A Complete Guide to Taiwan Welfare System for Foreigners

When living abroad, having a good welfare system that covers basic medical things such as access to pharmacies and medication, nursing and health care, as well as oral health care to rely on is certainly important. Welfare systems are government programs designed to provide financial aid to citizens and expatriates. It helps relieve financial stress from expensive medical bills during rough times.

The welfare system in Taiwan adopts a single-payer system run by the government. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) for foreigners.

Taiwan healthcare system, commonly known as the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI), is a national healthcare system compulsory for Taiwanese residents, locals, and foreigners residing in Taiwan. The insured must show their Taiwan NHI insurance card to receive medical care.

Taiwan NHI has a reputation for offering world class healthcare services with affordable prices. It was ranked first in the 2023 edition of the CEOWORLD magazine Health Care Index for having the best healthcare system in the world. 

Here is a list of a few NHI Pros and Cons in Taiwan:

The Taiwan National Health Insurance card is mandatory for foreigners in Taiwan to register. Please check the list of requirements below before applying.

• A foreign resident who holds an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) in Taiwan after residing in the country for a full 6 months, or has stayed in Taiwan for 6 months without leaving the country for more than 30 days.
• Self-employed foreign residents or entrepreneurs and their dependents must enroll for the NHI Taiwan after 6 months.
• Students are required to enroll through their school. 
• Newborn foreigners in Taiwan should be enrolled in the Taiwan NHI on the date of birth as a dependent of an employed parent.

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply for your Taiwan National Health Insurance card. 

Step 1: Apply online or through district office

If you are enrolling for Taiwan NHI for the first time, you can either apply online or through the district office. Online applications can be registered through the “multi-certificate online platform” of the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA). The Taiwan NHI insurance card can be applied at the same time you enroll in NHI at the local administrative office where your house is registered.

Step 2: Prepare the documents needed for a Taiwan NHI application 

1. Application form 
2. A 2-inch photo. (Required for new NHI card applicants)
3. A copy of the front and back of your ARC 

Step 3: Fill out application

The handler of the insured unit should tick the box to issue the NHI card and fill in the delivery address. The photo file format is .JPG and the image should not exceed 5M in size.

Step 4: Wait to pick up a NHI card

The Taiwan NHI card will be sent to the mailing address stated on the application form within 5-14 working days after applying.

Failing to apply for the Taiwan NHI card will be fined NT$3,000-NT$15,000. You will also be required to pay the premiums for the whole period that you failed to enroll in the program. Until all premiums are fully paid, you will not have access to any NHI benefits. 

It is more affordable to be insured by the Taiwan National Health Insurance. For example, in case of an accident, it is still much cheaper to pay for the premium than to pay the hospital bills by yourself. Also, co-payment for dental treatment is only NT$150 per visit, while having consultation from the doctor with prescribed medication costs $NT250. The actual fee could be twice the amount without the Taiwan NHI.

1. How much is the premium for NHI?

The premium price varies depending on your job and monthly income. The formula used to calculate premiums are as follows:

Category 1

Category 2 and 3

Category 6 : Veterans, veterans' dependent

Category 6 : Regional population

2. How often do I need to renew my NHI?

The NHI card has a long shelf life. Even if one changes jobs, it does not have to be renewed. 

3. Will the premium increase if I use my NHI often?

No, it will not since the premium will be calculated based on your job and salary. However, your premium will increase based on the number of dependents you have.

4. Is there an alternative to NHI?

Yes, there are a range of local and international private health insurance alternatives. However, Taiwan NHI should cover all necessary healthcare services.

5. How long does it take to get a NHI after I’ve applied for it?

Within 5 to 14 working days after completing the registration process, the Taiwan NHI card will be sent to the mailing address stated on the application form. 

6. How long does it take for the NHI renewal process?

In case you lose or damage your Taiwan National Health Insurance card, it will take 7 working days for the renewal process.

7. What if I lost my NHI card and how to get a new one?

The renewal fee if you lose your national health insurance card in Taiwan is NT$200. You can apply on-site at NHIA or post office collection. 

8. What NHI doesn’t cover?

Although NHI benefits cover a wide range of things such as child delivery, maternity care and physical rehabilitation, Taiwan NHI doesn’t cover the following:

• Prolonged treatments over a month long
• Preventative surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Private hospital rooms
• 4D embryo scans and other pregnancy tests
• Artificial reproduction
• Treatment of drug addiction
• Dentures, braces, glasses, wheelchairs, and other equipment not required to actually treat the patient.

We have covered all the information about Taiwan's welfare system including what it is, the requirements, application procedures, punishment from failing to apply, and common FAQs. For further information, please visit Taiwan NHI website.

--- Originally written by Ainee Setthamalinee ---