guide will accompany you to any medical facility and translate. Response times for medical emergencies are generally fast in major cities.

Travel Insurance: Non-Negotiable

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Australia has no healthcare agreement with China. All medical costs are out of pocket without insurance. Arrange insurance at the time of booking — not the week before departure.

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