Is social security card universal in China?

Legal Analysis: Social Security Card is universal in China. Social security card has the function of direct reimbursement, which means that hospitalization expenses can be settled directly in other provinces. Besides, the money in the medical insurance account in the social security card can be used at any time. For example, hospitalization expenses in other provinces, outpatient expenses in hospitals, and drug purchase expenses in pharmacies.

Legal basis: Article 29 of the Social Insurance Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) stipulates that the medical expenses incurred by the insured shall be paid by the basic medical insurance fund and directly settled by social insurance agencies, medical institutions and pharmaceutical trading units.

The administrative department of social insurance and the administrative department of health shall establish a settlement system for medical expenses in different places to facilitate the insured to enjoy the basic medical insurance benefits.