Q: I am a foreign national legally working in Shanghai and am enrolled in Shanghai's urban employee basic medical insurance and maternity insurance through my employer.

I plan to give birth at a local international hospital. I have the following questions:

• Is Jiahui International Hospital in Shanghai a designated hospital under Shanghai's medical insurance system?
• If I give birth at this hospital, will the delivery expenses be covered by maternity insurance or employee medical insurance, either through direct settlement or reimbursement?
• If such expenses are not covered by medical insurance or maternity insurance, does that mean the only benefit I can receive is the maternity allowance, and that I must bear the delivery medical expenses myself?

A: For your reference, according to Shanghai Medical Insurance Regulations and other relevant provisions:

• Employees are required to seek medical treatment at designated medical institutions using their medical insurance credentials.
• For inpatient or emergency observation expenses covered by the medical insurance fund, a deductible of 1,500 yuan applies in 2025.
• For expenses exceeding the deductible within a single medical insurance year, the insurance fund covers 85 percent.
• Any costs below the deductible, or those not covered by the insurance fund, will be paid from the individual's medical account surplus or historical balance, with any remaining balance to be borne by the employee.

Regarding maternity insurance benefits, eligible applicants may apply for benefits at any community service center at the town or subdistrict level in Shanghai.

For further details on medical and maternity insurance policies, you are advised to call the 12393 hotline for consultation.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Healthcare Security