Health Insurance in Taiwan, Asia

Information expatriation

Capital City: Taipei
Total area: 36,188 km2
Population: 23,780,452(2018)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +886 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Taiwan

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Taiwan has a single-payer national health insurance (NHI) program that covers over 99% of its population.

·      It is funded primarily through compulsory payroll taxes on employees, employers, and government subsidies.

·      This provides universal access to affordable healthcare for Taiwan citizens, residents, and foreign workers.

·      Healthcare services are offered through both public and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. NHI contracts with these providers.

·      Fee-for-service payments for services like doctor visits and hospitalizations have been replaced by global budgeting to control costs.

·      There is a co-pay of around $5-$10 USD per visit to the doctor or emergency room to reduce overuse and wait times.

·      Preventive healthcare and promoting public health is a high priority through population-wide screenings and programs.

·      Major challenges facing the system include an aging population straining long-term care resources.

·      The program maintains quality outcomes on par with developed countries despite relatively low costs.

·      Medical tourism from abroad taps into Taiwan's reputation for affordable, high-quality healthcare.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase National Health Insurance (NHI) within 30 days of arrival to access affordable universal healthcare.

·      NHI covers most costs but co-payments apply - bring some cash/credit for this.

·      Register with a local clinic/hospital for primary care and referrals.

·      Understand Mandarin medical terms for communicating symptoms/issues effectively.

·      Vaccinations should be up to date especially hepatitis A/B given risks in Asia.

·      Only drink treated/bottled water and thoroughly cook foods to prevent illness.

·      Carry medications as brands/doses unavailable locally may need importing.

·      Air pollution in cities can negatively impact respiratory/cardiovascular health.

·      Monitor potential health impacts from cultural/dietary adjustments.

·      Natural disasters are risks - have an emergency healthcare plan in place.

·      Register location with your embassy for emergency assistance if required.