Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 119 (fire/ambulance). Emergency care fast and efficient. Major hospitals have English-speaking staff. Ambulance response is rapid.
Response time: 5-10 minutes urban
Cost: ER: NT$450-750 ($14-23) copay for NHI. Uninsured: NT$1,000-5,000 ($31-155).
Healthcare System
Taiwan has one of the world's best healthcare systems — consistently ranked top globally. Extremely affordable, fast access, excellent technology. No GP gatekeeper — direct access to specialists. NHI covers 99.9% of the population. English available at major hospitals in Taipei.
Designed for: All residents enrolled in NHI. Visitors can access care directly at affordable cash prices.
GP Access & Costs
Direct access to clinics and hospitals. Walk-in to any clinic or hospital outpatient department. No referral needed for specialists.
Typical wait: Clinic: 15-30 min. Hospital outpatient: 30-60 min. Specialist: same-day to next-day.
Availability: Excellent — clinics on virtually every street. 24-hour clinics in major cities.
GP Visit
NHI: NT$150-450 ($5-14) copay
Private GP
NT$500-1,500 ($15-46) uninsured
ER Without Insurance
NT$1,000-10,000 ($31-310). Hospital stay: NT$2,000-5,000/night ($62-155).
Medication
Extremely affordable. NHI subsidises heavily. Even uninsured visitors pay very little. Medications often dispensed at clinic.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Daily 9am-10pm commonly. Many 24-hour pharmacies. Cosmed and Watsons chains widespread.
OTC: Many medications available at pharmacies. Pharmacists can advise and supply various treatments affordably.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry doctor's letter and original packaging for controlled medications. Some medications common elsewhere may be restricted.
Practical Tips
- National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei Veterans General Hospital are top facilities
- Walk into any neighbourhood clinic for fast, affordable care
- Medications often dispensed directly at the clinic — no separate pharmacy trip
- Gold Card programme gives skilled professionals 3-year open work rights
- 7-Eleven and FamilyMart pharmacies stock basic OTC medications 24/7
Who can get care in Taiwan?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Taiwan treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Direct access to clinics and hospitals. Walk-in to any clinic or hospital outpatient department. No referral needed for specialists. Typical cost: NHI: NT$150-450 ($5-14) copay. Uninsured: NT$500-1,500 ($15-46). Typical wait: Clinic: 15-30 min. Hospital outpatient: 30-60 min. Specialist: same-day to next-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: NT$1,000-10,000 ($31-310). Hospital stay: NT$2,000-5,000/night ($62-155)..
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance
- Passport
- Health check results (for work/residence permits)
Local contacts in Taiwan
Emergency services
119 / 110
Call 119 (fire/ambulance). Emergency care fast and efficient. Major hospitals have English-speaking staff. Ambulance response is rapid.
Pharmacies
Daily 9am-10pm commonly. Many 24-hour pharmacies. Cosmed and Watsons chains widespread.
Many medications available at pharmacies. Pharmacists can advise and supply various treatments affordably.
What is the emergency number in Taiwan?
119 or 110 in Taiwan. Call 119 (fire/ambulance). Emergency care fast and efficient. Major hospitals have English-speaking staff. Ambulance response is rapid.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Taiwan?
NHI: NT$150-450 ($5-14) copay. Uninsured: NT$500-1,500 ($15-46). Private consultations: NT$500-1,500 ($15-46) uninsured.
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Sources: Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, NHI Taiwan, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare