Information and Recommendations on Taiwan’s Policy on Foreigners with HIV
Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan (PRAATW)
February 24, 2017 (中文)
March 10, 2017 (English)
◆ Overview of Current Policy :
- In February 2015, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) revised laws to lift restrictions on the entry, stay, and residence of foreigners with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Taiwan. For instance, the HIV screening test for foreigners’ health examinations was removed for those applying for residency in Taiwan, whether for work or study.
- Foreigners with HIV may only receive HIV-related services in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) if they have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and have to wait for two years after firtst purchase of HIV medication in NHI system.
◆ PRAATW’s Tips & Recommendation:
- If you are currently a student or applying to become one, please double check your school’s health examination requirements for foreign students.
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Under NHI, all of your HIV-related medical care will be entered into the NHI online system. Therefore, any doctor treating you for any health concern in the future could see your HIV status from the system.
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Please note that the required two-year waiting period to receive National Health Insurance coverage for HIV-related services and medicines refers to the date that you first purchase HIV medications in Taiwan, regardless of your HIV history.
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When considering whether to register your status with NHI, please keep in mind that NHI will not be of much assistance in your HIV-related health care needs under the following circumstances:
- Your duration of stay in Taiwan will be less than two years, and
- You can obtain HIV medications from your country or other means.
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If you encounter problems with receiving HIV medical treatment, whether or not you are registered for NHI, or have other related questions, please feel free to contact us at the following:
Tel: +886-2-2550-5963 / Email: service@praatw.org
