The system of healthcare in Taipei is well regarded, both in the public and private sectors. Medical facilities are modern and well equipped, and most doctors speak English, though their proficiency differs.
As part of government efforts to improve national infrastructure and offer civic services, the Taiwanese Universal Health Insurance (NHI) programme was created and made available to residents in 1995. Expats living in Taiwan for more than six months or who hold an Alien Resident Card (ARC) are required to join the NHI. With the NHI, expats using one of Taiwan's excellent public health facilities are given access to heavily subsidised medical care.
Although public hospitals are world-class, many inpatient services that are standard in the West may not be provided at Taiwanese public facilities and patients seeking treatment may experience long waiting times.
Many expats therefore also utilise Taiwan's high-quality private care in order to avoid long waiting times, to receive better patient care and to access a greater choice of treatment options. Private healthcare in Taiwan is expensive, so those planning to make use of this sector should explore their private health insurance options.
Pharmacies are widely available across Taipei, with many doctors having pharmacies attached to their rooms.
Hospitals in Taipei
Cathay General Hospital
Website: www.cgh.org.tw
Address: 280 Ren'ai Road, Section 4, Da'an District
Mackay Memorial Hospital
Website: post.mmh.org.tw
Address: 92, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District
National Taiwan University Hospital
Website: www.ntuh.gov.tw
Address: 1 Changde Street, Zhongzheng District
Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Website: www.vghtpe.gov.tw
Address: 201, Section 2, Shipai Road, Beitou District
Taiwan Adventist Hospital
Website: www.tahsda.org.tw
Address: 424, Section 2, Bade Road, Songshan District
Tri-Service General Hospital
Website: www.tsgh.ndmctsgh.edu.tw
Address: 325, Section 2, Chenggong Road, Neihu District