Health insurance will be canceled from December 23. Do I have to pay indefinitely if I travel abroad for many years? A look at QA |. Central News Agency CNA

National Health Insurance Suspension Changes in Taiwan

On November 22, 2024, Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a draft amendment to the National Health Insurance Law. This amendment will end the current system of suspending and reinstating health insurance for individuals living abroad. The new rules will take effect on December 23, 2024.

Current Suspension and Reinstatement Rules

Under the existing rules, health insurance can be suspended if a recipient is away for less than 6 months or plans to be abroad for more than 6 months. During this period, the individual does not have to pay insurance premiums. However, if someone applies for suspension while abroad, they must wait three months after returning to apply for reinstatement.

Reason for the Amendment

The need for change arose from a Supreme Court ruling on December 23, 2022, which stated that the suspension and reinstatement process violated legal principles. The court emphasized that if the government intended to keep this system, it needed proper legislative authority.

Revised Rules

The draft amendment removes the suspension and reinstatement procedure from December 23 onwards. All individuals with family registration in Taiwan must continue to pay insurance premiums, even if they stay abroad for more than six months. If someone’s insurance is suspended before December 22, it will remain suspended but will be reinstated upon their return.

Impact of the Changes

Around 210,000 individuals currently have suspended insurance, mostly overseas Chinese. This change is expected to generate approximately NT$2.3 billion in annual premium income.

Health Insurance for Long-term Abroad Residents

Citizens who live abroad for more than two years must officially register their migration. When they return and wish to restore their family registration, they can do so with their passport and national identification documents. If a citizen has been abroad for more than two years, they will not be eligible for health insurance until they have returned and registered for at least six months.

Insurance Coverage for Emergencies Abroad

While living abroad, insured individuals may still seek medical treatment for emergencies or childbirth. If treatment is necessary at a local facility, they can apply for reimbursement from the National Health Insurance within six months of discharge.

This amendment aims to simplify health insurance regulations and ensure equal responsibilities for all citizens, promoting fair risk sharing in the National Health Insurance system.