A Western healthcare infrastructure is yet to be established throughout China. You will not need health insurance as long as you get healthcare attention in the special medical centres for foreigners. However, it is strongly recommended to register with a repatriating insurance and a health insurance company in your home country, so that in the case of an illness you can always return home.
If you regularly need a particular medicine, make sure that you pack enough supplies as it can be very difficult, or impossible, to get the same or similar product. For small everyday sicknesses, the traditional Chinese medicine is very impressive. One can find traditional practitioners everywhere, and their services are paid for in cash.
Tip: Even if you are based in one of the big cities, it is still advisable to drink bottled water, or water that has been boiled. Always follow the rule of 'cook it, boil it, and peel it' and there will be no reason for you to get sick.
