What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
The system.
System: Universal National Health Insurance (NHI) covers residents. Tourists pay out-of-pocket but costs are very affordable. Excellent quality throughout.
Quality: โ โ โ โ โ Excellent
Excellent healthcare system consistently ranked among the best globally. Modern hospitals with advanced technology. English spoken at major hospitals in Taipei. Very affordable even without insurance.
Taiwan is a top medical tourism destination, especially for health checkups, cosmetic surgery, dental care, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Costs are 50-70% less than the US.
Where to actually go.
Taiwan's top-ranked hospital. International medical service center for foreign patients.
Major medical center with international patient services.
Well-known private hospital. International patient center. Good English service.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open daily 9am-10pm. Watson's and Cosmed chains found everywhere. Hospital pharmacies and some chain pharmacies open extended hours.
Prescription rules: Many medications available OTC that require prescriptions elsewhere. Antibiotics available at pharmacies. Controlled substances require a local prescription.
Look for ่ฅๅฑ (pharmacy) signs. Watson's and Cosmed are major chains. Many medications available OTC at low prices. Pharmacists in Taipei often speak some English.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen
- paracetamol (ๆฎๆฟ็ผ Panadol โ very common)
- cold medicine (ๆๅ่ฅ)
- stomach medication
- antihistamines
- Tiger Balm and medicated patches
- band-aids and first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ๆ้่ฆ้ ญ็่ฅ
- ๆ่ๅญ็
- ๆๅฐ...้ๆ
- ๆ่ฟ็่ฅๅฑๅจๅช่ฃก๏ผ
- ๆ้่ฆ็้ซ็
Chains you'll see
- Watsons (ๅฑ่ฃๆฐ) โ Green and white Watsons logo (Throughout Taiwan in shopping centers and high streets)
- Cosmed (ๅบทๆฏ็พ) โ Pink and white storefront (Urban areas nationwide)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen โ Panadol or Tylenol
Panadol and Tylenol are both available; locals also use generic brands. - ibuprofen โ Brufen or Advil
Available at most pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) โ Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English (and Chinese if possible) for controlled medications. Keep all medicines in original packaging. For large quantities, declare at customs.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall ยท CBD ยท Xanax ยท Opioids
Controlled substances. Bring documentation and keep in original packaging.
Strictly regulated. Bring a doctor's letter and customs declaration.
Controlled substance. Bring documentation.
Cannabis is strictly illegal in Taiwan. Penalties are severe.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care at very affordable prices. Many dentists speak English in Taipei.
Cost range: TWD 500-2,000 ($15-65) for consultation; TWD 1,000-5,000 ($30-160) for fillings
Dental care in Taiwan is excellent and very affordable. Many dental clinics in Taipei cater to international patients.
What you actually need.
๐ก๏ธ Recommended
Average cost: $30-55/week
Healthcare in Taiwan is very affordable โ an ER visit may cost only $20-50 without insurance. Insurance still recommended for hospital stays and medical evacuation.
Filing a claim
Taiwanese hospitals provide detailed receipts and English-language medical certificates on request. International departments assist with insurance documentation. Costs are low โ many travelers pay out-of-pocket. File claims with your insurer within 30 days.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is excellent in major cities
Secondary destination: Singapore or Tokyo
Typical cost band: $30,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases โ air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and major Chinese cities have world-class tertiary hospitals โ Singapore is the regional super-hub for the most specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas or extended stays)
No mandatory vaccinations. Ensure routine vaccinations are current.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution โ Tap water should be boiled before drinking in Taiwan. Most hotels and restaurants provide boiled or filtered water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.
Food safety
Taiwan is a food paradise with excellent food safety at most establishments. Night market food is legendary and generally safe โ stick to busy stalls. Fruits should be washed or peeled.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 0800-788-995 (Community Mental Health Center, free)
English-speaking therapists: Available in Taipei. Expect TWD 2,000-4,000 ($65-130) per session.
English-speaking mental health services available in Taipei through international clinics and private practice.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com โ crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Good accessibility in Taipei. MRT is fully accessible. Improvements continue but older areas may have barriers.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals are fully wheelchair accessible with excellent facilities.
Accessible transport: Taipei MRT is fully wheelchair accessible. Buses have low floors. Accessible taxis available. YouBike system not wheelchair accessible.
Taipei is generally accessible with good sidewalk infrastructure. Night markets can be crowded. National Palace Museum and major attractions are accessible. Jiufen Old Street has many stairs.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: Masks no longer required. Still commonly worn on public transit.
Testing availability: Tests available at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Taiwan lifted all COVID restrictions. Some healthcare settings may still request masks.
Taiwan travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State โ travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- American Institute in Taiwan
- Taiwan Centers for Disease Control
- WHO International Travel and Health