Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help with treatments beyond cancer, too?

Absolutely. While CAR T is a popular request, we also arrange care for other oncology therapies, cardiovascular interventions, neurology procedures, and chronic-disease management. Once we review your medical history, we’ll propose the best specialists and hospitals for your condition.

Which hospitals do you work with in Shanghai?

We’ve partnered with top-tier institutions such as Shanghai Ruijin Hospital International Department, Jiahui International Hospital, and YoungHealth’s hematology c. Each has experience treating international patients and meets global accreditation standards.

How do I know which hospital or treatment is right for me?

While we don’t provide medical opinions ourselves, we’ll help you connect with top hospitals in China that can review your case. Based on their responses, we’ll present you with suitable options for you to consider and choose from.

Can I choose the hospital or doctor I want?

Absolutely. We’ll share a range of available options based on your condition and preferences. The final decision is always yours — our role is to facilitate access and support you throughout the process.

What if I don’t have a confirmed diagnosis yet? Can I still use your service?

Yes, of course. We can arrange consultations or diagnostic assessments with specialists in China to help you clarify your condition before choosing a treatment path.

Do you offer virtual second opinions?

Yes! If you prefer an online review first, we can set up a tele-consult with a specialist in China before you travel.

How do I apply for a medical visa to China?

We assist with all visa documents and processes. Once you confirm your treatment plan, we will help obtain the necessary medical invitation letter and guide you step-by-step through the visa application.

What documents do I need to prepare before I begin?

Usually we’ll need a summary of your diagnosis (if any), your most recent lab or imaging reports, and your passport for visa preparation. Once we receive your intake form, we’ll give you a checklist tailored to your situation.

Do my family members need a medical visa too?

If they’re traveling as your support person, they may qualify for a “medical companion” visa. If not, we assist them with a regular tourist visa and provide the necessary invitation letters as part of your package.

What’s the first step if I decide to proceed?

First, we’ll send you an intake form to collect your personal and medical details. Once we receive the completed form, we share your case with our partner hospitals for preliminary evaluation. Within 1 or 2 working days, we’ll provide you with a needs assessment and share a selection of hospital options. After you review and select your preferred provider, we’ll assist with appointment scheduling, visa documentation, accommodation arrangements, airport transfers, and if needed, assign a bilingual companion for your medical visits.

How long does the whole process take—from form to arrival in China?

Once we receive your completed intake form, the initial assessment and hospital proposals typically take 2 working days. After you select a hospital, we assist with securing medical appointments and supporting your visa application, which usually takes 1 or 2 weeks. As soon as your visa is approved and flights and accommodation are booked, you’ll be ready to travel, most clients arrive in China within 3 to 4 weeks from starting the process. For urgent cases, we do our best to fast-track every step.

How long will I need to stay in China?

It depends on your treatment. Some diagnostic or pre-treatment consultations may only require a few days, while CAR T therapy typically involves 2 or 3 weeks of inpatient care and another week or two of observation. We’ll provide a tailored timeline once your plan is confirmed.

I don’t speak Mandarin—will I be on my own?

Never. Your personal MedBridgeNZ Companion will meet you at the airport, assist with hospital check-in, interpret every medical discussion, and help with daily needs. We stay with you until you’re safely discharged and back in NZ.

Where will I stay? Can I bring family?

We help arrange accommodation close to your hospital. Whether it's a hotel or serviced apartment, we cater to your budget and needs. Family members are welcome to join and we can assist with their arrangements too. We can coordinate visas, lodging, and companion support for one or more family members traveling with you.

Who will accompany me during hospital visits?

You’ll be accompanied by a bilingual support person for all your hospital visits. In hospitals where doctors and nurses speak English, our companion will help with general support and coordination. In cases where medical staff do not speak English, we will assign a medically knowledgeable interpreter to ensure accurate communication and help you fully understand your treatment and care.

I’m nervous about being in a foreign country—what if I feel overwhelmed?

That’s completely understandable. You’re never alone, we’re with you from the moment you arrive. From airport pickup to daily hospital visits, we guide you through everything. Our companions don’t just translate, they support you emotionally and practically.

What happens if I need help urgently while in China?

We provide 24/7 local support while you’re in China. Your bilingual companion and our operations team are always one phone call away for any emergencies or unexpected needs.

