- The best travel insurance plans for Taiwan
- Is it currently safe to travel to Taiwan?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Taiwan?
- Why take out travel insurance for Taiwan?
- What should travel insurance for Taiwan cover?
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Taiwan
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Taiwan
- Will my current insurance cover me in Taiwan?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Taiwan: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Taiwan covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage for Australian travellers.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is vital as medical costs in Taiwan can be very high.
3. Healthcare cost: Taiwan's quality healthcare is expensive, and you will often be required to pay upfront for treatment.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Taiwan typically costs between AUD $30 and AUD $60.
5. Good to know: Australians must complete an online arrival card within three days before arriving in Taiwan.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Taiwan.
The best travel insurance plans for Taiwan
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Recommended for travel to Taiwan. - very high medical ceiling - covers repatriation - extensive accident protection |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Suitable for comprehensive trips. - 24/7 helpline - reliable medical ceiling - cancellation protection |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Ideal for tourists in Taiwan. - solid medical cover - emergency support - cost-effective |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Good choice for longer or multiple stays. - hospital costs and emergencies - repatriation support - good value |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Sufficient for standard trips. - covers essential emergencies - civil liability - easy claims |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Affordable for short visits. - basic hospital cover - quick reimbursement - suitable for independent travellers |
- very high medical ceiling
- covers repatriation
- extensive accident protection
- 24/7 helpline
- reliable medical ceiling
- cancellation protection
- solid medical cover
- emergency support
- cost-effective
- hospital costs and emergencies
- repatriation support
- good value
- covers essential emergencies
- civil liability
- easy claims
- basic hospital cover
- quick reimbursement
- suitable for independent travellers
Is it currently safe to travel to Taiwan?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions when visiting Taiwan. There are no current restrictions or warnings for most travellers, but it is important to remain informed, especially during the typhoon season.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Taiwan is generally safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places including Taipei’s main stations. Caution is particularly advised when using taxis at night in major cities.
- Health risks: dengue fever is present, especially during summer months in southern cities like Tainan and Kaohsiung. Medical care is of a high standard in major public hospitals, but private services can be costly and require upfront payment.
- Legal constraints: certain prescription medications that are common in Australia are illegal in Taiwan. Travellers must check restrictions before entry, especially for medications used for ADHD or strong painkillers.
- Environmental hazards: typhoons from May to November cause flooding and disruptions. Landslides are possible in areas such as the Taroko Gorge, particularly after heavy rain or earthquakes.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Taiwan.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Taiwan?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians travelling to Taiwan.
Despite this, it is strongly recommended as you may need to pay upfront for emergency medical care or private clinic fees, which can be expensive. Travel insurance can offer protection for medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings throughout your stay in Taiwan.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Taiwan. This level reflects the potential costs of healthcare and the need for support in case of illness or an accident.
Why take out travel insurance for Taiwan?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Taiwan.
In Taiwan, treatment for foreigners at top clinics like Taipei Veterans General Hospital or Chang Gung Memorial can be expensive, particularly in private rooms or for emergency care. While public hospitals in Taipei offer good quality, long wait times are common and private clinics generally require full payment upfront, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars for urgent interventions.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medicines, ambulance services and emergency repatriation to Australia if needed.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Taiwan.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Taipei Veterans General Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | NTD 32,000 (about 1,540 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | NTD 26,000 (about 1,250 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | NTD 660,000 (about 31,900 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | NTD 90,000 (about 4,350 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Taiwan cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Taiwan.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital fees, consultations, and medicines for illness or accident, including private and public hospitals in Taipei. Recommended limit: at least AUD 50,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to Australia or to another facility if local care is not sufficient. Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more. |
| 💼 Baggage and valuables | Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, including electronics and passports. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 minimum. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimbursement for prepaid travel and accommodation if you are forced to cancel or cut your trip short due to a covered event. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers third-party injury or property damage claims. Recommended limit: AUD 1 million. |
| 🦟 Infectious diseases | Medical coverage for contracting diseases such as dengue fever or Japanese encephalitis. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum. |
| 🦴 Personal accident | Compensation in case of accidental death or permanent disability. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 50,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 1 million.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards typically includes low limits and many exclusions. For safer travel, select a reputable insurer with comprehensive protection. You can compare leading insurers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Taiwan
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 36 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 66 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 100 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 195 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for Taiwan depends on several factors: your age, the duration of your trip, your chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It's important to keep these in mind, as they will determine the final cost and ensure you get the right protection for your travels without any nasty surprises.
