NHI vs Private Insurance: What NHI Covers and What It Doesn't
Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) is one of the best public health systems in the world, covering over 99% of the population. As a foreigner, once you're enrolled, you get the same coverage as Taiwanese citizens.
What NHI Covers
| Category | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient visits | Clinics, hospitals, specialists — you pay a small co-pay (NT$50~420) |
| Hospitalization | Standard ward, surgery, medication — 10% co-pay with annual caps |
| Emergency care | ER visits at any NHI-contracted hospital |
| Prescription drugs | Most medications on the NHI formulary |
| Chinese medicine | Herbal medicine, acupuncture (NHI-covered clinics) |
| Dental basics | Cleaning (every 6 months), fillings, extractions, root canals |
| Maternity care | Prenatal visits (10 covered), delivery |
| Mental health | Psychiatric outpatient visits, some counseling |
| Rehabilitation | Physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Preventive care | Free adult health check (over 40: every 3 years; over 65: annually) |
What NHI Does NOT Cover
| Gap | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single/VIP hospital room | NT$2,000~6,000/day | Standard wards (4-6 beds) are covered; upgrades are not |
| Dental implants | NT$50,000~100,000/tooth | Only basic dental is covered |
| Orthodontics (braces) | NT$80,000~300,000 | Not covered at all |
| Cosmetic procedures | Varies widely | Lasik, plastic surgery, etc. |
| Advanced cancer treatments | NT$100,000~1,000,000+ | Some targeted therapies and immunotherapies not on formulary |
| Health check-up packages | NT$3,000~50,000 | Beyond the free basic annual check |
| Overseas medical expenses | Limited reimbursement | Can apply for partial reimbursement after returning |
| Non-NHI pharmaceuticals | Varies | Newer/imported drugs not yet on the NHI list |
| Ambulance fees | NT$0~3,600 | Public ambulances are free; private ones charge |
NHI Premium for Foreigners
Your monthly NHI premium depends on your employment status:
| Status | Monthly Premium (Your Share) | How to Enroll |
|---|---|---|
| Employed | Employer enrolls you on day 1 | |
| Self-employed/Freelance | Enroll at local district office | |
| Dependent (spouse of citizen) | Covered under spouse | Spouse's employer handles it |
| Student | School enrolls you |
For exact calculations, see NHI Premium Calculator.
When to Get Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance fills the gaps that NHI doesn't cover. Consider it if:
You Should Get Private Insurance If...
- You want a private hospital room — NHI only covers shared wards
- You have ongoing dental needs — implants, orthodontics, crowns
- You worry about serious illness — cancer treatments, organ transplants
- You want international coverage — for trips outside Taiwan
- You earn a high income — the cost of premiums is minor relative to potential bills
Types of Private Health Insurance
| Type | What It Covers | Typical Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Medical insurance (醫療險) | Hospitalization, surgery, hospital room upgrade | NT$5,000~20,000 |
| Cancer insurance (癌症險) | Lump sum upon diagnosis + treatment costs | NT$3,000~15,000 |
| Critical illness (重大疾病險) | Lump sum for heart attack, stroke, etc. | NT$5,000~20,000 |
| Accident insurance (意外險) | Injuries from accidents, disability | NT$2,000~8,000 |
| Comprehensive (實支實付) | Reimburses actual medical expenses above NHI | NT$8,000~25,000 |
Recommended Coverage for Foreigners
Minimum recommended: NHI + one "shí zhī shí fù" (實支實付) policy. This type reimburses your actual out-of-pocket medical expenses beyond what NHI covers, including:
- Hospital room upgrades (single room)
- Self-pay medications and treatments
- Special medical devices and materials
- Outpatient surgery costs
Budget: NT$8,000~15,000/year for a basic 實支實付 policy. This provides excellent protection when combined with NHI.
Car and Scooter Insurance
Mandatory Insurance: Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (強制險)
Every vehicle in Taiwan — car, motorcycle, or scooter — must have compulsory insurance. This covers injuries to other people (not your own vehicle or injuries).
| Coverage | Maximum Payout |
|---|---|
| Injury medical expenses | NT$200,000 per person |
| Disability | Up to NT$2,000,000 per person |
| Death | NT$2,000,000 per person |
| Vehicle Type | Annual Premium (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Car | NT$1,400~2,500 |
| Heavy motorcycle (>250cc) | NT$1,200~1,800 |
| Regular motorcycle/scooter | NT$700~1,200 |
Optional Insurance for Vehicles
| Type | What It Covers | Annual Premium (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability (第三人責任險) | Property damage and injuries to others beyond compulsory insurance | NT$3,000~8,000 |
| Collision (車體險) | Damage to your own vehicle | NT$10,000~30,000+ |
| Comprehensive (甲式車體險) | All damage to your vehicle including theft, natural disaster | NT$20,000~50,000+ |
| Passenger liability | Injuries to passengers in your vehicle | NT$1,000~3,000 |
What Foreigners Need to Know
- Compulsory insurance is mandatory — riding without it is a fine of NT$6,000~30,000
- When buying a scooter: the dealer usually handles compulsory insurance for you
- When renting a car: ask if insurance is included (rental companies usually include compulsory + basic coverage)
- Third-party liability is highly recommended — compulsory insurance limits (NT$200,000 for medical) are often not enough in a serious accident
- If you cause an accident: compulsory insurance covers the other party's injuries; you'll need your own medical insurance or savings for your own injuries
Travel Insurance for Trips Outside Taiwan
NHI provides very limited reimbursement for medical expenses incurred overseas. If you're traveling outside Taiwan, separate travel insurance is essential.
