Basics

If you are sick in Taiwan you may visit any doctor or hospital you choose. Health care (even if you don't have a Taiwanese national health insurance card) is very reasonable and medicine is very cheap compared to many Western countries.

Generally speaking, you don't need any shots to visit or live in Taiwan's cities, but in more rural areas, it is recommended that you get a Hepatitus vacination.

According to the Government, the water is perfectly drinkable coming out of the treatment plants, but it's the antiquated piping that run through the cities and rural areas to deliver the water which is the problem. It is common practice to boil, filter or buy bottled water

Note:

No matter what rumors you may have heard, death from drinking tap water, or even getting sick from drinking tap water as you might in Mexico or India is virtually unheard of in Taiwan, but it is recommended that you buy bottled water or filter/boil tap water.

National Health Insurance

http://www.doh.gov.tw/logo012/english/basic/900824-1.htm

How to apply:

Once you have had a Residents visa for 4 months, you can apply for National Health insurance. You pay a monthly fee to the government of about NT$600 (approx. US$18) and you get full medical coverage.

If you are working legally in a school, they will supply you with a National Health Insurance Card. With this card, you may visit any clinic or hospital of your choice, and pay only a small fee (average visit only NT$100-300). Dental care is also covered. You will need to pay extra for prescription medications, but it will also be very reasonably priced as many hospitals and clinics are government subsidized