Health insurance for international students in Taiwan is structured around two main categories: Commercial Medical/Group Insurance for short-term stays or initial arrival periods and National Health Insurance (NHI) for long-term residency. 

 

First 6 Months

Because new international students cannot join the NHI immediately upon arrival, you must maintain valid health coverage for your first 6 months in Taiwan.

 

Option A

Student Group Commercial Insurance (Cathay / Shin Kong Life)

Cost: Around NT$3,000 for 6 months (approx. NT$500/month, usually included in initial university orientation/registration billing).

Coverage: Covers emergency care, accident injuries, and basic outpatient treatment up to set daily policy limits.

Reimbursement System: You pay upfront at clinics/hospitals, obtain an original receipt and diagnostic certificate (診斷證明書), and submit a claim through IACLC. 

 

Option B

Overseas Medical Insurance from Home Country. You may bring medical insurance from your home country covering your initial 6 months.

Requirement: The policy certificate must be written in English or Chinese and authenticated/certified by a Taiwanese overseas embassy or mission prior to traveling to Taiwan.

 

National Health Insurance (NHI - 國民健康保險)

Taiwan’s NHI system offers comprehensive healthcare coverage (outpatient visits, inpatient care, dental care, prescriptions, and traditional Chinese medicine) at low out-of-pocket costs.

Mandatory Status: All foreign residents residing in Taiwan continuously for 6 months (with an Alien Resident Certificate - ARC) are required by law to enroll in the NHI program.

Eligibility Rule:

• You must hold a valid ARC and reside in Taiwan continuously for 6 full months.
• During those 6 months, you may make one trip abroad lasting no more than 30 days; however, those days abroad are deducted from your total days accrued toward the 6-month threshold.

Cost: Standard student premium is approximately NT$826 per month (billed per semester along with school tuition, around NT$4,956 per 6-month term).

How to Apply: IACLC will process your NHI enrollment once you complete your 6-month wait period.

 

Exchange & Short-Term Students

Students studying in Taiwan for less than 6 months (such as single-semester exchange students) do not qualify for the NHI.

Short-term students must either purchase local group medical insurance provided via IACLC or bring an authenticated international travel/medical policy valid for their entire stay.