Can Canadians get medical care in Boao Lecheng, Hainan — and how do you go from Canada?

Yes. Canadians can travel to the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Qionghai, Hainan. Licensed institutions there may, with Hainan provincial approval, use certain drugs and devices approved abroad but not yet registered in China when there is an urgent clinical need. Check entry rules, insurance and records before you go.

It is a national-level pilot zone approved by China's State Council on February 28, 2013, in Qionghai, Hainan. Under applicable rules, the Hainan provincial government may approve licensed institutions in the zone to use certain drugs (not vaccines) and devices approved abroad but not registered in China for urgent clinical need. The institution applies; ethics review and informed consent apply. Whether a product is available or suitable for an individual is determined by the institution and its doctors.

From February 17 to December 31, 2026, Canadian ordinary-passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 30 days for listed purposes, including business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchange visits or transit. Medical treatment is not named in that list, and treatment may take longer than 30 days. Confirm requirements with the Chinese Embassy or a Consulate in Canada before booking.

The zone is about 7.3 km from Boao Airport and 3.7 km from Boao Railway Station. Check current flights and transport yourself because schedules change.

Coverage for planned care abroad is limited and depends on your circumstances and plan. Ontario's out-of-country program focuses on eligible acute, unexpected conditions; ask OHIP and your insurer in writing what applies to you. Other provinces have their own rules. The Government of Canada advises travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

In Boao Lecheng, Hainan, we work with local partners; our partner hospital there is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Network members are independently owned; Star Matrix Health is not affiliated with Mayo Clinic. We help organize records and translation, communicate with care teams, plan travel and connect results back to your Canadian doctor. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe, and we take no hospital commissions.

See our checklist for Canadians seeking medical care in China for entry documents, medical records, medications, insurance, arrival and follow-up preparation.