China Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
China's health spending was 6.26% in 2025, ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 5.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
China's health spending stood at 6.26% in 2025, a rise of +0.32% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.26% by 2025. China ranked 103rd globally.
China’s health‑care expenditure as a share of GDP rose from 4.45 in 2000 to an all‑time peak of 6.26 in 2025, placing the country at rank 103 globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the 2007 trough of 3.62, reflecting expanded public insurance schemes and higher per‑capita spending on medical services. Over the 25‑year coverage period, the increase averages roughly 0.08 percentage points per year, outpacing many middle‑income peers; for example, Peru recorded 6.29 and Morocco 6.44 in the same year, while Botswana and Togo were slightly lower at 6.06 and 6.19 respectively. The sustained rise suggests that reforms aimed at universal coverage and aging‑related demand are bearing fruit, yet the modest gap with higher‑spending peers indicates room for further investment in preventive care and technology. If fiscal priorities continue to favor health‑system strengthening, China’s spending share is likely to maintain its upward trend, potentially breaching the 7 percent threshold within the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 6.44% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 6.26% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.26% | +0.32% | #103 |
| 2023 | 5.94% | +0.06% | #86 |
| 2022 | 5.88% | +0.62% | #86 |
| 2021 | 5.26% | −0.25% | #62 |
| 2020 | 5.50% | +0.24% | #62 |
| 2019 | 5.27% | +0.20% | #78 |
| 2018 | 5.07% | +0.10% | #77 |
| 2017 | 4.97% | +0.09% | #69 |
| 2016 | 4.88% | +0.03% | #65 |
| 2015 | 4.85% | +0.15% | #63 |
| 2014 | 4.70% | +0.06% | #62 |
| 2013 | 4.64% | +0.15% | #63 |
| 2012 | 4.49% | +0.22% | #59 |
| 2011 | 4.27% | +0.11% | #50 |
| 2010 | 4.16% | −0.12% | #48 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's health spending was 6.26% in 2025. Ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 5.4% increase from the previous year.
China's health spending peaked at 6.26% in 2025.
The lowest health spending in China was 3.62% in 2007.
China ranks 103rd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's health spending is projected to reach 6.26% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of China in 2025 was 6.26%. This ranks 103rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_health-spending,
title = {China Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}