Expatriates who are legally resident in Taiwan and hold an Alien Resident Certificate are required to make monthly contributions to the National Health Insurance System and are entitled to full coverage for medical and dental treatment. Monthly contributions are around TWD700, with co-payments of TWD150 being payable for each visit to a medical practitioner. Employers and the government also make contributions for each person insured.

Spouses and dependents of foreign nationals working in Taiwan are also eligible for coverage under the NHIS. Some major medical expenses are not covered by the insurance, but generally speaking, medical costs are relatively low in Taiwan compared to most western countries.

A high percentage of hospitals and clinics in Taiwan are privately owned, but deliver services under the National Health Insurance system. In general, healthcare in Taiwan is of a high standard, and many doctors have trained in the west and can speak English. However, the standard of care is variable, particularly outside the main cities.

It is possible to buy most commonly-used drugs in pharmacies in Taiwan, and some can be bought over-the-counter that are only available on prescription in western countries. However, imported medicines tend to be expensive.

There is a requirement for foreign nationals who are working in Taiwan to undergo a health examination within a month of their arrival in the country at a local clinic, including an HIV test. Vaccination for Japanese B encephalitis may be required.

Taiwan has a problem with contaminated water supplies, and it is important to boil water for at least three minutes before drinking. In Taipei, there are public drinking fountains with safe water, as indicated by the notices showing details of chemical analysis results. In Kaohsiung, the tap water contains traces of arsenic and although declared officially within safe limits, most locals obtain their drinking water from public pumps throughout the city.

Milk is unpasteurised in Taiwan and should be boiled before consumption. Foreigners should only eat well-cooked meat and fish, avoid raw vegetables and salad, and peel fruit before eating. It is very common for expatriates to suffer minor stomach upsets during their initial stay in Taiwan. Hepatitis A and B are very common here, and steps should be taken to avoid these illnesses at all costs.