How Healthcare Works in Taiwan

Taiwan’s healthcare system is world-renowned for being affordable, accessible, and high-quality. For foreigners living in Taiwan, understanding the **National Health Insurance (NHI)** system is the key to accessing these benefits.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Card

Almost everyone in Taiwan—including employed foreigners, students, and residents—enrolls in the NHI. Once enrolled, you receive an **NHI Card (健保卡)**. This smart card stores your medical records and entitles you to subsidized care.

**Who must join?**
If you have an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and have lived in Taiwan for 6 continuous months, participation is mandatory. However, if you are employed by a Taiwanese company, your employer usually enrolls you immediately.

Seeing a Doctor: Clinics vs. Hospitals

In Taiwan, you don't always need to go to a big hospital.

• Local Clinics (診所): For common colds, flu, minor injuries, and routine check-ups. They are everywhere and usually have short wait times.
• Hospitals (醫院): For surgeries, serious conditions, or emergencies. You can go directly, but it is cheaper if referred by a clinic.

Costs and Co-payments

With NHI, you don't pay the full cost of treatment. You pay a small **registration fee (掛號費)** and a **co-payment (部分負擔)**.

• Clinics: Typically NT$ 150 - NT$ 250 per visit.
• Hospitals: Typically NT$ 400 - NT$ 800 per visit (higher without referral).

What if I don't have a card yet?

If you are new and waiting for your card, you can still see a doctor. You will pay the full "Self-Pay" (自費) price upfront. Keep the receipt! Once you get your card, you can often go back to the clinic within 7-10 days to get a refund for the difference.

Dental and Traditional Medicine

NHI also covers:

• Dental: Check-ups, cleanings, and fillings are covered. (Implants and whitening are not).
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Many TCM clinics are covered by NHI for treatments like acupuncture and herbal powder.