Insurance and Health:
You will have access to a school clinic that can handle your minor medical needs at very low cost. If you have insurance from home which will cover you in China, you should consider keeping it. There are several local options in China as well.

The Center for Teaching & Learning in China (CTLC) offers basic group medical insurance for your stay in China. The cost is $200 for eleven months (August 2008 through June 2008), regardless of age or medical condition. The insurance provides a 24/7 English language telephone assistance number, available throughout China. You will have an opportunity in March 2008 to extend the covered period for about $25 (RMB 200) per month. The coverage applies only while you are in the People's Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macao):

• 80% of in-patient treatment, after RMB 1,000 (US$125) deductible, with RMB 50,000 (US$6,250) maximum (hospital bed RMB 100 (US$13) average daily)
• 80% of out-patient emergency treatment, after RMB 1,000 (US$125) deductible, with RMB 5,000 (US$625) maximum
• Disability or death within 180 days after an accident: RMB 100,000 (US$12,500)
• Accidental burn: RMB 100,000 (US$12,500)

For some general information on health and insurance visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html http://www.studyabroad.com/os/insurance.html.

In the event of extended hospitalization or chronic disease the Chinese will want you to return home for treatment. Therefore you should maintain whatever major medical insurance you now have. Ask your insurance company about any limitations of their coverage abroad. A number of other companies offer major medical insurance. Some trip insurance plans include limited medical insurance, such as http://www.statravel.com. If you are comparing coverage, you may want to consider some of these suggestions: Ask what the policy does not cover, as well as what it does cover. Ask for a specific price quote since the cost can vary dramatically according to age, length of coverage, and amount of coverage. Ask if a worldwide, English-speaking phone contact is available 24 hours a day.

Medical Examination in China
Soon after you arrive in China, the Education Bureau provides (at no cost) the standard national medical screening exam that is required for all foreigners who work in China. It is administered at a hospital to the entire group. It includes a chest x-ray, blood test for STD and AIDS, and ultrasound scan of the liver area. It does not ask for about medical history, except for Cholera, Yellow fever, Plague, Leprosy, venereal disease, Tuberculosis, AIDS, and Psychosis. You can view the form that they use: sample medical form .

Medications
You should bring an over-the-counter medicine such as Imodium for diarrhea. A small tube of first-aid ointment is also handy to have with you, as are sunscreen and, occasionally, insect repellant and jock itch ointment or powder.

If you have a prescription, try to make arrangements for a one-year supply. If feasible avoid mailing or express services for shipping medicines because of customs delays and expense. It is also possible to obtain prescriptions for most medications in Hong Kong, though expensive.

Immunization
No immunization is required for China. Your physician might recommend some of the following, which are useful for travel anywhere:

• Tetanus & Diphtheria (1 shot every 10 years) (approx. $20)
• Hepatitis A (series of 2 shots at 6-month interval) (approx. $75 each)
• Hepatitis B (series of 3 shots, 30 days and then 6 months) (approx. $75 each)
• MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) (approx. $45).

If you are considering vacation travel to jungle or sub-tropical areas, or remote rural areas you should consult your doctor about immunization for typhoid and Japanese encephalitis.