China launches pilot with WeChat Pay and Alipay to give people e-access to national healthcare insurance

WeChat Pay and Alipay, China’s mobile payment duopoly operated by Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group Holding respectively, have been further embedded into the everyday lives of Chinese people after being integrated into the country’s national health care system.

In seven pilot provinces and cities, the National Healthcare Security Administration has just started issuing electronic certificates that could be used as the digital version of China’s social security card, which gives Chinese citizens access to their national health care insurance scheme.

Residents from the aforementioned places can access their e-certificates either through a dedicated app associated with the scheme, or, via WeChat Pay and Alipay if they are already users of the two payment apps.

With their certificates activated, WeChat or Alipay users will be able to enjoy all the benefits provided by their physical social security card, but without the hassle of having to bring one when they are making doctor appointments, paying for or reimbursing medicines and health care services.

This is not the first time the Chinese mobile payments duo have incorporated public services into their platforms in China.

In 2018, the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security launched electronic cards that enable users to access information such as their identification, employment, and payment records. People can also make online payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay for social security expenses, including registration fees for insurance, training and test fees, and other relevant payments, according to state media reports.