I. International health insurance Taiwan
I. International health insurance Taiwan
Do you need an international health insurance in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s public health system (NHI) is affordable and effective, but not immediately available to most expats.
Eligibility typically requires a minimum six-month stay with a valid residence permit.
Even with NHI, limitations exist, particularly for private hospitals, international providers, and treatments abroad.
Taiwan is an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
It offers modern infrastructure, a high quality of life, and one of Asia’s most efficient public healthcare systems.
However, access to the national system (NHI) is not immediate for new arrivals, and even when eligible, it doesn’t include every service. International health insurance ensures complete protection and global flexibility from day one.
International health insurance in Taiwan offers:
Immediate protection upon arrival
Full access to private clinics and English-speaking specialists
Coverage for maternity, vision, dental, and mental health
Protection when traveling across Asia or returning home
Our Taiwan-based advantages
What our expat clients in Taiwan value most ?
Full coverage during NHI waiting period or ineligible status
Coverage that remains valid during visa changes, travel, or relocations
Medical support for dependents, newborns, and family members
Destinations covered for Taiwan residents
Our international plans support expats with mobility between:
What is the average cost of medical care in Taiwan?
Without NHI coverage, private healthcare costs in Taiwan remain accessible — but still vary by provider and city:
Routine medical care
Taïwan is known for its efficient and affordable healthcare, yet private consultations outside the national system can still incur notable costs for expats.
NT$600 to NT$1,500
NT$3,000 to NT$10,000
NT$800 to NT$2,000
Dental care
While dental services are accessible in Taïwan, advanced treatments and cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by the public system and must be paid privately.
NT$1,200 to NT$2,500
NT$1,500 to NT$3,500
NT$12,000 to NT$20,000
NT$50,000 to NT$90,000
Optical care
Optical care in Taïwan includes a wide range of services, from basic exams to prescription eyewear, often fully at the patient’s expense if uninsured.
NT$4,000 to NT$10,000
NT$600 to NT$1,200
NT$1,000 to NT$2,000
Medical imaging
Modern and widely available, diagnostic imaging in Taïwan can be costly in private hospitals, especially without national insurance affiliation.
NT$8,000 to NT$18,000
NT$2,000 to NT$4,000
NT$2,500 to NT$5,000
NT$6,000 to NT$12,000
Specialist consultations
Specialist access is fast in Taïwan’s private sector, but quality care often comes at a premium for international residents or travellers.
NT$2,000 to NT$4,500
NT$1,500 to NT$3,500
NT$2,000 to NT$4,000
NT$2,500 to NT$5,000
NT$1,200 to NT$2,800
Hospitalization in Taiwan
Even in a system as efficient as Taïwan’s, hospital stays in private rooms or outside the national health insurance network may lead to significant out-of-pocket fees.
NT$4,000 to NT$8,000
NT$8,000 to NT$15,000
NT$50,000 to NT$200,000
NT$60,000 to NT$120,000
Intensive care:
NT$18,000 to NT$35,000
Per day
II. What every expat should know before moving to Taiwan
II. What every expat should know before moving to Taiwan
Moving to Taiwan means adapting to a dynamic environment that blends modern infrastructure with local administrative specificities, from national health insurance rules to housing practices and visa formalities.
Visa and residence permit
Visa-free entry is available for short stays from many countries. For long-term relocation, expats must obtain a residence visa (e.g., employment, entrepreneur, student). Only after six months can they typically join the NHI system.
Accommodation and housing
Rental housing is affordable and easy to secure, especially in Taipei. Monthly rents range from NT$20,000 to NT$60,000 for apartments depending on district and size. Lease terms are flexible, and furnished units are common.
| Education and schools
Taiwan offers excellent international schools in Taipei and other major cities, with American, British, French, and IB curricula. Tuition ranges from NT$300,000 to NT$600,000 per year. Bilingual and public school options are available for long-term residents.
| Transport and mobility
Public transport is safe, modern, and affordable. The MRT in Taipei and high-speed rail (THSR) connect major cities. Taxis and ride-hailing are widely available. Many expats use scooters or bicycles for short distances.
| Employment and business
Taiwan offers job opportunities in technology, education, and manufacturing. The government promotes foreign entrepreneurship through startup visas. English teaching and digital nomadism are common entry points.
| Language and integration
Mandarin is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business and healthcare settings, especially in Taipei. Learning basic Mandarin is helpful for daily life. Taiwanese culture is welcoming and respectful, with strong community values.
| Healthcare and insurance
The NHI is excellent, once accessible. Until then, or for more advanced care, private insurance is essential.
International plans provide flexibility, avoid administrative delays, and ensure coverage abroad or during relocation.
| Cost of living and housing
Taiwan offers a high standard of living at a relatively low cost. Food, transport, and healthcare are affordable, while imported goods and international schooling may be more expensive. Taipei is the priciest city, but still lower than most global capitals.
III. Stay protected, wherever life takes you in Taiwan
III. Stay protected, wherever life takes you in Taiwan
Taiwan offers a unique mix of safety, opportunity, and quality healthcare, but full protection requires more than local coverage.
OnlyHealth ensures that you are insured from day one, with premium international health plans tailored for mobile professionals, families, and long-term residents.