Rethinking Health Systems – Taiwan’s Second Generation NHI

Taiwan's National Health Insurance was implemented in 1995. One of the system's core values is eliminating financial barriers to health care for every citizen by cross-subsidization. The system's major achievements include universal coverage, easy access to medical services, affordable cost and high public satisfaction rates (consistently near 80%).

To attain sustainable financing and advance its goals of expanded care reaching all clients, “second-generation NHI” has been implemented. The reform plan includes supplementary premiums, diversified payment schemes, expanded public information and a mechanism linking revenues and expenditure decisions.

This program proves that a government-run single-payer insurance system can efficiently provide quality health care to everyone, putting the greatest emphasis on the less-advantaged groups. Taiwan continues to develop a comprehensive social safety net and seeks to realize the universal coverage ideal promoted by WHO.