Park Tae-bum, a South Korean national who has lived in Yiwu, Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang province, for more than a decade, recently became the first foreigner in China to enroll in the national medical insurance system as a flexible worker, local authorities said.

Park, in his 50s, previously worked in trade in Yiwu, a global hub for small commodities. Now preparing for retirement, he said access to local medical insurance would allow him to enjoy a more stable life in the city.

Yiwu is home to over 30,000 foreign traders and more than 1,500 accompanying family members. To address growing healthcare demands among international residents, Yiwu became the only county-level city in China authorized to pilot the inclusion of foreign nationals in its medical insurance system.

Under the pilot program, which began in August, foreigners holding residence permits valid for at least two years are eligible to enroll in the local employee medical insurance scheme as flexible workers. Enrollees receive the same reimbursement benefits as Chinese citizens.

Eligible foreign nationals in Yiwu may enroll in the local medical insurance system by contributing at the same rate as Chinese citizens. Upon enrollment, they are entitled — according to laws and regulations — to equal benefits with residents under the basic medical insurance and maternity insurance schemes.

Unemployed foreign women who give birth in Yiwu may access maternity medical benefits, provided their spouse is covered by the statutory maternity insurance through their employer. In such cases, the women are entitled to the same treatment standards as residents, in accordance with national policies.

Foreign children enrolled in primary or secondary schools in Yiwu are also eligible to participate in the city's basic medical insurance and critical illness insurance programs. Their coverage scope, reimbursement ratios, and benefit levels are fully aligned with those provided to local urban and rural residents.

Authorities said the program aims to further integrate foreign residents into local public services. The pilot is also expected to support Yiwu's goal of becoming a more attractive destination for global entrepreneurship and international living.