I just had to pay for an operation, and am facing another one in a few months time. I would rather not have to pay full price again. Is there any way I can get a health card on a visitor visa?
I assume you are single. Under normal circumstances, you receive Health Insurance immediately upon becoming employed, but of course that means you have a work permit, and an ARC based thereon.
By comparison, if you are the child or unemployed spouse of an ARC holder, and obtain an ARC based on that status (which is “joining family”), then you must wait four months before you can get Health Insurance. (Note that this means that a foreign child born in the Taiwan area does not get health insurance immediately upon birth.)
In summary, according to my knowledge of the Health Insurance law, there is no eligibility for those on a tourist visa.
[quote=“Hartzell”] … you receive health insurance immediately upon becoming employed. [/quote]I started working for a school at the start of January on probation ostensibly, but really to keep me around until after CNY. They hired me properly on Feb 2nd. the same week I came off my scooter, had to have sugery on my hand and stay in hospital. ARC application is in train but I don’t officially have health insurance yet. I paid the bill myself, but can I claim it back (and if so, how?) as I was in full time employment at the time of my accident. I feel morally entitled to a refund, but what precedents are there? Would a claim succeed?
I think that you can get back any monies you spent on health care within one month of getting your health insurance. After that you’re aol.
so you mean if I get my ARC (and attendant insurance)within a month of having stayed in hospital I’ll be able to get a refund. Otherwise it’s just tough? or once my ARC is granted I’ll get a refund within a month?
I mean, I think that if you get your arc and health insurance card within a month, you can go back to the hospital, bring you receipts and your card, and ask to be paid back. I’ve been told that I could do that, but I’ve never made it back in time. Ask your boss to help you out. And you ARE supposed to get insurance at the same time you get your arc. You’ll be paying for it from that time. So, if your boss doesn’t give it to you, like my first boss didn’t, then you must insist.
Hartzell also suggests that you visit the local offices of NHI directly with your inquiries.
It’s probably a bit late to help Dolph, but this might be helpful to those who are searching through archives.
I’m certainly no expert, but as far as I know with students: You arrive here on an extendable visa; attend school for 4 months and then you’re eligible for National Health Insurance when you apply for an ARC (upon getting your ARC NHI is compulsory)
However, our university has just posted a notice requiring all students who do not have NHI to buy another type of insurance (the name of the insurance eludes me right now.) This requirement would be directed at students who do not have ARC’s.
What about a student visa.Is there a way to get a medical card?
I believe that’s what the alternate insurance was about. Those who came on visas for study but had not yet got (or perhaps never would get ARCs)… As to NHI without ARC. I must say that I don’t really know, but I am led to believe that you need an ARC for that.
If you obtain an ARC via “employment” you can get NHI right away. Otherwise, you have to wait four months. (This includes foreign babies born in Taiwan who do not have Household Registration).
Conclusion: You must be a Taiwan citizen (and have an ID card) or have an ARC in order to obtain NHI.
Thankyou for clearing that up. I do appreciate your decisive responses.
I know it’s hard sometimes to give definite answers to many of the questions posted on Forumosa. Your input is very helpful.