http://www.safea.gov.cn/english/

The provision of health insurance has always been a requirement of the license to hire foreigners. Airfare expenses for contracts 6 months and over as also a requirement.

Companies such as Sunflower that do not supply these things are breaking the law.

As to whether or not this means "free" I am unsure. But right now I have a bog standard no frills uni ESL job and do not pay contributions.