Do you need travel insurance for Taiwan?
While you may need a visa for Taiwan, there is no legal requirement to have travel insurance for entering Taiwan. That means nobody is going to ask you or care whether you have travel insurance or not. What is this? Getting travel insurance is a good idea for traveling anywhere in the world, not just Taiwan.
If all of your reservations can be canceled without penalty, then trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage isn't necessary. But even if your trip isn't 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary.
Any Taiwanese citizen whose household is registered in Taiwan must enroll in the National Health Insurance program when their six-month residency has been established. Those who are employed in Taiwan are not subject to the six-month wait.
U.S. citizens seeking entry as tourists or visitors are required to present a valid passport that will remain valid for the period of intended stay. You must also possess a confirmed return or onward air ticket.
As a general rule, travel insurance coverage is not mandatory to travel. However, some countries require travel insurance to enter. Travel advisories change constantly and the country you plan to visit for your next trip may implement a requirement on short notice.
It can also be expensive, difficult to file claims, and not always cover the things you thought it would — or should.
Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.
What is covered under NHI program? The coverage includes both inpatient and outpatient care, prescription drugs, traditional Chinese medicine, dental services and home nursing care. Please check the NHI Website for details. Patients have free choice of doctors and access to specialist treatment.
National Health Insurance
NHI is mainly financed through premiums, which are based on the payroll tax, and is supplemented with out-of-pocket payments and direct government funding. In the initial stage, fee-for-service predominated for public and private providers.
You can apply online or visit your local district office to apply for a NHI IC Card. For more information, please visit the National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare's website . You can apply online or visit your local district office to apply for a NHI IC Card.
What do US citizens need to travel to Taiwan?
If you wish to enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor (less than 90 days), you do not need a visa. No extensions or changes of status are permitted. For visa-waiver travel, your U.S. passport must be valid through the number of days you intend to stay.
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Taiwan.
Taiwan is generally considered to have safe tap water that is suitable for drinking. The tap water in Taiwan is subject to rigorous testing and treatment, and it meets international standards for drinking water quality. Residents and foreigners living in Taiwan commonly drink tap water without issues.
The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.
It might be the case that you only remember about travel insurance when you're on the plane or even later when you're already abroad. In situations like this, it's still possible to get cover by buying specialist post-departure travel insurance – sometimes known as 'already travelling' insurance.
If you're traveling internationally, a policy that includes medical coverage can be a good choice, as your health insurance policy may not cover you outside of the country. Also factor in locational or seasonal concerns, such as hurricane season or civil unrest.
What type of travel insurance do I need? There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection plans and travel medical plans.
Travel insurance covers medical emergencies and other trip disruptions. You get international health insurance if you are moving away for work, studying, retirement, etc. and will spend the majority of your time abroad.
Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
Taiwan Universal Health Care
The medical centres are then reimbursed for their fees by the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Unlike some countries, however, visitors do not receive “free” healthcare; instead there is a system of “co-payments” which must be paid for care.
Taiwan's national health insurance (NHI) provides universal, mandatory coverage. The single-payer system is funded primarily through payroll-based premiums, although the government provides generous premium subsidies for low-income households, civil servants, and others.
Beginning in January 2024, the average monthly premium for individuals in categories 4 and 5 will be NT$2,160. It is entirely subsidized by the government. Since January 2021, the average premium for individuals in Category 6 has been NT$1,377, with 60% paid for by the individual (NT$826) and 40% by the government.
The Taiwanese healthcare system is characterised by good accessibility, comprehensive population coverage, short waiting times, low cost, and national data collection systems for planning and research. Problems with the system include short consultation times time and poor gatekeeping of specialist services.
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