Healthcare and health insurance for expats in Taipei

Healthcare in Taipei is well regarded, both in the public and private sectors. Medical facilities are modern and well equipped, and most doctors speak English, although their proficiency varies.

As part of government efforts to improve national infrastructure and offer civic services, the Taiwanese Universal Health Insurance (NHI) programme was created and made available to residents in 1995. Expats living in Taiwan for six months or more, or those who hold a so-called Alien Resident Card (ARC), are required to join the NHI.

With the NHI, expats using one of Taiwan’s excellent public health facilities can access heavily subsidised medical care. Although public hospitals are world class, many inpatient services that are standard in the West may not be provided at Taiwanese public facilities, and patients seeking treatment may experience long waiting times.

Many expats therefore also utilise Taiwan’s high-quality private care to avoid long waiting times, receive better patient care, and access a wider choice of treatment options. Private healthcare in Taiwan is expensive, so those planning to make use of this sector should explore their private health insurance options.

Pharmacies are widely available across Taipei, with many doctors having pharmacies attached to their rooms.

Below are some of the most highly regarded hospitals in Taipei.

Hospitals in Taipei

Mackay Memorial Hospital

Website: www.mmh.org.tw
Address: 92, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District

National Taiwan University Hospital

Website: www.ntuh.gov.tw
Address: 1 Changde Street, Zhongzheng District

Taipei Veterans General Hospital

Website: www.vghtpe.gov.tw
Address: 201, Section 2, Shipai Road, Beitou District

Taiwan Adventist Hospital

Website: www.tahsda.org.tw
Address: 424, Section 2, Bade Road, Songshan District

What do expats say about healthcare in Taipei?
"Like Canada, Taiwan has public healthcare, so it seemed normal to me. When visiting a doctor or dentist, you can walk in and see one without waiting more than a few minutes. You have to pay a small fee for each visit, which includes whatever medicine you are prescribed.
When my wife had kids, we had a positive experience. My wife stayed at home and was eager to get back to work after a few weeks. Once, my kids caught a nasty virus and we spent a week in the hospital. The hospital experience was fine, though expats who can’t speak Mandarin may want to stick to the bigger hospitals in Taipei that are more likely to have English-speaking doctors and nurses."
Read more in Canadian expat Nick's expat interview on living in Taipei.

Are you an expat living in Taipei?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Taipei. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.