Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital

On February 24, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that in consideration of the stable coronavirus situation and adequate medical capacities in Taiwan, it would again conditionally allow non-R.O.C. nationals to enter Taiwan for medical purposes. The CECC pointed out 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 March 1. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (the 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 non-R.O.C. nationals can receive medical care in Taiwan.

The CECC stated that non-R.O.C. nationals who wish to visit Taiwan to receive medical care may apply to visit Taiwan with their spouse or relative within third degree of kinship (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 (a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time), 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 a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time. 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 upon the end of the home quarantine period. Those who test negative for COVID-19 may proceed to the medical institution for their medical treatment. However, those requiring urgent medical care may be admitted to a designated ward or negative pressure isolation ward arranged by 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 all quarantine fees, COVID-19 testing fees, and medical consultation and treatment fees. The medical institution treating the applicant shall help the applicant implement quarantine and testing measures, including booking a quarantine hotel, making advance preparations for transportation, and giving a COVID-19 test before arranging their medical care, arranging medical care and treatment.

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 in order to reduce the risk of community-acquired and nosocomial infection posed by inbound travelers and ensure the public health. For inquiries concerning the entry of non-R.O.C. nationals into Taiwan for medical purposes, please contact Taiwan Task Force on Medical Travel, MOHW at (02)2885-1528.