The case audit process is designed to move fast — typically within 72 hours — but only when the right documents and financial preparation are in place. If any of the four items below are not yet ready, use this guide to work through them before you proceed.
Financial Readiness
PHP 100,000 Bank Certificate
The Chinese Embassy typically requires applicants for an M-Visa (medical) to submit a bank certificate showing sufficient funds — usually a PHP 100,000 balance in a Philippine bank account in the patient's name or a financial sponsor's name. Embassy requirements are subject to change; always confirm current requirements directly with the Chinese Embassy in Manila before preparing your application.
How to Obtain a Bank Certificate
If You Do Not Have PHP 100,000
An overseas Filipino worker (parent, sibling, spouse) can act as financial sponsor with their own bank certificate and an Affidavit of Support.
If a family member has the funds, opening a joint account and having both names on the certificate can satisfy the requirement.
Determine any PhilHealth entitlements or private health insurance coverage that could reduce the out-of-pocket amount needed.
Treatment Cost Ranges
What Treatments Cost at GZUCM
Treatment costs vary significantly depending on the procedure, cancer type, and duration of stay. The ranges below are based on typical cases at Jinshazhou Hospital of GZUCM — use these to inform your financial planning before proceeding with a case audit.
⚠️ Important: These are approximate ranges only. Actual costs depend on your specific diagnosis, staging, and treatment plan. A personalised cost estimate is provided as part of the 72-hour MDT case audit.
What if funding runs out mid-treatment?
Families who exhaust funds during a treatment course face serious consequences — treatment may be paused, and returning home can become a logistical and financial crisis without a contingency plan in place. We strongly advise preparing a financial buffer of at least 20% above your estimated treatment budget to cover unexpected extensions, complications, or administrative delays.
Emergency options exist — including the DFA Assistance to Nationals (ATN) program, OWWA Medical Assistance for registered members, and coordinated medical repatriation — but these take time and are not guaranteed. The best protection is preparation before departure. Read full contingency guide →
Travel Documents
Passport Validity Requirement
China generally requires that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry. If your passport expires within 6 months, you should renew before applying for a visa. Passport and visa requirements are subject to change — always verify current requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Manila and the DFA before travelling.
🛂 Renewing a Philippine Passport
⏱️ Plan Your Timeline
Typical end-to-end timeline from first inquiry to hospital admission:
Extended Treatment Support
What if Treatment Takes Longer?
If your clinical pathway requires a longer stay than your initial visa allows, the hospital's international department can assist you in applying for a Visa Extension. This option is available to medical patients in Guangzhou and is commonly used, though approval is at the discretion of the Exit-Entry Administration and is not guaranteed.
📄 The Extension Process
🇵🇭 Philippine Consulate General
For passport loss, notary services, or emergency assistance, the PH Consulate is available in Guangzhou.
5th Floor, Main Tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District
Distance: ~12km from Hospital
Travel: ~35 mins by Taxi
Exit-Entry Administration Offices
Clinical Documentation
Gathering Your Medical Documents
The MDT team at GZUCM needs specific clinical documents to conduct a meaningful case review. Here is exactly what to gather — and how to get it if you do not already have it.
DICOM is the standard format for medical imaging. When your doctor orders a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI, the hospital imaging department stores the results as DICOM files (.dcm). Ask your radiologist or the hospital's imaging department for a CD or USB drive containing the DICOM files — not just a printed report. The MDT needs these to assess tumour size, location, and spread.
The pathology report is the document issued by a pathologist after examining biopsy tissue. It confirms the cancer type, grade, and markers (e.g., EGFR, HER2, PD-L1 status). If you do not have a copy, request one directly from the hospital where your biopsy was performed — you are legally entitled to a copy of your own records.
Tumour marker blood tests (AFP for liver cancer, CEA for colorectal, CA-125 for ovarian, PSA for prostate, etc.) provide the MDT with important data about disease activity and treatment response. Include the most recent results — ideally from within the past 3 months.
If your current oncologist has written a treatment summary or referral letter, include this. It provides the MDT with a clear picture of what has already been tried and what the local physician recommends.
Staying Connected
Getting a SIM Card & Internet during treatment in Jinshazhou Hospital of GZUCM
Staying connected in Guangzhou is straightforward once you know the rules. China requires real-name SIM registration — your physical passport is mandatory. The process takes about 10 minutes at an official outlet.
Bring your physical passport — a photo or photocopy is not accepted. SIM registration in China is governed by the Cybersecurity Law and requires biometric-linked real-name verification. Tourist SIMs without registration will be deactivated within days.
Where to Get Your SIM
Recommended. Staff near the outlet are accustomed to foreign patients. Ask for a tourist data plan (旅游套餐). Plans start at ¥30–50 for 30 days with 10–20 GB data.
Larger branch with English-language signage. Offers longer-term plans suitable for families staying 1–3 months. Bring passport.
Third major carrier. Competitive data bundles. Useful if Unicom and Mobile outlets are busy.
Internet Access & the Great Firewall
✅ Apps That Work Without VPN
⚠️ Install VPN Before You Leave PH
VPN apps cannot be downloaded from the China App Store once you arrive. Install one on your phone before departing Manila.
Recommended options:
Jinshazhou Hospital WiFi: The hospital provides free WiFi in patient wards and waiting areas. Connection quality varies by floor. A local SIM with data is recommended as a reliable backup, especially for video calls with family.
Ready to Submit Your Case Audit?
Once you have your bank certificate, valid passport, and medical documents ready — submit your dossier for an MDT case review, typically returned within 72 hours.