💊 Health & Pharmacy

Watsons Taiwan

One of Taiwan's largest health and beauty drugstore chains, part of the international Watsons group, offering pharmacy, cosmetics, and personal care products. About Watsons Taiwan: Watsons is a major health and beauty retail chain operating across Taiwan, part of the international Watsons Group (owned by CK Hutchison), offering over-the-counter medicine, cosmetics, personal care, and everyday health products across a large store network. Key Features: Wide Store Network: Locations across Taiwan, from Taipei to smaller towns. Membership Program: A loyalty program offering points and discounts on purchases. App-Based Promotions: The Watsons app provides coupons, promotions, and personalized offers. Pharmacist Availability: Many locations have licensed pharmacists for over-the-counter medication advice. How to Get Started: Locate your nearest Watsons store using the app or website store locator. Download the Watsons app to access member benefits and promotions. Visit the store for purchases, consulting pharmacists for over-the-counter product advice as needed. Register for the membership program to accumulate points on purchases. Important Notice: For prescription medications or specific health concerns, consult a doctor or licensed pharmacist directly — Watsons staff can advise on common over-the-counter products but aren't a substitute for medical care.

Cosmed

One of Taiwan's largest drugstore and health & beauty chains, with thousands of locations across the island. About Cosmed: Cosmed (康是美) is one of Taiwan's leading drugstore chains, part of the Uni-President Enterprises Corporation group, offering over-the-counter medicine, cosmetics, personal care, and everyday health products across a large network of stores. Key Features: Wide Store Network: Thousands of locations across Taiwan, from Taipei to smaller towns. Membership Points: A loyalty program offering points and discounts on purchases. App-Based Coupons: The Cosmed app provides promotions and personalized offers. Pharmacist Availability: Many locations have licensed pharmacists for over-the-counter medication advice. How to Get Started: Locate your nearest Cosmed store using the app or website store locator. Download the Cosmed app to access member benefits and promotions. Visit the store for purchases, consulting pharmacists for over-the-counter product advice as needed. Register for the membership program to accumulate points on purchases. Important Notice: For prescription medications or specific health concerns, consult a doctor or licensed pharmacist directly — Cosmed staff can advise on common over-the-counter products but aren't a substitute for medical care.

National Health Insurance Administration

Taiwan's official National Health Insurance authority, overseeing the island's universal health coverage system for residents. About National Health Insurance Administration: The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA, 全民健康保險署) administers Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) program, a single-payer universal healthcare system that most legal residents, including many foreign residents with valid ARC status, can enroll in. Key Features: Universal Coverage System: Provides access to Taiwan's healthcare system at heavily subsidized rates for enrolled members. NHI Card: Enrolled members receive a physical or digital health insurance card used at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Online Services: Check enrollment status, contribution history, and some services through the official website or app. Broad Provider Network: The NHI card is accepted at the vast majority of hospitals and clinics across Taiwan. How to Get Started: Check your eligibility to enroll in NHI, which generally requires holding a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for foreign residents. Register for NHI through your employer (if employed) or directly at a local health bureau or NHIA service point. Receive your NHI card once enrolled, and use it when visiting hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. Pay your monthly NHI premium, which varies based on income and dependent status. Important Notice: Enrollment eligibility and waiting periods can vary depending on your specific visa category and length of stay — check current requirements for your situation, as short-term visitors typically aren't eligible and should have separate travel insurance instead.