Taiwan does not require travel insurance on entry, but foreign visitors have no access to the National Health Insurance scheme (NHI), which is reserved for legal residents. Should you need hospital treatment or a medical evacuation, every bill comes out of your own pocket. Before you travel, review your cover and make sure you are protected to the level the situation demands.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in Taiwan?
Travel insurance is not compulsory to enter Taiwan. That said, foreign tourists have no right of access to the Taiwanese NHI: every consultation, every night in hospital and every medical procedure is billed in full. A medical repatriation from East Asia can run to tens of thousands of euros. Taking out cover before you leave is the most sensible decision you can make.
Why take out Taiwan travel insurance?
- Medical costs fall on you: Without NHI enrolment, every treatment is charged at full price. An unplanned hospital stay can quickly reach several thousand euros, entirely at your expense if you are uninsured.
- Repatriation from East Asia: Organising a medical repatriation from Taiwan to your home country is expensive. Your travel insurance covers the logistics and cost of the medical evacuation, including medical escort where required under your policy.
- Local health risks: Dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis are mosquito-borne and present year-round in Taiwan. An emergency consultation or hospitalisation may be unavoidable, especially in rural areas far from major medical centres.
- Theft and baggage loss: Cameras, laptops, luggage – valuables remain a target in tourist areas. Baggage cover reimburses theft involving forced entry and loss by the carrier, subject to the conditions of your policy.
- Typhoons and unexpected cancellations: Taiwan is exposed to typhoons from May to November. Should your trip be cancelled or cut short due to adverse weather, illness or a family emergency, cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable costs.
What your Taiwan travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For a stay in Taiwan, Yupwego recommends a minimum of 500,000 € cover to handle medical expenses, repatriation and the unexpected.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego pays the healthcare provider directly in the event of an accident or illness, so you never have to foot the bill upfront.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires a return home, Yupwego arranges and funds the medical transport, with a medical escort included depending on your policy.
- Third-party liability: If you accidentally cause damage to a third party during your stay, your policy may cover the resulting costs, subject to the terms and conditions.
- Baggage and valuables: In the event of theft involving forced entry or loss by the carrier, compensation is provided up to the limits set out in your policy.
- Cancellation and trip interruption: If you cannot travel or need to return early, costs not refunded by the carrier or accommodation provider are covered, subject to conditions.
Health and medical care in Taiwan
Taiwan’s healthcare system is of a high standard, particularly in major cities where international clinics offer English-language services. However, foreigners not enrolled in the NHI pay their full medical costs, including administrative fees charged from the moment of admission. The main health risks are mosquito-borne diseases: dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis, all present year-round. No vaccine is required to enter Taiwan, but French health authorities recommend vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid and, depending on your profile and length of stay, Japanese encephalitis.
Entry requirements for Taiwan
French nationals benefit from a visa exemption for Taiwan: stays of up to 90 days are permitted without any prior formality, provided you hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry and carry a return or onward ticket. A digital arrival card must be completed before departure on the Taiwanese immigration portal. For longer stays, see our long-stay travel insurance: tailored cover; for a working holiday visa, our young traveller, student and WHV travel insurance is specifically designed for that type of stay.
Vehicle hire and road accidents in Taiwan
If you hire a vehicle in Taiwan, insist on a thorough inspection at pick-up and take out the damage waiver (CDW) offered by the hire company: travel insurance does not cover material damage to a hired vehicle. However, if you are injured in an accident, your own medical costs and repatriation (personal injury) are covered by your travel insurance. Third-party liability is covered under the terms of your policy. An international driving permit is recommended, although some hire companies accept a European licence.
