Travel Insurance for Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food scene including night markets, stunning natural landscapes, and more. However, it’s always important to stay prepared when traveling. Travel insurance can help you plan for the unexpected, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Taiwan?
While travel insurance is not legally required for Taiwan, it is recommended for international travel (U.S. Department of State). There are several reasons many travelers may choose to buy travel insurance for Taiwan. According to On Call International*, some travel-related risks may include natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis due to Taiwan’s geographic location, dengue fever, traffic accidents, petty theft, and cybercrime.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Taiwan?
Your U.S. health insurance may offer little to no coverage in Taiwan, so it’s important to review your benefits before your trip.
Medicare.gov explains that Medicare coverage typically does not extend beyond the United States, except in limited cases. Therefore, travelers who depend on Medicare often need supplemental insurance for medical care overseas—a limitation common among many U.S.-based health plans.
To help address these coverage limitations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages travelers to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Since healthcare systems and costs in Taiwan can differ considerably from those in the United States, appropriate coverage can help travelers be better prepared for unexpected medical expenses.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
When comparing travel insurance options, it helps to understand the difference between comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance.
A comprehensive trip protection plan is designed to safeguard the investment you have already made in your travels, such as nonrefundable flights, hotel stays, and tours. These plans often include some emergency medical and evacuation benefits as well. This type of coverage is best suited for travelers who want financial protection in case they need to cancel, cut short, or delay a trip and risk losing prepaid expenses.
For instance, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey® plan can reimburse you for eligible trip cancellations or interruptions, helping you recover prepaid costs when your plans change for a covered reason.
Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses on covering unplanned medical expenses you may face while abroad. These plans may also offer a few travel-related benefits, such as limited coverage for lost checked baggage or travel delays.
With Atlas Travel® insurance, you can also use Air Doctor, which connects you to telehealth services, clinic visits, or even in-hotel medical care while you’re traveling. These plans allow you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip duration, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
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Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
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Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Taiwan Travel Insurance?
Your most memorable trips come from discovery and meaningful experiences, not from managing unexpected setbacks. With WorldTrips, you can travel with confidence, supported by dependable coverage and decades of international expertise.
Global Experience
For over 30 years, WorldTrips has assisted more than five million travelers around the globe, including students, families, frequent travelers, and professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we bring strong financial backing and a well-established reputation for reliability. TMHCC’s A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best highlights the commitment to providing stable, high-quality protection.
Flexible Coverage
No two trips are alike, and your insurance should reflect that. WorldTrips offers flexible plans that can be tailored to include benefits such as emergency medical care, trip cancellation, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a study abroad term, a visit with loved ones, or an extended adventure, you can choose coverage that suits both your itinerary and your budget.
24/7 Global Support
Travel knowing that help is within reach. WorldTrips offers access to healthcare providers in more than 190 countries, along with 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our team can arrange emergency medical evacuations, connect you with local doctors, and guide you through urgent situations. Through our partnership with Air Doctor, you can also schedule telehealth consultations or in-person medical visits with ease if you purchase Atlas Travel.
Transparent Claims Process
Travel insurance should be straightforward. WorldTrips provides a user-friendly online claims process designed to make reimbursements as smooth as possible. Our policies are written clearly, and we provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase, so you know what is covered before you travel—helping you plan your trip with clarity and confidence.
Here’s what our customers had to say:
- Online booking and cancelation is very simple. The customer service when contacted was very helpful. I have used this now two times for my europe trips and would recommend to anyone. — Muthuraman
- I accidentally stated my trip period for a longer period than it was, on the insurance application after I paid. I wrote WorldTrips immediately; they were able to cancel that application and allow me to repurchase soon after, without me having to seek a refund. Thanks, WorldTrips! Great job! — Roxanne
WorldTrips is here to help you stay centered on enjoying your travels as we navigate unforeseen difficulties with you.
Healthcare in Taiwan
Taiwan has both public and private healthcare, and the standard of care is generally high. Facilities are well equipped, and doctors and nurses in many urban hospitals speak English.
Here are some key points to know before you go according to On Call International*:
- Quality care but expect crowds in public hospitals
Public facilities can be busy due to high patient volume. Private facilities usually offer shorter wait times, but costs can be higher. - Upfront payment is common
Many hospitals expect you to pay at the time of treatment. After paying, you can submit a claim for covered costs associated with your treatment from your insurer. This is a major reason to travel with a plan like Atlas Travel, which is designed to help with eligible emergency medical expenses. - Medication rules are strict
You should bring enough prescription medicine for your trip in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. The quantity you carry should match what is written on the prescription. Cannabis-derived medications are strictly prohibited, even if they were legally prescribed in your home country. - Mosquito-borne illness risk
Dengue fever is particularly prevalent in southern Taiwan, and risk increases after heavy rain. Long sleeves, pants, and insect repellent with DEET, plus screens or mosquito nets where needed, can help you reduce your exposure.
If you need medical treatment while visiting Taiwan, WorldTrips gives you the flexibility to seek care from any healthcare provider for eligible benefits since there are no network restrictions. You will pay for services upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to keep the following documentation when filing your claim with WorldTrips:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis details
- Medical records and any prescriptions
- Receipts for all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition affected your travel plans
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Crime & Personal Safety
- Crime levels are low and violent crime is extremely rare, especially against foreigners.
- Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busy areas. Keep valuables close, use hotel safes when possible, and avoid flashing expensive items.
- Cybercrime is increasing. Protect your devices with strong passwords, updated software, and two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking unknown links on public Wi‑Fi.
Road & Transportation Safety
- Roads are generally good, but there is a higher rate of traffic accidents due to heavy scooter and motorcycle use. Pedestrians should be cautious when crossing streets.
- Taiwan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, and penalties are severe. Drink responsibly and use certified taxi or similar services when needed.
- Public transportation is typically safe, clean, and efficient, and taxis are generally reliable. Check that the driver’s license is displayed and make sure your luggage is out of the car before you pay.
Natural Disasters
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- Taiwan experiences several typhoons most years, especially between April and November. These storms can involve heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and travel delays or cancellations.
- The island is in a seismically active region where strong earthquakes can occur, sometimes followed by tsunamis.
- Travel insurance cannot prevent these events, but it can help you manage the financial impact of delayed flights, additional hotel nights, or emergency medical care if you are hurt.
Women & LGBTQ+ Travelers
- Taiwan is generally safe for women, but as in most destinations, there are occasional reports of drink spiking and harassment. Staying with trusted companions at night, keeping an eye on your drink, and arranging transport through reputable providers are good habits.
- Taiwan is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Asia and legalized same-sex marriage in 2019. Discrimination still occurs occasionally, particularly in rural areas, so some couples may choose to be discreet outside big cities.
Geopolitical context
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- Tensions between Taiwan and mainland China surface periodically. It is wise to stay informed through reputable news sources and your government’s travel advisories.
- If a major disruption occurred while you were in Taiwan, travel insurance with trip interruption and evacuation benefits (subject to the plan terms) could help you coordinate and pay for an early return or a change in plans.
WorldTrips offers several different options in terms of travel insurance. We offer customizable options, global coverage, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance with all plans. Get a quote today and find the plan that is right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).