www.travelguard.com/
1.715.345.0505 (International Collect)
World Wide Health is the only option you can purchase once you're abroad. I found that the best option money wise is the no deductible one. The rates really don't go down in proportion to the deductibles.Make sure to get the sports rider if you participate in sports where there's a serious chance of getting hurt,ie: skiing, mountaineering, football, diving, etc.
Good Luck - Hope you never need this stuff!

I have TravelGuard World Wide Health. Haven't had to use it yet,thankfully, but when I called to inquire about going to the hospital with a GI issue, they were nice enough and preauthorized the visit with no hassles. Their rates are pretty reasonable and depending on the policy that you choose, it includes air evac to your home country in the event of serious illness or injury.That's something you definitely need to think about here as the hospitals in Kunming are definitely not up to western standards. I've visited a few of the facilities here and would have to be unconscious to let them do more than apply a bandaid. The policy can be paid for month to month and will cover you for visits out of China and for a month after your final return to your home country.

Thanx for the updated info!
They were really harsh to a few of my fellow travelers last time we passed through customs.

This really depends on what you want and where you go. My wife and I easily eat a very good meal for less than 50 rmb and can take the family out to eat beef huo guo 68 rmb/kg lean cut meat. Fat meat costs more,go figure. There's western style restaurants at Zhengyi Fang where we eat whole chicken breasts(boneless), steak,pasta and pizza for less than 50 rmb for 2. Drinks(coffee,soda,etc) can set you back almost as much or more than the food. Of course eating at western joints is usually more expensive. Our family budget for 3 runs about 5000 rmb/month. Thanksgiving dinner for 3 people at Sandra's would have set us back 450 rmb or 9% of our entire months budget. Not to worry, you can do quite well here if you choose wisely.

Importation of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat, fish, wood products or just about anything else farm related is regulated heavily by the USDA. Just saying you were in a rural area can bring you extra scrutiny and inspection.You can always apply for a permit if it's really important, but I wouldn't try sliding something by them. The fines for trying to slip something in are very substantial(think of the range in thousands of dollars!).
Check out USDA for more info. www.aphis.usda.gov/[...]