On July 22, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that international patients may, except for non-urgent medical care needs including health checkups, and aesthetic medicine, provide relevant documents to medical institutions to apply for receiving medical care in Taiwan starting from August 1. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will make the final decision on applications after reviewing the necessity, continuity, and risk of the treatment for applicants, in a bid to ensure foreign nationals can receive medical care in Taiwan.
The CECC stated that foreign nationals who wish to visit Taiwan to receive medical care may apply to visit Taiwan with their spouse or first, second or third-degree relative (2 companions in total); if necessary, they may apply to come with one healthcare worker or caregiver from the country they reside in apart from their family members. Required documents and information include the following: a health insurance certificate, an affidavit for mandatory quarantine, a health declaration document (an English certificate of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within three days of boarding), and a disease prevention plan and treatment plan issued by the medical institution treating the applicant. On behalf of the applicant, the medical institution in Taiwan shall apply to the MOHW for an entry permit for medical treatment. The applicant or the medical institution may go to the relevant authority or agency to apply for a special entry permit after obtaining the approval of the MOHW.
The CECC further explained that individuals who have obtained permission to come to Taiwan for medical care, and persons accompanying them, when checking in with the airline for the flight to Taiwan or before boarding, are required to provide an English certificate of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within three days of boarding. They must wear masks at all times during the flight. They must undergo a 14-day home quarantine period upon entry into the country and must also undergo COVID-19 testing after the home quarantine period ends. Those who test negative for COVID-19 may proceed to the medical institution for his/her medical treatment. However, those requiring urgent medical care may be admitted to a designated ward or negative pressure isolation ward in the medical institution which they originally planned to visit. They shall receive their planned medical treatment after one negative test result and be given care according to the standards for caring COVID-19 suspected cases during the 14-day quarantine. Regarding related fees, applicants shall be responsible for paying quarantine fees, COVID-19 testing fees, and medical consultation and treatment fees. The medical institution treating the applicant shall help the applicant implement required quarantine and testing measures, including booking a quarantine hotel, making preparations for transportation, and arranging his/her medical care.
The CECC emphasized that Taiwan would maintain its strict border control and has put disease prevention and management measures in place for foreign nationals applying to visit Taiwan for medical treatment to reduce the risk of community-acquired and nosocomial infection posed by inbound travelers and ensure the public health.
