Ruijin Hospital Shanghai: Why International Patients Are Coming for CAR-T, Cancer Care & More

If there's one hospital in Shanghai that has been making headlines for treating international patients in 2025–2026, it's Ruijin Hospital. Olympic athletes from South Africa, doctors from Canada, patients from across the Gulf States — they've all come to Ruijin, and the stories are remarkable. Let me tell you what makes this hospital special.

Overview: A Century of Medical Excellence

Ruijin Hospital (上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院), founded in 1907, is one of China's oldest and most prestigious medical centers. Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, it consistently ranks among China's top 5 hospitals. In 2025, its International Medical Department handled approximately 150,000 outpatient visits — a 7% increase from the previous year.

World-Class Specialties

Hematology — The Crown Jewel

Ruijin's hematology department is world-renowned, particularly for its work in CAR-T cell therapy and acute leukemia. The department led the development of the "Shanghai Protocol" for acute promyelocytic leukemia, achieving a 95% cure rate. For CAR-T therapy, Ruijin offers treatment at approximately 1/5 the cost of the United States — making it a global destination for patients with hematologic malignancies.

In late 2025, Olympic kayaker Oscar Chalupsky from South Africa, diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma and told "hopeless" by multiple countries, found Ruijin through AI-powered research. He received CAR-T therapy at the hospital and shares his story publicly. (Source: Shanghai Government, China Daily, February 2026)

Endocrinology & Metabolism

Ranked #1 nationally for 11 consecutive years. Ruijin is China's leading center for diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal and pituitary diseases. The China Metabolic Analytics Project (ChinaMAP) is headquartered here, giving Ruijin one of the world's largest metabolic disease databases.

Oncology & Proton Therapy

Ruijin operates an advanced proton therapy center with domestically developed equipment, reducing treatment costs to 15–20% of comparable Western centers. Da Vinci robotic surgery is performed for over 500 procedures annually across multiple cancer types.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Ruijin performs over 300 robotic thoracic operations per year, with single-port VATS lung surgery used in more than 80% of cases — one of the highest rates globally.

International Medical Department

Ruijin's International Medical Department (国际医疗部) was established in the 1990s and has grown into one of China's largest international patient programs:

• ~100 dedicated inpatient beds for international patients
• 16-language interpreter support covering English, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, and more
• Direct billing with 56+ global insurers including MSH, Cigna, Bupa, Allianz, and Ping An
• Separate international clinic area at Building 10 (outpatient) and Buildings 9 & 10 (inpatient), Huangpu Campus
• English-speaking coordinators assigned to each international patient from initial contact through discharge

Real International Patient Cases

Kevin from Canada flew to Shanghai with his 10-year-old daughter who had a rare pancreatic tumor. Ruijin's team performed robotic spleen-preserving surgery. Total cost for two weeks of treatment: approximately ¥160,000 (~$22,000). (Source: China Daily, February 2026)

Oscar from South Africa — the Olympic kayaker mentioned above — received CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma. He documented his entire journey, from initial AI-facilitated research to treatment and recovery. (Source: Shanghai Government, January 2026)

These are just two of the growing number of international patients choosing Ruijin. In 2025, foreign patient visits to Ruijin grew approximately 15% year-on-year, part of a broader trend that saw Shanghai's public hospitals serve over 73,200 foreign patients in 2025 (up 8% from 2024). (Source: Shanghai Municipal Health Commission)

Costs and Practical Information

How to Access Ruijin as an International Patient

1. Initial contact: Call the International Department at (+8621) 64678970 or (+8621) 53305000 (English available)
2. WeChat booking: Follow "瑞金医院国际医疗部" → 医疗服务 → 国际医疗部门诊预约. New slots released daily at 7:30 AM. Expert consultations available up to 28 days in advance.
3. Documents needed: Original passport + visa copy + medical records (English translation recommended) + insurance card
4. On-site arrival: Self-service kiosks in Building 10 accept passport or WeChat QR code for check-in
5. Insurance: Verify direct billing with your provider before arriving. Ruijin works with 56+ international insurers.

The Bottom Line

Ruijin Hospital is Shanghai's most prominent medical destination for international patients, particularly strong in hematology/CAR-T, endocrinology, oncology, and minimally invasive surgery. With a dedicated international department, 16-language support, and direct billing with 56 insurers, it offers one of the most comprehensive international patient experiences in China. The growing number of real patient stories — from Olympic athletes to families seeking rare disease treatment — speaks to its rising global reputation.