Taiwan has recently received a lot of press for its great response to the Covid-19 outbreak. But Taiwan has had a world class universal healthcare system for decades, known as National Health Insurance (NHI). People have long been coming to Taiwan for "medical tourism," due to Taiwan's low cost and high quality medical care. In this article we will answer common questions about Taiwan's healthcare system and why it is perhaps the best in the world.
Please note that some of the answers below are anecdotal based on personal experience using National Health Insurance in Taiwan, and are for reference only.
Q: When and how did Taiwan's universal healthcare system start?
A: Taiwan's National Health Insurance system started in 1995, and was modeled after medicare in the USA, but for the entire population. Taiwan's government studied and modeled the best parts of healthcare systems from many different nations.
Q: Is it easy to see a doctor in Taiwan?
A: Yes, small clinics are everywhere in major cities, as well as many large hospitals.
However, clinic and hospital coverage is few and far between in mountain areas and on outer islands.
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Q: Do most doctors speak English in Taiwan?
A: Yes, most doctors speak English and have to deal with foreign patients daily, especially in large cities. Also, to be certified they must pass rigorous tests in English and Latin.
Some doctors have also studied overseas and speak perfect English.
However, in my experience most nurses or assistants at clinics cannot speak or understand English very well, and you may get a worried look if you walk in the door.
Q: Are Taiwanese doctors corrupt?
A: In general no, they are all paid from the National Health Insurance system and you do not need to pay an extra red envelope to get care. However some doctors try to push treatment not covered by NHI for extra revenue.
Q: Are there long wait times for doctors in Taiwan?
A: No, you can see a doctor at any small clinic within half an hour or sooner. Most of the time I am done with a walk in clinic within ten minutes.
You might wait more than an hour on weekends or at large public hospitals.
Q: Are there enough doctors per capita?
A: Yes, there are about 2 doctors per 1,000 people.
Q: Are there enough hospital beds per capita?
A: Yes, there are about 6 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
Q: How much does it cost to get stitches in Taiwan?
A: It cost me 700 NT to get about 7 stitches in my forehead with NHI.
Q: How much does it cost to give birth in Taiwan?
A: It usually costs about 10,000-20,000 NT to give birth with NHI in Taiwan. However if you are part of Taiwan's labor pension system you can get a birth stipend that more than covers this amount.
Q: Is it safe to give birth in Taiwan?
A: Yes, perhaps safer than giving birth in the USA! The healthcare standards here are very high, and infant and mother mortality rates are very low compared to the rest of the developed world.
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How much does National Health Insurance (NHI) cost for normal citizens?
This depends on your status and salary amount. National health insurance payments are taken out of monthly salary, while a portion of the amount is paid by the company and the government. Employees contribute about 30%, companies contribute about 60%, and the government contributes about 10%.
Salary contributions are based on asalary grade table set by the NHI bureau. The table also charges extra for up to three dependents (further dependents are free).
Below is an example of contributions for a monthly salary of 60,000 NT:
