Planning a trip to Taiwan to enjoy its beautiful scenery? Travelers, take note before you go!
Recently, travelers heading to Taiwan might have seen news about the recent earthquakes. For example, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, Taiwan in June 2024. Although this earthquake did not result in significant casualties, such news can understandably cause concern. When traveling, unexpected emergencies can occur. What should we do in these situations?
This comprehensive guide will help you stay safe and prepared for any emergencies during your Taiwan adventure.
Table of Contents
Firstly, during a trip, common emergencies can be categorized as follows:
Emergency Medical Attention in Taiwan
Illnesses and Injuries:
Getting sick due to acclimatization or weather changes is not uncommon. The medical response required depends on the severity of the situation.
Minor Illnesses and Injuries
For common colds or headaches, you can purchase over-the-counter medicine at Watsons or Cosmed. If you need medical attention, you can visit local clinics or hospitals (use Google Maps to find the nearest facility). Don’t worry about high medical costs and avoid seeing a doctor when sick, as medical fees in Taiwan are reasonable.
Foreign travelers without a Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) card will incur charges in three parts:
- Registration fee
- Consultation fee
- Medication fee
For example, outpatient registration fees in Taiwan typically range from NT$100 to NT$300, depending on the medical institution and the doctor’s level. The consultation fee ranges from NT$200 to NT$500. If medication is prescribed, the cost is usually between NT$100 to NT$300 for minor symptoms like colds or acclimatisation issues. Overall, the cost for minor illnesses is around NT$400 to NT$1100.
Serious Illnesses and Emergencies
For more severe illnesses like acute appendicitis or injuries from accidents requiring emergency services, immediately call Taiwan’s emergency number 119. This number connects to police, fire, and ambulance services. Clearly describe your situation, including your name, location, and specific circumstances, so they can arrive quickly to help. Follow the operator’s instructions, as they will provide advice on what to do next.
Emergency care costs significantly more than general outpatient services. Foreign travelers without a health insurance card may pay around NT$1000 for emergency registration, with additional costs depending on the medical treatments and medications required. If surgery or hospitalization is needed, the cost could be several tens of thousands of NT$. To avoid these costs, consider purchasing travel insurance. For more information on travel insurance, refer to the relevant section.
Always carry your passport while traveling abroad, especially when registering for medical services. If you have any medication allergies or a medical history, inform the doctor to ensure proper treatment.
Lost Passports, Valuables, and Luggage:
Passports:
A passport is your identification abroad, and losing it can cause significant trouble. Different countries have various regulations for lost passports, but you must contact your embassy or consulate, report the loss, and follow their instructions to report and replace your passport.
Typically, you’ll need to report the loss to the police and obtain a report, then apply for a temporary passport or travel document to prove your identity and ensure you can leave the country. Even if you find the lost passport later, you will need to apply for a new one.
Valuables:
If you lose valuables like phones, cameras, or laptops, check if your travel insurance covers these losses. If so, report the loss to the police and obtain a report to proceed with the insurance claim. If you lose a bank card or credit card, report it to the police and immediately contact your bank to deactivate the card to prevent unauthorized use.
Luggage:
If an airline loses your luggage, you can request compensation based on the value of the contents. Report the loss to the airline as soon as possible and fill out a compensation claim form, providing evidence such as the luggage tag or a description of the suitcase.
Natural Disasters: Typhoons, Earthquakes, Fires:
Taiwan is prone to earthquakes. If you experience one, stay calm and take appropriate safety measures. If you have a local phone number, you will receive text notifications for earthquakes above magnitude 5. Most earthquakes are minor, and severe ones are rare. During an earthquake, stay put rather than running, as moving around can increase the risk of injury. Stay near door frames or sturdy furniture, away from hanging items, assembly cabinets, and cluttered areas to avoid falling objects. After the earthquake, if the situation is serious, seek local assistance and find out if you need to go to a shelter. Be prepared for possible power or water outages, follow the instructions of rescue personnel, and contact your embassy for help.
If you visit Taiwan between June and October, you might encounter typhoons. Monitor weather forecasts and stay indoors during typhoons, avoiding outdoor activities or going to riversides and seashores.
In case of a fire, follow escape routes promptly and use stairs instead of elevators. Familiarize yourself with the safety instructions and escape routes provided by hotels, ensuring quick and safe evacuation in case of an earthquake or fire.
Taiwan Travel Safety Guide: Emergency Precautions
Prepare Contact Information for Your Country’s Embassy or Consulate:
Being prepared for emergencies is essential. Before departure, check your country’s embassy or consulate contact information in Taiwan, so you can quickly reach out for help if needed. It is recommended to search for this information before your trip and record it in your emergency contacts.
You can find the address and phone numbers of embassies and consulates on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan’s website.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: Taiwan MOFA
- Select your region.
- Select your country.
You’ll find information such as official websites, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact numbers, and email addresses.
Purchase Necessary Travel Insurance
Buying comprehensive travel insurance before departure is crucial. Travel insurance can cover various emergencies, including medical assistance and property loss. Read the insurance terms carefully as coverage varies by company and product. Typically, travel insurance includes:
Medical Insurance:
Covers medical expenses due to accidents or sudden illnesses, including consultation fees, medication costs, medical examinations, and hospitalization fees.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:
Compensates for trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen events such as health issues, natural disasters, or urgent work duties.
Baggage Delay, Loss, or Damage Insurance:
Compensates for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage, including the cost of necessary items or the depreciated value of the baggage.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance:
Covers emergency medical evacuation or transportation if you need to be transferred to a higher-level hospital.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance:
Provides compensation for your family in case of accidental death or disability during the trip, including funeral expenses and estate transfer costs.
Emergency Assistance Services Insurance:
Offers services like translation, emergency legal aid, and emergency financial support during emergencies.
Conclusion:
This guide covers essential emergency precautions for traveling in Taiwan. Whether you need medical attention, lose your passport, or face natural disasters, staying calm and taking appropriate measures ensures your safety. Remember three key points: have your country’s embassy or consulate contact information, know Taiwan’s emergency number 119, and purchase travel insurance before your trip for added security.
Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions, I will try my best to cover. Thanks for reading!
