In 2025, Beijing expanded the coverage of its online medical insurance payment system for over-the-counter (OTC) medications by adding 423 designated retail pharmacies. To date, in the city's 16 administrative districts and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, more than 900 pharmacies support the payment with medical insurance. Insured individuals can enjoy this standardized and convenient service without leaving their homes.

Insured individuals in Beijing can buy medicine with medical insurance online through two major apps: JD.com and Meituan.

Procedures:

1. Enter the section for online medicine purchase with medical insurance (to do this, search "医保" and you will find a banner containing "医保" at the top of the page, then tap that banner) on either of the apps to check designated pharmacies nearby.

2. Select medications marked with the "医保" (Medical Insurance) icon and submit the order.

3. After submitting the order, confirm and authorize, then choose "北京医保个人账户支付" (Pay with Personal Medical Insurance Account in Beijing) to finish the payment.

Reminders:

• This online payment service is only applicable for the purchase of OTC medications.

• When placing an order, please confirm that both the selected pharmacy and medications are marked with "医保支付" (Medical Insurance Payment) to ensure the smooth payment.

• If the balance of your personal medical insurance account is insufficient, the system will prompt you to switch to the mixed payment method of "个账+自费" (personal account + out-of-pocket payment) to cover the difference. It is recommended to check your account's balance through official medical insurance channels before payment.

• The service supports family sharing of one personal medical insurance account. Insured individuals who have completed family co-account registration can use the balance of their personal accounts to buy medications online for their family members.

(Sources: The Beijing News, official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau)