Condoms and other protective measures are readily available in China, but slips happen, and in any case it’s always better to be sure about your sexual health. If you are concerned that you might have picked up a venereal disease (VD) or sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI or STD) in China, you should get yourself checked out immediately. The sooner you know if you have a problem, the sooner you can get a cure (and the less money you’ll probably need to spend!).

Where should I go if I think I have contracted a sexually transmitted disease in China?

The best choice is to go to a large public hospital immediately and have a full examination, then begin treatment if an infection is confirmed. There are separate departments dealing with male and female sexual diseases. Do not use any small hospitals, or any of the private clinics that distribute advertisements on the street – there is a good chance they are unlicensed or will impose hidden charges. 

If you are gay, bisexual or lesbian and do not feel comfortable having checks in regular hospitals, enquire within the LGBT community of your nearest city – many major cities have specialist LGBT clinics run by LGBT individuals who understand the stigma that still exists in China. For example, in Beijing, the nightclub Destination runs a private HIV clinic on its top floor.

What tests are available and how much do they cost?

Many kinds of tests are available depending on whichl symptoms have emerged and which diseases the patient is thought to be at risk of. The cost of the examination depends on the severity and complexity of the patient’s situation. Normally, it will cost about 300 yuan for a full examination. The charge for a syphilis examination is 10 to 30 yuan. 

Are HIV positive expats deported from China?

No, they will not be deported. In April 2010, the Chinese authorities allowed unrestricted access to foreigners who are HIV positive. No law or regulation requires the deportation or denial of a visa to a foreigner who contracts HIV in China.

What if an expat has other sexually transmitted diseases? Will this affect their visa or residency permit status?

Chinese law requires that those who suffer from severe mental health problems, infectious tuberculosis, or other infectious diseases that cause severe damage to public health be denied a visa to China. Since sexually transmitted diseases do not fall in this category, they will not affect your visa or residence permit. This includes HIV, although this doesn’t mean everything will be plain-sailing for HIV-positive people in China.

Can treatment for a VD or STD be claimed on insurance?

Social medical insurance currently only covers a few auxiliary medicines used in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The examination, diagnosis and treatment for these diseases is not covered by social medical insurance. Privately purchased commercial insurance may cover the cost of treatment, depending on the policy.

Useful Chinese words and phrases

source：One-Stop