Heath Insurance
Insurance Guidelines for International Students
1. Why students must join group insurance before enrolling in NHI
- International students are eligible for Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) only after residing continuously in Taiwan for 6 months.
- To ensure medical protection during the initial period, students are required to first enroll in Group Insurance.
- Group Insurance: NT$600 per month, minimum of 6 months (1 semester), paid together with tuition and fees.
- Students who already have overseas insurance must have the policy verified by a Taiwan overseas mission and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of International Affairs.
2. Group Insurance Guidelines
📍Coverage and Benefits:
- Inpatient treatment (maximum NT$1,000 per visit)
- Outpatient or emergency treatment (maximum NT$1,000 per visit)
- Hospital-related expenses (surgery, ER, lab tests, equipment, blood, anesthesia, etc.)
- Disability and death compensation (refer to policy terms)
📍Required Documents for Claims:
- Claim application form (available at school or insurance company)
- Medical receipts and itemized bills (stamped by hospital)
- Doctor’s diagnosis (ICD-10 code recommended for faster processing)
- Copy of passport and ARC
- Bank account details (copy of bankbook cover)
📍Important Notes:
- Only reasonable and necessary medical treatments are covered (not covered: health check-ups, vaccinations, cosmetic procedures, teeth cleaning, etc.)
- Claim process: submit documents via school (OIA) or directly to Cathay Life Insurance. If approved, reimbursement is made via bank transfer within 2–3 weeks.
📍Other Key Information:
- Insured and Beneficiary: medical/disability claims go to the insured student; death benefits go to legal heirs, or otherwise follow policy order.
- Link with NHI: Group insurance is the first protection before joining NHI. Group insurance remains valid even if leaving Taiwan temporarily or if ARC expires; review case by case for refund or re-enrollment needs.
3. NHI Enrollment
- After 6 months of continuous residence, the school will arrange NHI enrollment.
- NHI fees are collected with tuition and paid by the school.
- Students will receive an NHI card as proof of insurance.
📍Important Notes:
- ARC must be valid for NHI coverage to remain effective.
- If ARC expires, NHI is automatically suspended.
- After ARC renewal, re-enrollment in NHI is required.
4. NHI Card Application Process
📍When students meet the 6-month residency requirement, the school applies collectively.
📍Required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of ARC (front and back)
- Recent 2-inch color photo (white background, per NHI standards)
- Application form
📍Submit photo to auic@asia.edu.tw (Subject: [Student ID] NHI Card Application).
📍Processing time: 7–14 working days. The card will be sent to the school and distributed to students.
5. Lost/Damaged/Replacement NHI Cards
- Lost/Damaged: apply at NHI Service Office.
- Required: passport, ARC, one qualified photo, and NT$200 replacement fee.
- Replacement due to information change (name, passport no., etc.): submit supporting documents.
6. Medical Visits without NHI Card
📍Before receiving NHI card:
- Students must pay full medical costs upfront.
- Keep receipts and itemized bills.
- Later, submit receipts + NHI card + ARC to NHI office or hospital for partial reimbursement.
📍Forgot NHI card during visit:
- Hospital charges full cost; if card is presented within 10 days, partial reimbursement is possible.
- Emergency care is always available, but costs must be paid first.
7. Other Important Notes
📍Exit & Insurance Suspension:
- Temporary exit under 30 days: no need to suspend NHI, still valid upon return.
- Exit over 30 days: must suspend NHI; no premium required, but cannot use NHI.
- Re-entry after suspension: must reside another 6 months before re-enrollment.
- Graduation, withdrawal, or permanent departure: school assists with termination to avoid continued charges.
- ARC expiration: NHI stops automatically; must renew ARC and re-enroll.
📍Work & Double Enrollment:
- If legally employed, employers may enroll students in NHI.
- Students must check to avoid duplicate enrollment and fees; notify the school for assistance.
⚠️Key Reminders
- First 6 months → Group Insurance. After 6 months → school arranges NHI.
- After NHI enrollment → apply for NHI card.
- Lost/Damaged card → replace at NHI office with NT$200 fee.
- Without NHI card → pay first, apply for partial reimbursement.
- Exit <30 days → no suspension; Exit >30 days → suspend NHI.
- ARC expiration → automatic suspension, re-enroll after renewal.
📢Reference: National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare