New health insurance system on the road, stopping and reinstating insurance for lazy people, one visit package

        In the past, the suspension and reinstatement system of health insurance allowed Taiwanese citizens to apply for suspension of insurance in the case of "traveling for more than six months" or "missing for less than six months". During the period of suspension, premium payment can be suspended, but procedures such as submission of declaration form, transcript of registered residence or entry and exit certificate need to be completed. After the policyholder returns to Taiwan, they need to wait for three months before they can be reinstated, and those who have not actively applied for reinsurance still need to pay the insurance premium. Although the above approach has some flexibility, it often sparks controversy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently released a draft amendment to the implementation rules of the Health Insurance Law, completely abolishing the old suspension and resumption of insurance system, and requiring continuous payment of health insurance premiums regardless of whether they are overseas.

        1、 New regulations on health insurance

        1. Formally abolish the suspension and resumption of insurance system

        From December 23, 2024, those who hold a registered residence registration in the Republic of China must continue to pay health insurance premiums even if they have stayed overseas for more than six months, in line with the spirit of the "mandatory social insurance" of the Health Insurance Law.

        2. Transitional clauses

        For those who have completed the suspension of insurance before December 22, 2024, the suspension shall be maintained, but the insurance shall be reinstated on the day of their return to Taiwan, and cannot be reinstated after reinspection. Government personnel stationed abroad and their accompanying spouses and children should also apply for re insurance on the day of their return to Taiwan, and cannot apply for suspension of insurance after re insurance.

        3. How to make payment more convenient for long-term overseas travel?

        To avoid not receiving payment receipts, it is recommended to apply for the following payment methods:

        Transfer payment: Automatic deduction using a deposit account or credit card.

        Electronic payment receipt: The National Health Insurance Department will send the payment receipt to the individual's designated email address and provide multiple payment methods, such as credit card, current account, and mobile payment (such as iPass MONEY, Jiekou Payment, Taiwan PAY), to avoid the impact of late payment on the health insurance rights of the parties involved.

        2、 After practicing the Dharma, do people who live overseas for a long time and move out of registered residence registration still need to pay health insurance premiums?

                1. Health insurance qualification will be adjusted with registered residence

        According to the registered residence Law, Taiwanese who have left the country for two years should apply for registered residence to move out. If the registered residence is moved overseas and there is no registered residence in Taiwan, the health insurance will automatically "surrender" the insurance for the person concerned. Therefore, those who have lived overseas for many years need not pay the health insurance premiums indefinitely.

        Can I rejoin the National Health Insurance if I want to settle in Taiwan?

        After the abolishment of the suspension and restoration of the national health insurance system in Taiwan, it has entered a new stage of fairness and sustainability. Taiwanese residents living overseas can also pay in a more convenient way, avoiding the impact of negligence on their health insurance rights. No matter where they are, every citizen should cherish this guarantee together, fulfill their civic obligations, and ensure that healthcare resources can continue to protect society. (Reference: Ministry of Health and Welfare

        *Image source: freepik

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