Effective December 23, 2024, the "Overseas Suspension and Resumption of NHI" policy will be automatically terminated. This means that all individuals with household registration in Taiwan must continue to pay NHI premiums regardless of their overseas residency status.
Current Regulations:
- Eligibility for Suspension:
Those leaving Taiwan for more than six months may apply for suspension, ceasing NHI payments, while their dependents must enroll under other qualifications. - Resumption of NHI:
After returning to Taiwan, individuals must pay three months of premiums before reapplying for suspension.
Future Changes:
- All individuals with household registration must continue paying NHI premiums, regardless of overseas residency exceeding six months.
- For Those Who Suspend NHI Before December 22, 2023:
- The suspension will remain valid until their return to Taiwan, at which point NHI will resume automatically.
- After resumption, no further suspension applications will be accepted.
Regulations for Government Staff Abroad:
Government personnel stationed abroad and their dependents must resume NHI coverage upon returning to Taiwan, with no option to suspend coverage thereafter.
Household Deregistration Rules:
- Individuals residing abroad for over two years will have their household registration revoked, and their NHI enrollment will be terminated.
- If they return and re-register their household within two years, they can re-enroll in NHI immediately. If more than two years have passed, they must wait six months before re-enrollment.
Reimbursement for Overseas Medical Expenses:
Individuals may apply for reimbursement for emergency medical expenses incurred abroad or in mainland China under the following conditions:
- Applications must be submitted within six months of the treatment or hospital discharge.
- Required documents include:
- Reimbursement application form
- Original receipts and itemized medical expenses
- Medical diagnosis report
- Proof of entry/exit records
- For hospital stays in mainland China exceeding five days, notarized and authenticated documents are also required.
Reimbursement amounts are capped based on the average costs reimbursed to domestic NHI-contracted hospitals and clinics during the previous quarter.