Will someone help me with registration, payments, or picking up prescriptions at the hospital?

Yes, absolutely. Our companion team in Shanghai will assist with every step — including registration, queuing, payments, medical report collection, prescription pickup, and helping you navigate through hospital departments. You won’t need to worry about any hospital admin work.

Can you help with other non-medical arrangements, like meals or basic living needs?

Of course. We can assist with hotel or serviced apartment bookings, meal planning, grocery delivery, SIM card setup, and other daily life needs. Our goal is to make your stay in Shanghai as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Will your companion take notes or help me understand the doctor’s instructions?

Yes. During each consultation, our companion not only interprets in real-time but also takes notes and helps clarify key points. After the visit, we send you a summary of the doctor’s instructions in English — including medication advice, follow-up reminders, and next steps.

How much do your services cost on top of treatment?

Our concierge fee depends on trip length and complexity. As a guideline: Coordination fee: NZD $5,000–$10,000. Daily companion rate: Starts from NZD $250/day (includes interpreter & local travel). You’ll receive a detailed quote before committing. All hospital treatment costs are billed separately by the hospital.

Do I need to pay everything in advance?

That depends on the hospital and your treatment plan. Most hospitals in China require a medical deposit of around 30–50% upfront to confirm your admission. The remaining amount is usually paid during your treatment or before discharge.

For our services at MedBridgeNZ: We offer a step-by-step payment model. You only pay our initial coordination fee after signing a service agreement. Our daily companion support fee is billed closer to your travel date. All payments go through secure bank transfer or official invoicing, and we’re happy to provide written receipts and a clear breakdown before every stage. You’ll always know what you’re paying for, when, and why — with no hidden fees.

Will my NZ health insurance cover any of this?

Most NZ public insurance (HBL) doesn’t cover overseas private care. However, some private medical insurers may reimburse part of your hospital fees. We can provide you with the detailed billing statements you need for claims.

Will I receive all the official documents and receipts for insurance or tax purposes?

Yes. Our local team will help collect and organise your hospital invoices, payment receipts, prescriptions, and reports. You’ll receive a complete document package at the end of your treatment, useful for insurance claims or personal records.

What if I need to cancel or postpone?

We understand plans change. You can cancel: Coordination fees: up to 70% refundable before hospital booking. Companion days: refundable if you give us 72 hours’ notice. Hospital deposit: subject to the hospital’s own policy—often non-refundable. We’ll send our full Refund & Cancellation Policy when we quote. You can also visit our Refund & Cancellation Policy page for more details.

Is the treatment guaranteed to work?

No medical treatment can be guaranteed. We only work with licensed, experienced hospitals and doctors, and help you understand realistic outcomes before you commit.

Will the doctors I see be qualified? Are they used to treating international patients?

Yes. We only work with hospitals that have internationally accredited departments and English-speaking physicians where available. If a specific doctor doesn’t speak English, we ensure a medical interpreter is with you during every consultation.

Can I contact the doctor again after I return to New Zealand?

Yes. We arrange follow-up tele-consultations with your treating doctor in China and make sure your New Zealand GP receives any relevant reports.

What if I have complications after I return home?

Your aftercare is part of our service. We translate and send you all discharge summaries and pathology reports. We coordinate a post-treatment tele-consult with your specialist in China. We liaise with your NZ GP or oncologist to ensure seamless follow-up.

Do you follow up after the appointment is over?

Yes. Within 48 hours after your hospital visit, we’ll send you a written summary of the doctor’s recommendations and help you schedule any necessary follow-ups or tests. You can also reach out to us any time during your recovery period in China.

How do I know this is legitimate? What if I send you money and something goes wrong?

That’s a completely valid concern — especially when it comes to healthcare and overseas travel. While we’re a newly launched company, we are a New Zealand-registered business and operate with full transparency.

We offer clear service agreements before any payments are made, step-by-step billing so you only pay when you’re ready to move forward at each stage, secure invoicing and payment methods, and most importantly, we only work with well-known hospitals in China, and you're welcome to verify them independently.

We completely understand if you'd like to take it slow — we’re happy to provide documentation, company registration info, and even set up a video call to walk you through everything in detail.

How do you handle my medical data?

We comply with the NZ Privacy Act 2020 and Chinese data-protection standards. Your records are stored securely, shared only with your authorized providers, and never used for marketing without your explicit consent.