Taiwan Travel Insurance Guide
Taiwan is extremely safe (Level 1) with world-class affordable healthcare, but travel insurance is crucial for typhoon season disruptions, earthquake risks, and medical evacuation needs. Natural disaster coverage is essential for visits between May-November when typhoons and flooding commonly occur.
- What there is to do in Taiwan Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.
There is a risk of natural disasters in Taiwan, including earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, flooding, and extreme heat. Please review the Destination Information Page for more information.
If you decide to travel to Taiwan:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the American Institute in Taiwan. Enrolling helps us contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the security report for Taiwan from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
- Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Friendly and safe with good infrastructure; low violent crime, some petty theft and occasional harassment.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →First in Asia with marriage equality; vibrant Pride and strong queer community.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required - US/Japan citizens need validity for duration of stay only; UK/Canada/Australia citizens need 6 months validity
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days
- Confirmed onward/return travel ticket required upon arrival
- UK and Canadian citizens can extend stay to 180 days for free after arrival
- US and Australian citizens cannot extend beyond 90 days
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days
- US and Japanese citizens: Passport only needs to be valid for duration of intended stay (6-month validity NOT required)
- UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens: Passport must be valid for 6 months
- UK and Canadian citizens can extend their initial 90-day stay to 180 days for free after arrival
- US and Australian citizens cannot extend visa-free stay beyond 90 days
- Confirmed travel ticket showing departure before visa-free period ends is required upon arrival
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Taiwan boasts one of the world's best healthcare systems, with 35 hospitals evaluated in the 'World's Best Hospitals' ranking and 8 hospitals included in the 2025 Global Smart Hospital Rankings. The system offers exceptional quality at highly affordable costs - approximately one-fifth of US/UK prices even when paying full price without National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage. National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), founded in 1895, is the crown jewel with over 2,600 beds, 1,300+ certified physicians (many trained in Europe/US/Japan), and recognition as a JCI-accredited facility treating 13,000+ international patients yearly. NTUH ranked 249th globally and features cutting-edge specializations in cancer, immunology, cardiovascular disease, and biomedical imaging, plus smart healthcare technologies including AI-assisted emergency care and precision digital surgery. Other top Taipei hospitals include Taipei Veterans Hospital (Tienmu), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Linkou), and Cheng Hsin Hospital (800-bed facility with American ER director). All providers on the American Institute in Taiwan's list speak English. However, tourists on visitor/working holiday visas are NOT eligible for NHI and must have private health insurance. Emergency travel/health insurance is essential as medical bills can accumulate quickly for serious accidents, emergency surgery, or extended hospital stays.
Typical medical costs
- Outpatient registration fee: 500 NTD ($15 USD)
- Outpatient consultation fee: 1,500 NTD ($45 USD)
- General hospital admission fee: 6,000 NTD ($185 USD)
- Private hospital room (Taipei): 6,000-16,000 NTD per night ($185-$490 USD)
- Private hospital room (other cities): Starting from 4,200 NTD per night ($130 USD)
- Medical costs approximately 1/5 of US/UK costs even when paying full price
- Medical evacuation to US: $50,000-$150,000
- Note: Tourists on visitor/working holiday visas are not eligible for National Health Insurance (NHI)
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Trip cancellations/interruptions due to typhoons (May-November, 3-4 landfalls per year)
- Earthquake-related disruptions and train service interruptions (frequent in seismic zone)
- Flooding and mudslides during monsoon season
- Road blockages and landslides after typhoons (especially central/southern Taiwan)
- Credit card fraud, ATM skimming, and telephone scams
- Taxi scams and overcharging at tourist sites
- Extortion scams (minor car accidents, nightclub incidents)
- Medical emergencies requiring evacuation
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
General Emergency Number
112
American Institute Taiwan (AIT) - Emergency for U.S. Citizens
(02) 2162-2000
AIT from United States
1-888-407-4747
AIT Email
TaipeiACS@state.gov
AIT Address
100 Jinhu Road, Neihu District, Taipei 114017