Health care: The National Health Insurance (NHI)
Looking for Taiwan Health care options? The National Health Insurance (NHI) system is Taiwan’s highly efficient, single-payer national health service, easily identified by its distinctive green sign. For long-term residents, access is mandatory and provides significantly subsidized care.
NHI Enrollment & Eligibility
As a foreign national, enrollment in NHI is compulsory once you meet the residency requirements:
- You must hold a valid Alien Residency Card (ARC).
- You must have resided in Taiwan for six consecutive months after gaining your ARC. This period allows for one trip abroad not exceeding 30 days.
Enrollment Method:
- Most residents enroll through their employer.
- The unemployed or self-employed who meet the residency criteria must self-enroll at their local administrative office.
- Students and certain dependents (spouse, minor children, etc.) can also be registered once they meet the residency requirements.
Costs and Self-Pay Options
With NHI, your costs are low, covering a vast array of services. You pay small, fixed co-payments for most services:
- Doctor/Dental Visit: Expect an initial fee of around $200-$350 NTD (approx. $6-$11 USD).
- Medications: Prescription costs are heavily subsidized.
- Self-Pay Patients: If you are not covered by NHI, you are a self-pay patient. You will pay the full cost of medical services upfront. However, the costs in Taiwan remain relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Many large hospitals and clinics have International Departments that cater specifically to non-NHI patients.
Long-Term Care and APRC Holders
Crucially, foreigners holding an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) and covered by NHI gain access to robust and affordable long-term care and comprehensive palliative/hospice care services. Taiwan is a leader in Asia for its progressive approach to end-of-life care and patient autonomy.
Highly Recommended Hospitals and Clinics (Taipei)
For specialized care, advanced procedures, or easy communication in English, major hospitals and dedicated private clinics are excellent options.
Hospitals Highly Recommended for Foreigners
| Hospital | Noteworthy Features for Foreigners | Payment & NHI Status |
| Taiwan Adventist Hospital (TAH) – IPCC | Consistently top-rated. International Priority Care Center (IPCC) offers streamlined services, native English-speaking nurses, and English signage. | Accepts international insurance (direct billing). IPCC does not accept NHI. |
| Taipei Medical University Hospital (TMUH) – IHC | Dedicated International Healthcare Center (IHC) with medical coordination, translators, and direct billing with some international insurers. | Accepts international insurance (direct billing). |
| National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) | Leading institution with high-quality medical care. Many doctors speak English. | Accepts NHI. |
| Taipei Veterans General Hospital (VGH) | Top-tier hospital and a strong option for comprehensive medical needs. | Accepts NHI. |
Private & Specialty Clinics (Taipei)
Several independent clinics cater to the foreign community, particularly in the Tianmu and Shilin districts:
| Clinic Name | Focus / Notes | NHI Accepted | Contact Information |
| Dr. Bear’s Family Clinic | General Practice | Yes | Tel: 2872-9980 Address: Shilin District |
| Dr. Kao’s Family Practice Center | General Practice / Priority Appointments, Chiropractor | No | Tel: 2874-9955 (3F) Address: Tianmu, Shilin District |
| Dr. Simon Chan’s Clinic | Family Practice, Direct Insurance Billing | Check with Clinic | Tel: 2731-6530 Address: Daan District (downtown) |
| Dr Lo Skin Clinic | Highly recommended dermatologist for expats | Check with Clinic | Phone: 02 2874 3222 Address: Shilin District |
Dental and Pharmacy Services
- Dental Care: Taiwan’s dental care is high-quality and very affordable, especially with NHI. Albert Orthodontics and Awsome Dental (General Dentistry) in Tianmu are popular with expats.
- Pharmacies: Prescription medications are efficiently dispensed at community pharmacies, often at very low co-payments with NHI. Even without NHI, the cost of medications is generally low.
Long-Term Care Options for Foreigners in Taiwan: New Legislation
Taiwan’s commitment to senior welfare, especially with the impending launch of the Long-term Care Plan 3.0 (expected in 2026), has recently expanded to include long-term residents.
Crucially, new amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals are bridging the gap for older foreigners. Foreign professionals holding an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) who have resided in Taiwan for a continuous period of ten or more years can now access key social welfare services.
Specifically for those over 65, this new legislation grants APRC holders eligibility for the same long-term care perks as Taiwanese citizens, provided they meet the residency requirement. This may include subsidized access to:
- In-Home and Day Care Services: Providing assistance with daily activities and professional care.
- Residential Care: Qualifying APRC holders may be eligible to stay in assisted-living facilities.
- Respite Care and Family Support: Programs to ease the burden on family caregivers.
This reform signifies a major shift, recognizing the contributions of long-term foreign residents and offering a solid social safety net for those who choose Taiwan as their permanent home for retirement. Services are accessed by contacting the National Long-Term Care Hotline on 1966.
“NTUH (台大醫院)” by saturnism is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0