How does Taiwan's NHI work?

Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) is a universal, single-payer healthcare system that covers over 99% of the population — including foreigners with a valid ARC. Launched in 1995, it's consistently ranked among the best healthcare systems in the world.

Here's what makes it special:

• Single-payer: One government-run program covers everyone. No choosing between competing insurers.
• Premium-based: Your monthly premium is calculated based on your salary, not your health status or age.
• Comprehensive coverage: Outpatient visits, inpatient care, surgery, dental cleanings, traditional Chinese medicine, prescriptions, mental health, maternity care, and even physical rehabilitation are all included.
• Freedom of choice: You can visit any NHI-contracted hospital or clinic in Taiwan — no referrals needed, no network restrictions.

The system is managed by the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

How much does NHI cost for foreigners?

Your monthly NHI premium depends on your insured salary and employment status. The formula for employees is:

Monthly premium = Insured salary x 5.17% x 30%

The remaining 70% is split between your employer (60%) and the government (10%).

Here are some examples:

Self-employed or freelance? You pay the full premium yourself. The rate is: insured salary x 5.17% x a multiplier based on your category (typically 100% for Category 6 insured persons, making it significantly more expensive).

Dependents (spouse, children, parents) can be added under your NHI enrollment at no extra charge for up to 3 dependents. Each additional dependent beyond 3 adds to the premium.

Use the calculator above to estimate your exact monthly cost.

When do foreigners need to enroll?

Enrollment timing depends on your status in Taiwan:

Important: The 6-month waiting period means you have no public health insurance during your first 6 months. Consider purchasing private travel/health insurance to cover this gap. Leaving Taiwan for more than 30 consecutive days resets the 6-month countdown.

What does NHI cover and not cover?

Covered by NHI

• Doctor visits: Any NHI-contracted clinic or hospital, any specialty
• Hospitalization: Ward beds, surgery, anesthesia, nursing care
• Surgery: Most medically necessary surgeries
• Dental: Cleanings (every 6 months), fillings, extractions, root canals
• Prescriptions: Most medications at NHI-contracted pharmacies
• Traditional Chinese medicine: Acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, bone-setting
• Mental health: Psychiatry and counseling (limited sessions)
• Maternity care: Prenatal checkups (10 covered visits), delivery, postpartum care
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy
• Preventive care: Annual health checks for ages 40+, cancer screenings

NOT covered by NHI

• Cosmetic/plastic surgery
• Orthodontics (braces) and dental implants
• Lasik eye surgery
• General health checkups (unless a disease is discovered during the check)
• Some advanced or experimental treatments
• Private/VIP hospital room upgrades
• Ambulance fees (in some cases)
• Vaccinations not on the government schedule

Co-pay amounts by hospital level

Pro tip: Always start at a local clinic for non-urgent issues. The co-pay is lowest, wait times are shorter, and you'll get a referral slip if you need a specialist — which reduces your co-pay at the hospital.

How to use your NHI card

Your NHI IC card is your key to accessing healthcare in Taiwan. Here's how to use it:

1. Bring your NHI card to any NHI-contracted clinic or hospital (over 93% of all medical facilities in Taiwan are contracted)
2. No appointment needed at most clinics — just walk in and take a number
3. No referral needed — you can see any specialist directly, though co-pays are higher at medical centers without a referral
4. For emergencies: Go to any hospital emergency room with your NHI card
5. Prescriptions: Take your prescription slip to any NHI-contracted pharmacy. Many clinics have on-site pharmacies.
6. Lost your card? Apply for a replacement at any NHI office or online. Fee: NT$200. You can still see a doctor without your card — pay upfront and apply for reimbursement within 6 months.

Digital NHI card: Taiwan has introduced a virtual NHI card via the Health Insurance Mobile App (健保快易通). You can use your phone instead of the physical card at participating facilities.

What is the Supplementary Premium?

In addition to your regular monthly premium, Taiwan charges a 2.11% Supplementary Premium (補充保費) on certain types of income that exceed NT$29,500 per payment (the basic wage threshold):

Example: If you receive a year-end bonus of NT$100,000, the supplementary premium is NT$100,000 x 2.11% = NT$2,110. This is typically deducted automatically by the payer (your employer or the company issuing dividends).

The NT$29,500 threshold is tied to the basic wage (minimum wage) and is adjusted when the minimum wage changes.

Can I suspend NHI when leaving Taiwan?

