Our Story
YoCare started with two observations.
The first: In many Western countries, healthcare costs are crushing and wait times stretch for months. A single serious illness can send a family's living standards into freefall. Meanwhile, China has opened a 10-day visa-free policy for dozens of countries — suddenly, coming to China for medical care isn't just possible, it's within reach. The cost, efficiency, and depth of doctor experience here far surpass what's available in many places.
The second: English proficiency in China is still limited. For most foreigners, the language barrier is real. But here's what we noticed — in China, the business of accompanying elderly and disabled patients to hospitals (陪诊, péizhěn) is already well-established and growing fast. If Chinese patients need that kind of help, then foreigners coming to China for medical care need it even more.
That's why we built YoCare. Founded in Hangzhou in 2025, we started by helping friends of friends navigate Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University. Word spread through the expat community in Yiwu and beyond. What began as favors became a mission: to give international patients the same warmth and support that local companion services already provide to Chinese families.
"Yo" is how you might say "friend" in Chinese (友 — yǒu). That's exactly what we aim to be: not just a service provider, but a friend who shows up when it matters most. 🐾