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.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Taiwan, prioritised.
NHI is excellent but does not remove the need for bridge, travel, liability, property and income-protection planning. Employer benefits vary widely.
Legally Mandatory
- - National Health Insurance for eligible residents
- - Labour Insurance for eligible employees
- - Compulsory automobile/scooter liability insurance if owning a vehicle
Bridge health insurance
Private medical coverage before NHI eligibility or between jobs/status changes.
Who needs it: New arrivals, dependants, students, remote workers and anyone in NHI waiting period.
Annual cost: NT$20,000-150,000+ depending coverage
NHI waiting periods are a common expat trap.
Scooter/car insurance
Mandatory liability plus optional collision/theft/property coverage.
Who needs it: Vehicle owners and regular scooter riders.
Annual cost: Scooter basic can be low; car coverage often NT$10,000-40,000+/year
Compulsory insurance does not cover your own vehicle damage.
Personal liability
Covers accidental injury/property damage to others.
Who needs it: Renters, families, cyclists, pet owners.
Annual cost: Often bundled or NT$1,000-5,000/year
Tenant contents insurance
Covers belongings, fire, water damage and sometimes liability.
Who needs it: Renters with electronics, furniture or high deposit risk.
Annual cost: NT$1,500-8,000/year
Check typhoon, earthquake and water leakage exclusions.
Travel and evacuation insurance
Medical, trip interruption and evacuation outside Taiwan.
Who needs it: Frequent travellers, hikers, divers and residents visiting home country.
Annual cost: NT$3,000-30,000+
Disability/income protection
Income replacement if illness or injury prevents work.
Who needs it: Single-income households, freelancers and high earners.
Annual cost: Varies by age/income; often NT$10,000-80,000+/year
Life insurance
Death benefit for dependants and debts.
Who needs it: Families, mortgage borrowers, business owners.
Annual cost: Term cover can be affordable; whole-life/investment products much higher
Comparison sites
Do not rely on NHI before eligibility is confirmed.
Check English policy wording or get translation help.
Earthquake and typhoon exclusions matter.
Keep proof of insurance for school, visa and travel needs.
Avoid long-term investment-linked products unless you understand surrender charges and tax in both countries.
Insurance
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