International Health insurance in Taiwan

The health insurance system in Taiwan is administered by the Bureau of National Health Insurance. Created in 1995, this social insurance scheme aims to cover the entire Taiwanese population for hospitalization, outpatient care, dental care, pregnancy and traditional Chinese medicine.

Foreign residents also benefit from the system, which becomes mandatory from the day you hold an Alien Residency Card, which records all your medical information.

The quality of care provided in the main cities is similar to European standards. Medical facilities and equipment are generally good quality. However, outside large cities and in rural areas, the quality of care is very poor. Health centers are overcrowded and are not appropriately equipped.

There is also a private sector in Taiwan which includes private clinics and hospitals. The quality of care is good and medical teams have often been trained in the USA and speak English, which is quite rare in the public sector.

Most doctors, GPs and specialists receive patients in their office at the hospital. You just need to make an appointment with the doctor of your choice. If it’s difficult to communicate, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from an interpreter. Office visits must be paid at the end of the consultation.

Don’t forget to keep all bills to get reimbursed by your international private health insurance plan.

Private hospitals and clinics provide good quality care and medical equipment is modern. Outside Taipei, there are very few private facilities and the quality of care is poor.

Emergency services
Avoid public ambulance services. Private ambulances and emergency services are good, but you have to pay on admission.

If you need a referral to a different facility to suit your medical needs, we recommend you use your health insurance provider’s medical network.

In case of emergency: use a private ambulance

You will find both international and local brand names in pharmacies in Taiwan.