Foreign Nationals May Enter Taiwan for Medical Treatment Under Certain Conditions Starting August 1
The Central Epidemic Command Center stated today, the 22nd, that Taiwan has long promoted international medical services. These services not only assist patients from various countries who come to Taiwan for medical treatment, but have also been repeatedly reported by international media, further deepening international friendship.
Due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan implemented border control measures starting March 19, 2020, restricting the entry of foreign nationals. As a result, some overseas patients were unable to come to Taiwan and had to interrupt their treatment.
Considering that Taiwan’s domestic pandemic situation is stable and that medical capacity remains sufficient, starting August 1 this year, international medical patients may apply to enter Taiwan for medical treatment through medical institutions, except for non-urgent medical needs such as health checkups and cosmetic medicine.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will review applications based on principles including medical necessity, continuity of treatment, and risk level, in order to assist overseas patients in receiving medical services in Taiwan.
The CECC stated that foreign nationals who need to come to Taiwan for medical treatment may apply for accompaniment by their spouse or up to two relatives within the third degree of kinship. If necessary, one medical professional or other caregiver from the applicant’s country of residence may also be allowed to accompany them.
Required documents include proof of medical insurance, a quarantine affidavit, proof of health for entry, which refers to an English-language negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test report issued within three days before boarding, as well as an epidemic prevention plan and medical treatment plan prepared by the receiving medical institution.
The medical institution will submit the entry application for medical treatment to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on behalf of the applicant. After the applicant or medical institution obtains the approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, they may proceed to the relevant authorities to apply for a special entry permit.
The CECC further explained that approved medical travelers and their companions must present an English-language negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test report issued within three days before boarding to airline ground staff during check-in or boarding. They must also wear masks throughout the flight.
After entering Taiwan, they must undergo 14 days of home quarantine and cooperate with testing measures at the end of the quarantine period. Only those who test negative may then go to a medical institution to receive medical services.
However, if there is an urgent medical need, the receiving medical institution may directly arrange admission to a dedicated ward or negative pressure isolation room. After one negative test result, medical treatment may be provided. During the 14-day quarantine period, care must follow the standards for suspected COVID-19 cases.
In addition, quarantine costs, testing fees, and medical treatment expenses during the applicant’s stay in Taiwan must be paid by the applicant. The receiving medical institution is also responsible for assisting with necessary quarantine and testing arrangements, including quarantine hotel accommodation, epidemic prevention transportation, and medical visit arrangements.
The CECC emphasized that while Taiwan continues to demonstrate high-quality medical services and contribute to the international community, it will still maintain strict border risk control principles.
For those applying to enter Taiwan for medical treatment, Taiwan will establish comprehensive epidemic prevention management measures to reduce the risk of community and hospital-acquired infections after foreign nationals enter the country, continuing to safeguard the health and safety of the people of Taiwan.
For questions regarding applications for foreign nationals to enter Taiwan for medical treatment, please contact the International Medical Management Task Force:
02-2885-1528