NHI Overseas Reimbursement (Limited)
- You can apply for reimbursement after returning to Taiwan
- Amount is based on Taiwan's NHI payment rates, not your actual expenses
- Typically reimburses only a small fraction of actual costs (especially in the US, Europe, or Japan)
- Must apply within 6 months of treatment
Travel Insurance Options
| Provider Type | Annual Premium | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan insurance companies | NT$2,000~10,000/trip | Medical, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight delay |
| Credit card travel insurance | Free (with card) | Usually limited; check your card's specific coverage |
| International providers | Varies | World Nomads, Allianz, SafetyWing |
What to Look For in Travel Insurance
- Medical coverage: At least US$100,000 (higher for US/Europe/Japan trips)
- Emergency evacuation: Important for remote destinations
- Trip cancellation: Reimburses non-refundable bookings
- COVID-19 coverage: Check if pandemic-related claims are covered
- Pre-existing conditions: Most policies exclude them
Buying Travel Insurance in Taiwan
- Online: Cathay, Fubon, and other major insurers have online portals (mostly Chinese)
- Airport counters: Available at Taoyuan Airport (last-minute option, limited plans)
- Travel agencies: Often bundle insurance with tour packages
- Convenience stores: Some basic plans available via ibon/FamiPort machines
Life Insurance Considerations
Life insurance in Taiwan is a common financial product, but foreigners should consider a few things:
Should You Buy Life Insurance in Taiwan?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Staying long-term (5+ years), family in Taiwan | Consider it — Taiwan premiums are often lower than Western countries |
| Staying short-term | Probably not — administrative hassle if you leave Taiwan |
| Already have coverage from home country | Check if it covers you in Taiwan first |
| Employer provides group insurance | May be sufficient; check the coverage amount |
Types Available to Foreigners
| Type | Description | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Term life (定期壽險) | Coverage for a specific period, cheapest option | NT$3,000~10,000/year |
| Whole life (終身壽險) | Lifetime coverage with savings component | NT$15,000~50,000+/year |
| Savings insurance (儲蓄險) | Insurance + forced savings, popular in Taiwan | Varies widely |
| Investment-linked (投資型) | Insurance + investment funds | Varies |
Important Notes for Foreigners
- You need an ARC to purchase most insurance products in Taiwan
- Language barrier: Policies are in Chinese. Get an English-speaking agent or have a friend help review
- If you leave Taiwan: You can maintain the policy, but claims may be harder to process from overseas
- Tax benefits: Insurance premiums are tax-deductible up to NT$24,000/year per person (useful if you file taxes in Taiwan)
- Beneficiary rules: Your beneficiary can be anyone, but naming a Taiwan-based person makes claims processing smoother
How to Buy Insurance in Taiwan
Insurance Agents vs Online
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Agent (業務員) | Personalized advice, helps with claims, explains in detail | May push higher-commission products |
| Online (網路投保) | Cheaper premiums (10-15% less), convenient | Chinese-only interface, limited products |
| Bank counter (銀行通路) | Convenient if you're already at the bank | Limited selection |
Finding English-Speaking Agents
- International insurance companies (AIA, Prudential, Manulife) in Taiwan sometimes have English-speaking agents
- Expat Facebook groups — ask for recommendations
- Your employer's HR may connect you with their group insurance provider who speaks English
- Insurance broker firms — some cater to the expat community
Documents Needed
- ARC (front and back)
- Taiwan bank account (for premium deduction)
- Taiwan phone number
- Health declaration form (for health/life insurance)
- Income proof (for high coverage amounts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NHI enough, or do I really need private insurance?
For most young, healthy foreigners, NHI alone is sufficient for day-to-day medical needs. Taiwan's healthcare is excellent and affordable even with just NHI. However, if you want single hospital rooms, are concerned about serious illness costs, or plan to start a family, adding a basic 實支實付 (expense reimbursement) policy is wise.
Can I keep my home country's insurance while in Taiwan?
Yes. Many foreigners maintain international health insurance (like Cigna Global, Allianz, or employer-provided global coverage) alongside NHI. NHI is mandatory if you're eligible, so you'll pay for both — but you can use either depending on the situation.
What happens to my Taiwan insurance if I leave the country?
- NHI: Automatically suspended if you leave for more than 6 months. Reactivated when you return and re-register.
- Private insurance: Policies remain active as long as you pay premiums. Claims from overseas are possible but may require more paperwork.
- Vehicle insurance: Can be suspended if the vehicle is not in use (ask your insurer).
How do I file an insurance claim?
For NHI, you don't need to file claims — it's handled automatically at the point of care. For private insurance:
- Collect documentation: Medical certificate, receipts, diagnostic reports
- Contact your insurer within the claim period (usually 30 days)
- Submit claim form with supporting documents
- Wait for review: Typically 15-30 business days for reimbursement
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
- NHI: Covers everything regardless of pre-existing conditions (one of its biggest advantages)
- Private insurance: Most policies have a waiting period (30-90 days) and may exclude or load premiums for pre-existing conditions. Disclose everything honestly — non-disclosure can void your policy.