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

What NHI Does NOT Cover

NHI Premium for Foreigners

Your monthly NHI premium depends on your employment status:

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

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).

Optional Insurance for Vehicles

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

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?

Types Available to Foreigners

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

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:

1. Collect documentation: Medical certificate, receipts, diagnostic reports
2. Contact your insurer within the claim period (usually 30 days)
3. Submit claim form with supporting documents
4. 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.

Is health insurance mandatory in Taiwan?

Yes. National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory for all residents of Taiwan, including foreigners. If you're employed, your employer must enroll you from day one. If you're on an ARC but not employed (e.g., spouse visa, freelancer), you must enroll yourself at your local district office after 6 months of continuous residence. The monthly premium is relatively low (NT$400~1,500 depending on your status). Failing to enroll can result in back-payment of premiums when you eventually do enroll — NHI will charge you retroactively from the date you became eligible.

Can foreigners buy life insurance in Taiwan?

Yes, foreigners with a valid ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) can purchase most types of insurance in Taiwan, including term life, whole life, medical, accident, and savings insurance. You'll need your ARC, a Taiwan bank account, and a local phone number. The main challenge is the language barrier — policies and application forms are in Chinese, so it's highly recommended to work with an English-speaking insurance agent or bring a trusted friend who can help review the documents. Some international insurers operating in Taiwan (AIA, Prudential, Manulife) may have agents who speak English.

What insurance do I need as an expat in Taiwan?

At minimum, you need NHI (mandatory) plus a 實支實付 (expense reimbursement) medical policy — this combination covers the vast majority of healthcare scenarios. Beyond that, consider: accident insurance if you ride a scooter (highly recommended, NT$2,000~8,000/year); critical illness insurance if you want lump-sum protection against serious diseases; term life insurance if you have dependents in Taiwan; and travel insurance for trips outside Taiwan (NHI overseas reimbursement is very limited). If you own a vehicle, third-party liability insurance is strongly recommended on top of the mandatory compulsory insurance.

How do I file an insurance claim if I don't speak Chinese?

Filing claims in Taiwan is primarily done in Chinese, but there are ways to navigate the process. First, ask your insurance agent to help — a good agent will handle the paperwork for you. Second, major insurers like Cathay, Fubon, and Nan Shan have mobile apps where you can submit small claims (under NT$30,000~50,000) by uploading photos of your documents. Third, you can ask the hospital's international services desk (available at larger hospitals like NTU, Mackay, Taipei Veterans General) to provide English-language medical certificates. For the claim form itself, the key fields are your policy number, date of treatment, and bank account — an agent or bilingual friend can help fill it out in about 10 minutes.

Related Articles

• NHI Premium Calculator
• Healthcare Guide for Foreigners
• Car Insurance Guide (Chinese)
• Travel Insurance

Related Reading

• Taiwan NHI for Foreigners: How Much Does Health Insurance Cost? — Mandatory national health insurance
• Healthcare in Taiwan: Hospital Guide & Medical Costs for Foreigners (2026) — When insurance matters most
• Employee Rights & Labor Law in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026) — Labor insurance basics
• Emergency Numbers & Services in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026) — Emergencies and coverage