Yes, you can suspend your NHI enrollment if you plan to leave Taiwan for 6 months or more:

• How to suspend: Visit an NHI office or apply online before departure. You must apply within 1 month of leaving Taiwan.
• Benefit: You stop paying monthly premiums during the suspension period.
• Re-enrollment: You must re-enroll when you return to Taiwan. There's a waiting period equal to the suspension period (up to 3 months maximum) before your coverage resumes, unless you pay back the premiums for the waiting period upfront.
• Important: You cannot use NHI during the suspension period. Any medical expenses abroad are your own responsibility.
• Short trips: If you leave for less than 6 months, your NHI continues and you keep paying premiums. If you need medical care abroad, you can apply for overseas emergency medical reimbursement when you return (up to the Taiwan equivalent cost).

Tip: If you're unsure about the length of your trip, it may be better to keep NHI active. The premiums are low (NT$400-800/month for employees), and you'll have coverage the moment you return.

NHI FAQ for foreigners

Can my spouse and children be covered under my NHI? Yes. Your spouse, children under 20, and parents over 65 can be registered as dependents under your enrollment. Up to 3 dependents are included at no extra premium. This is one of the best benefits of Taiwan's NHI system.

What if I lose my job? You have 15 days to transfer your NHI enrollment. Options: enroll through a new employer, join through a professional union/association, or enroll through your local district office (Category 6). Don't let your coverage lapse — you'll owe back premiums.

Can I see a doctor without my NHI card? Yes, but you'll need to pay the full cost upfront. Keep all receipts and apply for reimbursement at the NHI office within 6 months. Reimbursement is based on NHI rates, not what you actually paid.

How do I get reimbursed for overseas medical expenses? If you require emergency medical treatment while traveling abroad, you can apply for partial reimbursement within 6 months of returning to Taiwan. You'll need: medical records, receipts (translated into Chinese), your NHI card, and your bank account details. Note: reimbursement is capped at what the same treatment would cost under NHI in Taiwan, which is usually much less than what you paid abroad.

Can I choose my own doctor or hospital? Absolutely. There are no network restrictions. You can visit any NHI-contracted facility — from a small neighborhood clinic to a major medical center like National Taiwan University Hospital or Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

Is dental cleaning really covered? Yes! NHI covers dental cleaning (scaling) once every 6 months at no charge beyond the basic co-pay (NT$50 at a clinic). Basic fillings and extractions are also covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use NHI at any hospital?

Yes, you can use your NHI card at any NHI-contracted medical facility in Taiwan, which includes over 93% of all clinics and hospitals nationwide. There are no network restrictions — you're free to visit any contracted clinic, hospital, or medical center regardless of where you live or work. The only facilities where NHI doesn't apply are non-contracted private clinics (mostly cosmetic/aesthetic clinics). You can check whether a facility is NHI-contracted by looking for the NHI logo at the entrance or searching on the NHIA website.

What if I lose my NHI card?

If you lose your NHI card, you can apply for a replacement at any NHI regional office, by mail, or online through the NHIA website. The replacement fee is NT$200. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days. In the meantime, you can still see a doctor — just pay the full cost upfront (out-of-pocket) and keep all receipts. Once you receive your new card, bring the receipts to an NHI office within 6 months to apply for reimbursement. Alternatively, if you've set up the virtual NHI card on the Health Insurance Mobile App (健保快易通), you can continue using that at participating facilities while waiting for your replacement card.

Does NHI cover dental?

Yes, NHI covers a range of basic dental services. Covered treatments include dental cleanings (once every 6 months), cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, and dental X-rays. You only pay the standard co-pay (NT$50 at a clinic). However, NHI does not cover cosmetic or elective dental procedures such as braces/orthodontics (NT$80,000150,000), dental implants (NT$50,000100,000 per tooth), teeth whitening (NT$10,00030,000), porcelain crowns (NT$15,00025,000), or Invisalign (NT$150,000~300,000). These must be paid entirely out-of-pocket.

How do I check my NHI status online?

You can check your NHI enrollment status, premium payment history, and medical records online through two main channels. First, the NHI Web Service (健保個人健保資料網路服務) at the NHIA website — log in with your NHI card (requires a card reader), Citizen Digital Certificate, or Taiwan FidO. Second, the Health Insurance Mobile App (健保快易通) — download it from the App Store or Google Play, register with your NHI card number and phone, and you can view your enrollment status, premium details, medical visit history, and even set up a virtual NHI card. The app is available in Chinese, but the key information (enrollment status, premium amounts) is displayed with numbers that are easy to understand.

Related Reading

• Healthcare in Taiwan: Hospital Guide & Medical Costs for Foreigners (2026) — How to use NHI at hospitals
• Insurance in Taiwan for Foreigners: NHI, Private & Travel Insurance (2026) — Supplement NHI with private insurance
• Emergency Numbers & Services in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026) — What NHI covers in emergencies
• ARC Application Guide: How to Get Your Alien Resident Certificate — ARC required for NHI enrollment