Focus Taiwan
Date: 2017/12/27
By: Chang Ming-hsuan and Kuan-lin Liu
Taipei, Dec. 27 (CNA) A law that took effect Dec. 1 allows babies born to foreign nationals
CNA file photo
legally residing in Taiwan to automatically receive national health insurance coverage instead of waiting for six months as was previously necessary.
According to Lu Li-yu (盧麗玉) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the existing National Health Insurance Act requires foreigners with a residence permit to live in Taiwan for a minimum of six months before registering for national health insurance. The same no longer applies to their children if they give birth in Taiwan because of the new rule.
The rationale behind the rule is to protect the health of newborns, who are less likely to have pre-existing conditions, Lu explained.
It is estimated that the new rule will benefit 700-800 newborns each year, regardless of the occupation of their legally resident foreign parents. [FULL STORY]
