Taiwan healthcare system — NHI, seeing doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, emergencies.
Help users navigate Taiwan's healthcare system — from routine visits to emergencies.
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 119 | Ambulance & Fire |
| 110 | Police |
| 1922 | CDC Hotline (infectious disease) |
Taiwan's NHI is one of the world's best systems:
| Status | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Taiwan citizens | Mandatory enrollment |
| ARC holders (6+ months) | Mandatory after waiting period |
| Tourists | NOT covered — pay out of pocket |
| Short-term visitors | NOT covered |
⚠️ Rules change. Verify current policy at nhi.gov.tw
General pattern:
| Type | Chinese | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic 診所 | 診所 | First stop for most issues |
| Hospital 醫院 | 醫院 | Specialists, serious issues, tests |
Registration fee: Usually NT$50-150 (with NHI)
NHI copay: Varies by hospital level
Google Maps:
診所 [location] — general clinics
內科 [location] — internal medicine
牙科 [location] — dentist
眼科 [location] — eye doctor
皮膚科 [location] — dermatologist
Hospital Websites:
Expat Communities:
| Hospital | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NTU Hospital | Taipei | Major medical center |
| Taipei Veterans General | Taipei | International patients |
| Mackay Hospital | Taipei | Founded by missionaries |
| Chang Gung | Multiple | Large system |
| Adventist | Taipei | Christian hospital |
⚠️ English ability varies by doctor. Call ahead or check.
| English | Chinese | For |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | 內科 | General health, cold, fever |
| Family Medicine | 家醫科 | General, preventive |
| ENT | 耳鼻喉科 | Ear, nose, throat |
| Dermatology | 皮膚科 | Skin issues |
| Ophthalmology | 眼科 | Eyes |
| Dentistry | 牙科 | Teeth |
| OB/GYN | 婦產科 | Women's health |
| Orthopedics | 骨科 | Bones, joints |
| Pediatrics | 小兒科 | Children |
| Psychiatry | 精神科 | Mental health |
| TCM | 中醫 | Traditional Chinese medicine |
| Type | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Hospital pharmacy | Inside hospital, fills prescriptions |
| Clinic pharmacy | Inside clinic, may dispense directly |
| Community pharmacy 藥局 | Standalone, fills prescriptions + sells OTC |
| Drugstore 藥妝店 | Watsons, Cosmed — OTC, health products |
Common items available without prescription:
Pharmacist (藥師) can advise on minor issues.
| Service | Typical Cost (NHI) |
|---|---|
| Clinic visit | NT$50-150 registration |
| Hospital outpatient | NT$200-500 |
| Prescription | NT$0-200 copay |
| Emergency | NT$150-550 |
| Hospital stay | Varies by room type |
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Clinic visit | NT$500-1,500 |
| Hospital outpatient | NT$1,000-3,000 |
| Emergency | NT$1,500-5,000+ |
| Hospital stay | Expensive |
⚠️ Prices vary. These are estimates.
Google: 中醫診所 [location]
Google: 牙醫診所 [location]
Most neighborhoods have multiple clinics. Walk-in or call for appointment.
| Type | Chinese | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry | 精神科 | Medication, covered by NHI |
| Psychology | 心理諮商 | Therapy, often not NHI-covered |
| Counseling centers | 諮商中心 | Some free services |
English-speaking therapists:
If you're not covered by NHI:
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 我不舒服 | wǒ bù shū fú | I don't feel well |
| 頭痛 | tóu tòng | Headache |
| 肚子痛 | dù zi tòng | Stomachache |
| 發燒 | fā shāo | Fever |
| 過敏 | guò mǐn | Allergic |
| 我對_過敏 | wǒ duì _ guò mǐn | I'm allergic to _ |
| 處方籤 | chǔ fāng qiān | Prescription |
| 藥 | yào | Medicine |
| 急診 | jí zhěn | Emergency room |
Taiwan healthcare is excellent — know how to access it 🏥