NHI (National Health Insurance)

What is National Health Insurance (NHI)?

National Health Insurance (NHI) is Taiwan’s mandatory social insurance system. Once you become eligible, enrollment is required by law. Most hospitals and clinics across Taiwan are NHI-contracted. By presenting your NHI card, you can access medical care with peace of mind—aside from certain specialized medications or tests, you will only need to pay a small registration fee and a co-payment.

Eligibility

  • New students must reside in Taiwan for 6 consecutive months to become eligible.
  • Travel Restrictions: During this 6-month period, you are allowed one trip outside of Taiwan for no more than 28 days.
    Note that any days spent abroad do not count toward your 6-month residency requirement.
  • Effective Start Dates:
    • International & Overseas Chinese Students: Calculated from the date of entry printed on your Resident Visa.
    • Hong Kong & Macau Students: Calculated from the date of issuance of your Resident Entry/Exit Permit.
    • Dual Citizens (with Taiwan ID): Calculated from the date of household registration (no travel restrictions apply).

Premiums and Payment

  • Standard Rate: The NHI premium for international students is NT$826 per month.
  • Financial Hardship Subsidy: For Overseas Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau students who provide a valid Financial Hardship Certificate to the university, the premium is reduced to NT$413 per month.
  • Payment Method: Once you are eligible for enrollment, the insurance premium will be automatically included in your tuition and fees bill and collected once every six months.

Detailed Regulations

All regulations are subject to the official announcements on the National Health Insurance Administration website: https://www.nhi.gov.tw/