Taiwan Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Taiwan
• Taiwan Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Taiwan FAQs

In most cases, travelers do not need a travel insurance plan to enter Taiwan. Even when it is not required for entry, a travel insurance plan can still be an important part of planning a trip to Taiwan. Many itineraries include significant prepaid costs like long-haul flights, hotels, rail bookings and day tours, and a travel insurance plan may help with certain covered losses if something unexpected affects your plans. It is also worth reviewing emergency travel medical expense coverage, since many U.S. healthcare plans do not provide international coverage.

For many travelers heading to Taiwan, the Deluxe Plan may be a strong place to start. It can make sense for trips with higher prepaid costs, longer international flights and multi-city itineraries that combine places like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung. The Deluxe Plan may also be worth considering for travelers who want higher baggage coverage, emergency travel medical expense and emergency evacuation limits.

This can be especially helpful for Taiwan trips built around rail travel, multiple hotel stays or a more packed itinerary with several reservations along the way. If your trip includes more active experiences, it may also be worth reviewing the Adventure Sports Bundle before you go.

The cost of a travel insurance plan for a trip to Taiwan depends on factors like the total cost of your trip, the plan you choose, the length of your stay and your state of residence. In many cases, a travel insurance plan costs around 5% to 7% of total trip expenses.

That cost will vary depending on how your Taiwan trip is structured. A shorter Taipei-focused itinerary may cost less to insure than a longer trip with multiple stops, hotel stays and transportation booked in advance. 

To help travelers stay informed before visiting Taiwan, we gathered answers to some of the most common questions about planning a trip there.

Overall, Taiwan is a low-risk destination. Officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), the country is an island in East Asia located in the Pacific Ocean with population of around 23 million people. Mandarin is the official language, though English is also widely spoken. There are few notable risks, although crime, natural disasters and the unresolved dispute with China may be of concern.

Pick-pocketing is relatively common, especially in crowded markets and tourist attractions, and bag-snatching has been perpetrated by thieves on motorcycles. Such incidents occur in both rural and urban locations, including the capital Taipei. Transportation hubs, including airports and train stations, are also known hotspots for petty crime. Unmarked taxis may also operate in transportation hubs and will often charge exorbitant fees to travel short distances. Incidents of violent crime such as assault and armed robbery are not common in Taiwan, though isolated cases do occur.

The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar. Cards are widely accepted in many cities, hotels and larger businesses, but it is still helpful to carry some cash for night markets, smaller shops and local vendors. Exchanging money before your trip or after arrival are both common options.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language used in Taiwan, though Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are also spoken. English may be more common in places like Taipei and in some tourist-facing businesses, but travelers should not expect it everywhere. It can help to learn a few simple Mandarin phrases before your trip and download an offline translation app for getting around, ordering food or asking for help.

Travelers need a valid passport to visit Taiwan. U.S. passport holders can generally enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, and Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs says visa-exempt travelers should have at least six months of passport validity remaining on entry.

The main U.S. representative office in Taiwan is in Taipei. Before your trip, it is a good idea to save the office’s official contact information somewhere easy to access in case you need help while traveling. For the latest contact information, please visit the official embassy website.

Taiwan generally has warm weather year-round, but conditions can vary by season and region. The official Taiwan tourism site says the island has an annual average temperature of about 22°C (72°F), with lower temperatures in the lowlands generally around 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) in the coolest periods. Summers are hotter and more humid, and travelers should also keep in mind the possibility of heavy rain and typhoons during parts of the warmer season.

Spring is popular for comfortable sightseeing weather and blooming scenery, while fall is another favorite for milder temperatures and getting around more comfortably. Those seasons can work especially well if your itinerary includes Taipei, night markets, city walking, day trips or natural sights without the peak summer heat and humidity.

The country calling code for Taiwan is +886. If you plan to use your phone while traveling, check with your mobile provider before departure so you understand roaming charges, international calling rates and any travel plan options available to you.

Taiwan’s standard voltage is 110 volts and the common frequency is 60 hertz, which is similar to the U.S. Many U.S. travelers may not need a voltage converter for basic electronics, but bringing a universal adapter can still be helpful depending on the plugs your devices use and where you stay.

Taiwan is relatively easy to explore without driving. Travelers often use MRT systems in major cities, then rely on Taiwan Railway, High Speed Rail and intercity buses to move between destinations. Taiwan Tourism Administration also highlights the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle as a convenient option for reaching major scenic spots from rail stations and other transport hubs.

For many travelers, yes. The EasyCard can be used on systems like Taipei Metro and can also be topped up at MRT stations and convenience stores, which makes it a practical tool for day-to-day travel. It can be especially helpful if your trip includes a lot of local transit in cities like Taipei.

For many first-time travelers, about 7 to 10 days is a good starting point. That gives you enough time to explore Taipei and add other stops by rail or shuttle, such as central Taiwan, the east coast or other scenic areas. Taiwan’s transportation network makes multi-stop itineraries more manageable than in many destinations, which is one reason longer trips can work well.

Taiwan can work across a range of budgets. Hotels and some city-center costs can add up, but public transportation is efficient, and tools like Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, metro systems and rail can make it easier to travel without the added cost of renting a car. That flexibility can help many travelers keep costs more manageable.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Taiwan. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!

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