Taiwan (TW)

A safe, democratic, tech-forward island with excellent public healthcare, dense transit, world-class food culture, and a strong base for East Asia.

Capital: Taipei

Region: Asia

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Currency: TWD (NT$)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 110

Healthcare in Taiwan

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance is a highly regarded single-payer system with broad access, low copays and dense clinic/hospital networks. It is one of Taiwan’s strongest expat advantages once enrolled.

Regularly ranked among the strongest healthcare systems globally for access and affordability; English availability is best in Taipei, Hsinchu and major hospitals.

Public healthcare: National Health Insurance

全民健康保險

Eligibility:Most ARC holders become eligible after meeting residence/waiting rules; employees may be enrolled through employer sooner depending status. Dependants join through household/employer category rules.

Monthly cost:Premium depends on insured salary category, dependants and employer/government shares. Employees see payroll deductions; self-enrolled residents pay through assigned category.

What's included:

GP and clinic visits
Specialist care
Hospital care
Emergency care
Prescription medicines on formulary
Maternity care
Many diagnostics and imaging
Some dental and preventive services

Not included (or co-pay required):

Premium hospital rooms
Some dental implants/orthodontics
Cosmetic procedures
Some imported or non-formulary drugs
Private international hospital-style services

Co-payments:Copays are low but vary by clinic/hospital level and referral status. Registration fees and partial medication costs are common.

How to enrol:Employer, school, district office or NHI office enrollment depending category. Bring ARC, passport, photo and eligibility documents.

Waiting period:Commonly 6 months residence for many non-employed ARC holders; employees can be enrolled through employer when eligible.

Private healthcare: Private insurance and self-pay care

Who can use it:Available through local insurers, employer plans and international insurers.

When it makes sense:Useful during NHI waiting period, for private rooms, evacuation, dental/vision extras, overseas coverage and high-income families wanting English/private options.

Monthly cost:NT$2,000-12,000+/month depending age and coverage; international plans can be higher.

Major providers:

Cathay LifeFubon LifeNan Shan LifeShin Kong LifeCigna/Allianz international plansEmployer group insurers

Accessing care

GP system

Taiwan has open clinic access rather than a strict GP gatekeeper. Many people go directly to local clinics or hospital outpatient departments.

Specialist referral

Specialists can often be accessed directly, but referrals can reduce copays and improve continuity for complex care.

Emergency care

Call 119 for ambulance. Major hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments; bring ARC/passport and NHI card if available.

Out of hours

Hospital emergency departments operate 24/7. Some clinics open evenings/weekends; check Google Maps/LINE pages before going.

Prescriptions

Clinics and hospitals prescribe; many clinics dispense on site, while hospital prescriptions may go to pharmacies. NHI card tracks medication history.

Dental

Basic dentistry is partially covered by NHI, but implants, orthodontics and premium work are mostly private/self-pay.

Mental health

Psychiatry is accessible through clinics/hospitals under NHI; psychotherapy availability and English-language therapy can be more limited and often private.

Maternity

NHI covers much maternity care; private rooms, specific doctors and extras can add costs. Choose hospital early in Taipei/Hsinchu.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Confirm your NHI eligibility date immediately after receiving ARC.
Buy bridge insurance for any waiting period.
Find an English-friendly clinic near home and work.
Register with a dentist and keep vaccination records.
Save NHI card and ARC photos on your phone.

Finding English-speaking doctors:Major hospitals such as NTU Hospital, Taipei Veterans General, Mackay, Adventist, Cathay and Hsinchu/Kaohsiung medical centers have more English capacity; small clinics vary.

International insurance:Recommended before NHI enrollment and for evacuation or cross-border coverage.

Emergency card info:Carry ARC, NHI card, allergies, medications, emergency contact and blood type if known. Use Chinese medication names when possible.

Pharmacies (藥局 / 藥房)

Hours:Many open late; some 24-hour pharmacies exist in major cities. Hospital pharmacies follow hospital hours.

After-hours / emergency:For urgent medication needs, ask hospital ER or search 24-hour pharmacy; 119 for emergencies.

Prescription rules:Prescription medicines require doctor prescription; pharmacists can advise on OTC cold, stomach, allergy and pain medicines.

Available over-the-counter:

Acetaminophen/paracetamol
Ibuprofen where appropriate
Antihistamines
Cold medicine
Stomach medicine
Oral rehydration salts
Mosquito repellent

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	Often NT$150-300+ copay/registration
GP visit (private pay)	Often NT$500-1,500+ depending clinic
Specialist visit	Often NT$300-600+ with NHI at hospitals
Emergency visit	NHI copay varies; self-pay can be several thousand NT$ before tests
MRI scan	NHI if medically approved; self-pay can be NT$8,000-20,000+
Prescription average	Often NT$0-300 with NHI for common meds
Dental check-up	Basic NHI cleaning/checkup low cost; private cleaning NT$1,000-3,000
Baby delivery	NHI covers much; private room and extras can add NT$20,000-100,000+

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