Taiwan Medical Insurance

Taiwan is an island situated in East Asia in the Western Pacific Ocean, and is located off the southeastern coast of Mainland China. It has a population of 23 million and an area of 35,990 square kilometers, with its largest city Taipei situated at the northern tip of the island. Taiwan is known for its large electronic and agricultural industries. It is also home to the largest number and density of high mountains, resulting in a popular tourist destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Taiwan's health facilities were seriously damaged during the Second World War, resulting in frequent epidemics during that time. Epidemics are still an existing concern in Taiwan with major health events including the SARS crisis in 2003, which resulted in 36 deaths. A total of 346 SARS cases have been reported in Taiwan since the initial breakout, ranking 3rd after China and Hong Kong respectively though the country is now declared safe by the World Health Organization. Following the outbreak of SARS in 2003, the Government established the National Health Command Center, a facility designed to enhance the communication and decision making process during a medical crisis, adapting similar models to that of the USA.

In order to sustain the equality of health care standards of Taiwan, the Government has put into place the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The NHI program is a social health insurance system and is compulsory for all citizens of Taiwan. Expats living in Taiwan, holding an Alien Resident Certificate, are also insured under this scheme through the NHI. By law, regardless of age or employment status, every citizen and ARC holder must enroll in the program. Everyone is issued with a Health Insurance Card and this card must be presented to Primary care facilities or Doctors in order for the card holder to receive medical benefits. The NHI program covers necessary medical expenses when visiting a Doctor (at contracted health care institutions), maternity care, emergency care, dental treatment and traditional Chinese Medicine are covered under the program. The NHI will cover a capped proportion of the payment and the patient is required to pay the outstanding amount.

Although the system has been put into place with the aim of providing quality health care, health care institutions covered under the scheme are set up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doctors are under enormous pressure to see large volumes of patients, up to 30 patients an hour. It's also a fee-for-service payment system, meaning doctors and hospitals tend to over prescribe in order to boost their income. Another concern is that premiums do not automatically increase when health care costs rise, this means that the system copes by cutting the fees of hospital and physician services, affecting the quality of health care provided.

Popular alternatives are to attend Special Clinics. In the interest of English speaking patients, Special Clinics in Taiwan have been set up by hospitals, providing health care services to expat patients. Clinic physicians generally have a greater cultural understanding and when you need urgent care, most can get you in to see a Doctor on short notice. The clinic staff locates the hospital's best Doctors and clinics for you by setting up appointments, arranging outpatient services and presenting you with a bill (translated into English). These special clinics are not covered under the NHI program. As such expats in Taiwan are strongly encouraged to obtain some form of Taiwan medical insurance, to ensure ease of access to complementary medical services.

Taiwan has to pay particular attention to their health standards and hygiene conditions due to their damp climate, which increases the spread of infections and communicable diseases. Schools commonly adopt extra hygiene precautions to control contamination. Sterilisation spray is immediately administered on entering followed by temperature checks. Parents are asked to record their child's temperature after school and keep a diary for the school's reference. If you're planning on spending more than 6 months in Taiwan, vaccinations are recommended to protect you and your family against Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis), Hepatitis B, Tetanus Typhoid, Yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

Typhoons are a common occurrence in Taiwan during the months from July to October. As well as adopting emergency procedures, residents are also recommended to take extra precautions during this season including disinfection and cleaning mosquito-breeding sites. Typhoons increase the spread of infectious diseases such as dengue fever and this is a concern for people living in Taiwan.

Dengue fever is a life threatening disease spread by infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically bite at dawn with symptoms including headache, a distinctive red pin point rash, muscle and joint pains - giving its nickname 'break bone fever'. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form of the dengue infection. Symptoms of DHF are the same as dengue fever but also include vomiting and difficulty in breathing. Complications of DHF can result in failure of the circulatory system, leading to shock and in 1 percent of cases, death. Immediate medical attention is therefore required to treat the symptoms.

The WHO reports epidemic patterns of dengue in Taiwan remaining fairly consistent, with small outbreaks occurring every 3 years. The last major epidemic outbreak of dengue occurred in Tainan City, Taiwan. This outbreak had significant association with cases in several Asian countries at the time, and the majority of these cases were primarily travellers who had come from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia. The epidemic resulted in 348 confirmed dengue cases, 14 of which were DHF. In terms of prevention, residents of Taiwan are responsible for keeping their gardens and outdoor areas free of standing water where mosquitoes are more likely to breed. Mosquitoes also breed in items that collect water such as vases, pet drinking bowls and garbage bags.

Mild to strong earthquakes also occur throughout Taiwan and are not a rarity. Emergency evacuation procedures must be adopted by residents in order to reduce the risk of injury during the event of an earthquake or a typhoon. Earthquakes can indeed be terrifying, disrupting communications and triggering fires. To call an ambulance, dial 1-1-9; although generally ambulance dispatchers do not speak English. Taiwan regulations require ambulances to have emergency equipment and supplies and to be staffed by trained medical personnel.

For more information about Taiwan medical insurance Plans, or to receive a free International Health Insurance Quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.