Why Foreigners Prefer to Give Birth in Taiwan: Cost-Effective and High-Quality Care

Giving birth in Taiwan is often described as a foreign professional's dream. With subsidized health insurance, skilled doctors, and incredibly kind medical staff, it’s no surprise that many expatriates choose to have their children here. In addition to these benefits, foreigners paying labor insurance can receive financial support equivalent to their one-month salary during maternity leave, which is a huge relief for many families because they still receive their full salary as well.

Many foreigners choose Taiwan for childbirth because of its world-class medical care, affordability, and supportive healthcare system. The doctors are highly trained, with many having studied or practiced abroad. The nurses are attentive, and the overall hospital experience is smooth compared to many other countries. More importantly, the cost of childbirth, even with additional services, remains significantly lower than in Western countries.

Cost of Giving Birth at a Public Hospital

One of the biggest advantages of giving birth in Taiwan is the affordability, even in top-tier hospitals like China Medical University Hospital. However, it’s worth noting that China Medical University Hospital tends to be slightly more expensive than some other public hospitals in Taiwan. Here’s a breakdown of the costs at China Medical University Hospital:

• Government Room (Shared, 3+ beds) – Covered by NHI

• Two-Person Room – 1,500 NTD per night (about $50)

• Private Room – 3,000 NTD per night (about $100)

• Special Private Room – 4,500–11,900 NTD per night ($150–$397)

In comparison, other public hospitals might offer slightly lower prices for similar rooms. For instance, in some other hospitals, a private room might cost around 2,000–2,500 NTD per night (about $66–$83). Here are the prices for a few public hospitals in Taiwan:

• Taipei Medical University Hospital:

  • Government Room: Covered by NHI

  • Private Room: 2,000–2,500 NTD per night (about $66–$ 83)

• National Taiwan University Hospital:

  • Government Room: Covered by NHI

  • Private Room: 2,500–3,000 NTD per night (about $83–$ 100)

• Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital:

  • Government Room: Covered by NHI

  • Private Room: 2,000–2,500 NTD per night (about $66–$ 83)

Despite the higher cost at China Medical University Hospital, many expatriates prefer its services due to the hospital’s modern facilities and specialized services.

Hospital Food and My Choice

Public hospitals provide meals at an additional charge:

• Standard hospital meal – Around 200 NTD per day ($7)

• Postpartum meal (special diet for new moms) – 880 NTD per day ($30)

However, I didn’t take the hospital food. My husband brought me meals from home, which I much preferred. Having familiar, home-cooked food made my recovery feel even more comfortable.

Optional Services Not Covered by NHI

While NHI covers most basic childbirth costs, some optional services require out-of-pocket payment. Here are some common ones:

• Epidural – 7,900 NTD ($260)

• Anti-nausea medication – Less than 500 NTD ($17)

• Waterproof bandages – Around 1,000 NTD ($33)

• Medicine to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (Carbetocin) – Around 3,000 NTD ($100)

• Wound closure gel (Hanbio Barrigel) – Around 8,250 NTD ($275)

When I gave birth in 2021, the hospital didn’t have the new medication used to prevent excessive postpartum bleeding. However, by 2024, they had introduced Carbetocin, which helps reduce the risk of heavy bleeding after delivery. I was given this medication during my second childbirth, and it made a significant difference. Knowing I had access to advanced medical care gave me even more confidence in my decision to give birth in Taiwan.

How to Apply for Government Financial Support After Giving Birth ( Once-off)

Foreigners who contribute to labor insurance can receive maternity benefits equivalent to one month’s salary (once-off). Here’s how to apply:

1. Prepare required documents:

   • Birth certificate (issued by the hospital)

   • Copy of your ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)

   • Bank account details for direct deposit

2. Submit your application:

   • Applications can be submitted through your employer’s HR department or directly to the Bureau of Labor Insurance.

   • Processing time usually takes around two to four weeks.

For more details, visit the Bureau of Labor Insurance website: https://www.bli.gov.tw

How to Get Baby's Documents After Birth

After giving birth in Taiwan, you need to register your child and obtain the necessary documents. Here’s the process:

1. Get the Birth Certificate:

   • Issued by the hospital after delivery.

   • If you need an English version, request it in advance.

   • You will need multiple copies of both the English and Chinese versions because different offices may require an original copy and might keep it for at least 30 days, which can delay other applications if you only have one original copy.

2. Register the Birth:

   • Go to the local Household Registration Office within 30 days.

   • Bring the birth certificate, parents' passports, and ARC cards.

3. Apply for the Baby’s ARC (if applicable):

   • Submit an application to the National Immigration Agency.

   • Required documents: birth certificate, parents' ARCs, and proof of residence.

4. Apply for a Passport:

   • Visit your home country’s embassy in Taiwan.

   • Each country has different requirements, so check your embassy’s website.

For Taiwan birth registration info, visit: https://www.ris.gov.tw

My Birth Experience in 2021 and 2024

In 2021, when I gave birth for the first time at China Medical University Hospital, I initially wanted a private room, but all the rooms were fully booked because I gave birth during the COVID-19 lockdown. As a result, I stayed in the government room, the most affordable option covered by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI). The care I received was excellent, but the shared environment wasn’t ideal for recovery. At the time, I didn’t mind too much because I was a first-time mom and just focused on my baby.

However, when I gave birth again in 2024, I opted for a private room. Having gone through childbirth before, I knew I wanted a quieter, more comfortable space to recover. The private room was worth every dollar, giving me the privacy and peace I needed while bonding with my newborn.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at both my childbirth experiences, I have no regrets about choosing Taiwan. The combination of affordable healthcare, high-quality medical services, and excellent staff made both experiences smooth and positive. While I initially stayed in a shared room in 2021 due to limited availability, I was grateful to be able to afford a private room in 2024. That option allowed me to recover in peace while enjoying the best care available.

For any foreigner considering where to give birth, Taiwan, especially public hospitals like China Medical University Hospital, is an excellent choice. The medical teams' affordability, professionalism, and warmth make it a stress-free experience. If I ever have another child, I wouldn’t hesitate to give birth in Taiwan again.