Living with Medtronic - Guangzhou, China

Living in China with Diabetes.
I cannot speak for China overall, as I've only lived in 3 cities there during my teenage years. However, I've stayed in Guangzhou for a big majority of my time, hence we will pop into there for more info!

Similar to what I posted back in my Tokyo, Japan post, let's head first off into Health insurance!
There is NONE what-so-ever requirement for health insurance. And nothing I've known covers diabetic supplies.

In fact, in my (approximately) 5 years there, not once did I do a check up regarding my diabetes at all. However in regards to obtaining Insulin Pump supplies, you need to contact Medtronic directly. Back then, my family paid directly by cash and was required to head to their office in order to obtain the supplies. They also provided insulin... oddly enough.

But overall, you need to contact Medtronic directly for supplies. Check ups and what not, my family and I were extremely afraid of putting me in a public hospital for any diabetic situations. I've had several ketoacidosis experiences there, and I've become quite good at fighting for my "rights" to leave the hospital.

The reason that I didn't trust hospitals, let alone public hospitals, is due to the very very few cases of Type 1 Asians. I face the possibility of being tested upon like a lab rat if I dropped into any of the hospitals. Perhaps that is not the deal now, but my early ezperienceswhenI wasfirst diagnosed was not pleasant. Doctorz bringing in med students, like 20 of them just staring at me as I tried to take a needle shot. None of which was asked for my agreement what so ever.

However,back to topic. It was a lot shadier back in China,hopefully not so now. But overall, I have not interacted with any insurance that covered diabetic pump supplies. I believe with the fast developing society now, there has got to be better options. Perhaps bigger and better cities in China would give you better chances.