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🇬🇧 From United Kingdom · Cardiology · Cardiac surgery

Coronary disease treatment in China for United Kingdom patients

End-to-end pathway: visa, flight, hospital match, cost and length of stay — tailored for patients travelling from United Kingdom for coronary disease care.

← Full Coronary disease guide

Pathway at a glance

Visa
M-Visa (Medical 医疗签证)
Processing
5–7 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited
Flight
10–12 hours direct (LHR–PEK / LHR–PVG)
Time zone
7–8 hours ahead
Language
Strong English at all major Class A international departments
China cost (USD)
22,000–35,000

About coronary disease

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death globally and accumulates risk over decades. Modern care spans primary prevention (statins, BP control, lifestyle), secondary prevention after events, and intervention (PCI, CABG). China's cardiac centres — anchored by Fuwai NCCD with one of the highest cardiac surgery volumes globally — deliver world-class care at substantially lower cost.

Why United Kingdom patients travel to China

UK patients typically come for: orthopedic surgery (NHS waits 18+ weeks), cancer treatment (proton therapy, CAR-T not widely available on NHS), stem cell therapy, executive health checkups, and dental tourism.

Recommended cities for United Kingdom patients

Shanghai (cardiology, oncology, proton) and Beijing (PUMC, 301) for complex cases. Shenzhen for English-first stem cell and dental.

Diagnostic workup at Class A centres

  • Comprehensive lipid panel including ApoB and (once in lifetime) Lp(a)
  • HbA1c, fasting glucose, BP measurement
  • ECG; echocardiogram in selected patients
  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for intermediate-risk patients
  • Coronary CT angiography (CTA) for symptomatic patients
  • Stress imaging or coronary angiography in advanced cases

Workup cost band: $280–$540 USD.

Treatment options

Lifestyle modification

first-line

Diet, exercise, sleep, smoking cessation — foundational across all stages.

Statin therapy

first-line

First-line lipid-lowering. PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe for higher-risk or insufficiently controlled patients.

Antiplatelet therapy

first-line

Aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors per indication.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

selected cases

Stenting for acute coronary syndromes, refractory angina with appropriate anatomy. Drug-eluting stents standard.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

selected cases

Surgical revascularisation for left main disease, three-vessel disease (especially with diabetes or reduced LV function), and selected complex cases. Off-pump and minimally invasive options available.

Learn more →

Cardiac rehabilitation

first-line

Strong evidence for mortality and morbidity reduction post-event. Available at academic cardiac centres.

Procedure cost from United Kingdom

ProcedureChina (USD)United Kingdom (USD)Length of stay
CABG22,000 – 35,00030,000 – 50,00021–28 d

Visa pathway for United Kingdom patients

Fingerprinting required since 2019. NHS waits drive significant UK demand for orthopedic and cancer treatment in China.

  1. 1

    Receive invitation letter

    Panda Touring Care issues the hospital invitation letter within 3–5 business days of case confirmation.

  2. 2

    Complete COVA online

    Fill the online application at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Print the form and confirmation page. Allow 30–45 minutes.

  3. 3

    Book CVASC appointment

    Schedule biometric appointment at the London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

  4. 4

    Submit in person

    Bring all documents + passport + photo. Fingerprinting takes 5–10 minutes. Pay fees by card.

  5. 5

    Collect visa

    Pick up passport 5–7 business days later (or 2–3 days expedited). Proxy pickup available with authorisation.

Full United Kingdom → China visa guide →

Frequently asked

Do United Kingdom patients need a visa for coronary disease treatment in China?
Yes — United Kingdom citizens require M-Visa for medical treatment in China. Processing: 5–7 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited. Fee: £151 standard · +£37 expedited. Validity: Typically 1–2 years multi-entry; 10-year possible with strong supporting documents.
How long is the flight from United Kingdom to China?
10–12 hours direct (LHR–PEK / LHR–PVG)
Which Chinese cities are best for United Kingdom patients seeking coronary disease care?
Shanghai (cardiology, oncology, proton) and Beijing (PUMC, 301) for complex cases. Shenzhen for English-first stem cell and dental.
How much can United Kingdom patients save on coronary disease treatment in China?
Typical Class A all-in pricing in China: $22,000–$35,000 USD. Equivalent in United Kingdom: $30,000–$50,000 USD. Savings before travel: roughly -17–56%.
What's the diagnostic workup for coronary disease at Class A international departments?
Comprehensive lipid panel including ApoB and (once in lifetime) Lp(a); HbA1c, fasting glucose, BP measurement; ECG; echocardiogram in selected patients; Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for intermediate-risk patients; Coronary CT angiography (CTA) for symptomatic patients; Stress imaging or coronary angiography in advanced cases.

Plan your coronary disease treatment from United Kingdom

We arrange visa support, hospital match, written quote and door-to-door logistics from United Kingdom. No obligation.

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