Taiwan Healthcare

Emergency Rooms (急診)

• Most major hospitals have 24/7 ER
• Go directly for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury, stroke symptoms
• Bring: ID/ARC, NHI card (if you have one)
• Can pay out of pocket if no insurance

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE (NHI)

全民健康保險 Overview

Taiwan's NHI is one of the world's best systems:

• Universal coverage
• Low copays
• Covers most medical services

Who Is Covered

ARC Holder Waiting Period

⚠️ Rules change. Verify current policy at nhi.gov.tw

General pattern:

• May need to wait 6 months before eligible
• Some categories exempt from waiting
• Employer should enroll you

NHI Card (健保卡)

• IC chip card, required for NHI services
• Register at NHI office after qualifying
• Use at all NHI-contracted providers
• Links to your medical history

SEEING A DOCTOR

Clinic vs Hospital

Clinic System

1. Walk in or make appointment
2. Give NHI card to reception
3. Wait (can be quick or long)
4. See doctor
5. Get prescription
6. Pick up medicine at attached pharmacy or outside

Registration fee: Usually NT$50-150 (with NHI)

Hospital System

1. Register (現場掛號 or online/app)
2. Choose department
3. Wait for your number
4. See doctor
5. May need tests (X-ray, blood, etc.)
6. Get prescription from hospital pharmacy

NHI copay: Varies by hospital level

• Medical center: Higher copay
• Regional hospital: Medium
• Clinic: Lower

Finding a Doctor

Search Methods

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:

• Most hospitals have online registration
• Can see available time slots
• Some have English interface

Expat Communities:

• Forumosa, Reddit r/taiwan
• Search: "[condition] doctor English Taipei"

English-Speaking Doctors

⚠️ English ability varies by doctor. Call ahead or check.

Specialties

PHARMACY (藥局)

Types

Common Drugstore Chains

• 屈臣氏 Watsons — Everywhere
• 康是美 Cosmed — Everywhere
• 大樹藥局 Poya — Good pharmacy section

Prescription (處方籤)

• Doctor gives prescription
• Take to pharmacy (連鎖藥局 or independent)
• NHI prescriptions: Low copay
• Prescriptions often valid limited time

Over-the-Counter

Common items available without prescription:

• Pain relievers (止痛藥)
• Cold medicine (感冒藥)
• Antacids (胃藥)
• Allergy medicine (抗過敏藥)
• First aid supplies

Pharmacist (藥師) can advise on minor issues.

COSTS

With NHI

Without NHI (Out of Pocket)

⚠️ Prices vary. These are estimates.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

中醫 TCM

• Covered by NHI at licensed clinics
• Includes: acupuncture (針灸), herbs (中藥), massage (推拿)
• Many Taiwanese use TCM alongside Western medicine

Finding TCM

Google: 中醫診所 [location]

DENTAL

Coverage

• NHI covers: Checkups, basic fillings, extractions
• Not covered: Cosmetic, implants, orthodontics (usually)

Finding a Dentist

Google: 牙醫診所 [location]

Most neighborhoods have multiple clinics. Walk-in or call for appointment.

MENTAL HEALTH

Options

Finding Help

• Hospital psychiatry departments
• Private counseling (expensive, ~NT$2,000-4,000/session)
• Community mental health centers
• Crisis lines

English-speaking therapists:

• Search expat forums
• International clinics

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For Tourists

If you're not covered by NHI:

1. Buy travel insurance before arrival
2. Keep receipts for all medical expenses
3. Pay out of pocket, claim later
4. Consider medical evacuation coverage

USEFUL PHRASES

RESOURCES

Official

• NHI: nhi.gov.tw
• CDC Taiwan: cdc.gov.tw
• Hospital searches: Google Maps, hospital websites

Verify Information

• NHI policies change
• Hospital information changes
• Always call ahead for important visits

Taiwan healthcare is excellent — know how to access it 🏥