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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