Can I take the National Health Insurance in Taiwan as a qualified provider as defined under Healthcare of Obama Care in the U.S.?
National Health Insurance in Taiwan shall not be regarded as a qualified provider as defined under Healthcare of Obama Care in the U.S.
In response to an inquiry whether National Health Insurance in Taiwan is recognized as a qualified provider as defined under Healthcare of Obama Care in the U.S., this office has gathered the following information for your reference:
1. Foreign insurance is not designed as minimal essential health coverage. (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/07/01/2013-15530/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-exchange-functions-eligibility-for-exemptions#h-42, under b. Other Types of Coverage That Qualify as Minimum Essential Coverage (§ 156.602));
2. Rules and regulations that govern National Health Insurance in Taiwan (NHI) state that coverage outside Taiwan is only for emergency and unexpected medical conditions. NHI should not be regarded as regular health coverage outside of the Taiwan area, i.e., in the U.S. It is therefore concluded National Health Insurance of Taiwan is not considered as a qualified provider as defined under “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.”
3. National Health Insurance can be utilized by residents from Taiwan area who are travelling in the U.S. for a short duration, and required medical attention for emergency illness and injury through reimbursement with receipts. It is highly advised for the R.O.C. nationals when residing in the U.S. and required to have health insurance coverage, to procure an appropriate U.S. health insurance to maintain health and well beings of one’s self and family, especially during emergency and with catastrophic diseases.
Health Division/TECRO