How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Taiwan
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Taiwan while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 Number of travellers | Insurers often offer reduced per-person rates for family or group policies compared to individual ones. | Book family or group coverage together to receive a discount per person and simplify your policy management. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Insurance is priced based on the number of travel days, so longer trips are more expensive. | Select dates that exactly match your trip to avoid paying for unnecessary extra coverage days. |
| 🌍 Level of coverage | Medical care in Taiwan is high quality but can be costly for private clinics and emergencies. | Focus on plans with high medical benefits, avoiding extras unless you plan high-risk activities. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Hospital costs or emergency evacuation in Taiwan can be substantial if not covered. | Choose a policy with high medical and hospital cover, but skip unnecessary add-ons to reduce the price. |
| 💼 Optional add-ons | Adding baggage, electronics or activity cover will increase your premium. | Select only add-ons required for your trip, such as electronics or adventure, and avoid anything you don’t need. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Premiums usually increase for older travellers, mainly above 60. | Check insurers’ age brackets and compare pricing. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 💳 Payment flexibility | Some policies have small discounts for one-off payment versus monthly instalments. | If possible, pay in full when purchasing your policy as it’s usually cheaper than splitting into instalments. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Taiwan?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current coverage—such as public health insurance, private health insurance or your credit card—can protect you for travel in Taiwan. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially for serious health incidents or repatriation.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Taiwan? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No cover for medical, hospital, dental, or repatriation costs outside Australia. | Travel insurance can cover up to AUD 1.6M for medical emergencies, repatriation, hospitalisation, and more. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Possible overseas emergency treatment (AUD 50K–150K), but often excludes evacuation or some services. | Travel insurance covers medical and evacuation up to AUD 1.6M, delays, cancellations, and baggage loss. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ, Westpac, NAB) | Limited coverage | Emergency health or accident up to AUD 20K–50K if trip paid by card. No cover for long stays or pandemics. | Travel insurance extends cover up to AUD 1.6M, including adventure sports and high medical bills. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, ANZ Black) | Limited coverage | Medical up to AUD 300K, cancellation, and luggage cover, usually strict conditions and exclusions. | Travel insurance usually covers up to AUD 1.6M and does not restrict on trip length or common exclusions. |
Example
After a scooter accident in Kenting, Liam's emergency surgery and hospitalisation cost AU$35,000. His CommBank card's included insurance only covered AU$1,500, and Medicare doesn't apply overseas. Without comprehensive travel insurance, he was left with a massive AU$33,500 bill, a devastating cost for a simple holiday mishap.
Expert advice
Your credit card or private health insurance often excludes key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. For complete peace of mind, it's safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days under the visa-exempt entry scheme. You must have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry, a return or onward ticket, and complete the online immigration arrival card before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Taiwan?
To purchase travel insurance for Taiwan, first compare policies using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the coverage and exclusions, making sure policies address relevant needs for Taiwan, such as typhoon disruption, hospital care, or pandemics. Buy your chosen insurance online and then download or receive your insurance certificate.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Taiwan?
Choose a policy that provides comprehensive medical cover, including hospital fees, emergency evacuation, and repatriation to Australia. Consider options that also cover trip cancellations and lost baggage, as sudden weather changes or natural disasters can disrupt travel plans in Taiwan.
Are private hospitals in Taiwan expensive for Australians?
Yes, private medical care in Taiwan can be expensive for foreigners. Treatment at a private clinic or hospital, especially in cities like Taipei, usually requires upfront payment. A hospital stay or emergency care can quickly add up to several thousand Australian dollars.
Does travel insurance for Taiwan cover adventure and outdoor activities?
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude adventure activities such as hiking in the mountains, cycling, or water sports. If you plan to participate in these activities in Taiwan, review your policy’s conditions and consider adding extra coverage for specific activities to avoid gaps in protection.
What should I do if I need medical care in Taiwan?
If you need medical attention, you can visit a public hospital, which may have long wait times, or a private clinic, which will charge higher fees. Always contact your insurer’s assistance line as soon as possible so they can advise on approved hospitals and claims procedures. Keep all receipts and documentation for your claim.
Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days under the visa-exempt entry scheme. You must have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry, a return or onward ticket, and complete the online immigration arrival card before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Taiwan?
To purchase travel insurance for Taiwan, first compare policies using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the coverage and exclusions, making sure policies address relevant needs for Taiwan, such as typhoon disruption, hospital care, or pandemics. Buy your chosen insurance online and then download or receive your insurance certificate.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Taiwan?
Choose a policy that provides comprehensive medical cover, including hospital fees, emergency evacuation, and repatriation to Australia. Consider options that also cover trip cancellations and lost baggage, as sudden weather changes or natural disasters can disrupt travel plans in Taiwan.
Are private hospitals in Taiwan expensive for Australians?
Yes, private medical care in Taiwan can be expensive for foreigners. Treatment at a private clinic or hospital, especially in cities like Taipei, usually requires upfront payment. A hospital stay or emergency care can quickly add up to several thousand Australian dollars.
Does travel insurance for Taiwan cover adventure and outdoor activities?
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude adventure activities such as hiking in the mountains, cycling, or water sports. If you plan to participate in these activities in Taiwan, review your policy’s conditions and consider adding extra coverage for specific activities to avoid gaps in protection.
What should I do if I need medical care in Taiwan?
If you need medical attention, you can visit a public hospital, which may have long wait times, or a private clinic, which will charge higher fees. Always contact your insurer’s assistance line as soon as possible so they can advise on approved hospitals and claims procedures. Keep all receipts and documentation for your claim.
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