Taiwan
Healthcare quality & costs · 2022
Good — 77.5/100 Universal systemHealthcare index trend
Asia comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 84.2 | 83.2 yrs | $92 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| Hong Kong | 83.8 | 84.4 yrs | $74 | 2.00 | 100.0% |
| Japan | 81.5 | 83.6 yrs | $28 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| South Korea | 79.8 | 82.9 yrs | $14 | 2.50 | 100.0% |
| Taiwan | 77.5 | 80.5 yrs | $14 | 3.40 | 99.0% |
| Thailand | 65.5 | 76.5 yrs | $28 | 0.95 | 99.0% |
| Malaysia | 60.8 | 75.8 yrs | $32 | 1.50 | 70.0% |
| China | 59.5 | 77.5 yrs | $23 | 3.10 | 96.0% |
| Vietnam | 53.8 | 74.7 yrs | $14 | 0.94 | 88.0% |
| Indonesia | 46.2 | 71.0 yrs | $18 | 0.47 | 56.0% |
| Philippines | 44.5 | 71.8 yrs | $17 | 0.64 | 40.0% |
| India | 42.5 | 70.1 yrs | $11 | 0.70 | 27.0% |
Healthcare in Taiwan — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Taiwan in 2022?
Taiwan scores 77.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2022, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 80.5 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 6.60% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Taiwan?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Taiwan costs approximately $14 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $230 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Taiwan?
Taiwan has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 6.60% of GDP in health spending.
How much is private health insurance in Taiwan?
Average private health insurance in Taiwan costs approximately $32 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Taiwan have?
Taiwan operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 99.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Taiwan?
Taiwan has 3.4 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 7.00 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Taiwan?
Life expectancy in Taiwan is 80.5 years in 2022, compared to the Asia average of 77.7 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Taiwan?
The infant mortality rate in Taiwan is 3.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.
How does Taiwan compare to other Asia countries?
Taiwan ranks 5 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 77.5/100 is +12.5pp above the Asia average of 65/100. Life expectancy is +2.8 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Taiwan?
Expats who obtain legal residency in Taiwan generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.
Is Taiwan a good destination for medical tourism?
Yes — Taiwan is a recognised medical tourism destination, attracting international patients with quality care at lower cost than Western Europe or North America. Common procedures include dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and specialist consultations. Private hospitals typically offer English-speaking staff and international accreditation.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Taiwan?
A hospital stay in Taiwan costs approximately $230 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Taiwan's healthcare improving?
Taiwan's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 77.5/100 to 79.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 80.5 to 81.2 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Taiwan?
Taiwan has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 7.00 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.