When insureds get sick, injured in an accident, or give birth, they can receive medical services at medical institutions such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and medical examination institutions upon presentation of their health insurance card.

NHI-contracted hospitals and clinics

Under the NHI system, the insured can freely choose to receive medical care services at any NHI contracted hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or medical laboratory. Even when overseas, the insured can immediately obtain medical care at a local medical institution if they have an unforeseen illness or injury, or have an emergency delivery. Upon return to Taiwan, such individuals may apply for reimbursement of medical expenses paid overseas within six months after receiving emergency treatment, outpatient treatment, or their hospital discharge. The reimbursement will be based on the average payment for domestic hospitals and clinics.

As of the end of June 2021, NHI contracted hospitals and clinics totaled 21,594, and accounted for 92.58% of all hospitals and clinics in Taiwan. There were also 6,716 contracted pharmacies, 722 home nursing care institutions, 231 psychiatric rehabilitation centers, 19 midwifery institutions, 208 medical examination clinics, 32 physical therapy clinics, 10 medical radiation clinics, 4 occupational therapy clinics, and 8 home respiratory care units. Insureds may freely choose at which hospital or clinic they will receive medical services.

NHI Medical Benefits

The medical services currently provided by the NHI include outpatient care, inpatient care, traditional Chinese medicine, dental care, child delivery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, home health care, chronic mental illness rehabilitation, and etc. The scope of medical payments includes diagnosis, examination, lab tests, consultation, surgery, anesthesia, medication, materials, treatment, nursing, and insured beds; essentially all necessary health care services are covered by the system.