How to Apply for NHI
Health Insurance Regulations
1. Background & Legal Regulations
According to Taiwan government regulations, international students who obtain a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and have resided in Taiwan for at least six months are required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI). Before meeting the NHI eligibility, students must participate in a Group Medical Insurance (GMI) plan to cover their medical needs during the initial stay in Taiwan.
Definition of six-month residence: Students must have continuously resided in Taiwan for six months after entering the country and obtaining their ARC. If the student leaves Taiwan once during this period and the absence does not exceed 30 days, the remaining days after deduction can still be counted toward the six-month period.
2. Premium Payment Method and Amount
The NHI premium will be included in the tuition and miscellaneous fees at the beginning of each semester.
Monthly Premium: NT$826
Total per Semester: NT$4,956 (paid for six months)
Semester Periods: First semester (September to February), Second semester (March to August). New students must meet both the ARC requirement and six-month residence condition before joining the NHI.
3. Situations for Switching to University-Handled NHI
🔹 New students not covered by other insurance:
- Submit required documents to the Office of International Affairs (OIA)
- After completing six months of residence, the university will process NHI enrollment and IC card application
- The NHI card will be issued and sent to the university; OIA will notify students to collect it
🔹 Students currently insured elsewhere but wish to switch to university-managed NHI:
- Cancel previous insurance with the original provider
- Submit the cancellation form and related documents to OIA
🔹 Students already insured elsewhere and do not wish to switch:
- Provide proof of external insurance to OIA
- Check tuition fee statement each semester to avoid duplicate payments
4. Situations for Withdrawing or Leaving University-Handled NHI
🔸 Taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, graduating, transferring, or starting work:
- Students must apply for NHI withdrawal and refund through OIA.
🔸 Transferring to another school or institution:
- Obtain a transfer-out certificate from OIA and submit it to the new institution for transfer-in procedures.
5. Reissue or Replacement of NHI IC Card
If your NHI card is lost, damaged, has outdated photos, or your personal information changes, please visit the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) to apply for a replacement card.
Processing Fee: NT$200, and a completed application form is required.
Other Insurance Related to Overseas Chinese Students
📌 Student Group Insurance: Enrolled automatically by the university each semester
📌 Medical Insurance for Overseas Chinese Students: For those who have resided in Taiwan for less than 183 days
📌 Cathay Life "Group Health Insurance": For those who have stayed in Taiwan for more than 183 days but are not yet eligible for NHI
