To apply for a replacement after losing your National Health Insurance (NHI) card, the card replacement fee is NT$200 per card; you can apply and pay online through the "NHI Counter" in the "National Health Insurance Express" app, and the new card will be delivered by registered mail via Chunghwa Post in about 2 to 3 working days, or you can choose to pick up the card in person at a National Health Insurance Administration (健保署) regional division or liaison office. Applying for your first NHI card, card damage not caused by human factors, or printing errors by the administration are exempt from the NT$200 fee; applying for a virtual NHI card is also free. If you need to see a doctor while awaiting card replacement, presenting your fee receipt and identity proof allows you to receive care under NHI coverage.
Reminder: This article is compiled based on the National Health Insurance Act (全民健康保險法), NHI card regulations and fee standards, as well as Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛生福利部) and NHI Administration press releases. Application portals, processing days, and service counters are subject to the latest announcements from the National Health Insurance Administration; the inquiry hotline is 0800-030-598 (from mobile phones dial 02-4128-678).
Replacement Fees: How Much Does It Cost and When Is It Free?
| Situation | Fee | Legal Basis |
|---|
| Lost card replacement | NT$200 | Article 2 of Fee Standards for National Health Insurance Cards |
| Man-made damage (bending, scratches), replacing photo or identity information renewal | NT$200 | Same as above; card damage, altered photo or identity data requires renewal or reissue application |
| Applying for first NHI card | Free | Article 2 of Fee Standards, Article 5 of Management Regulations |
| Non-man-made bending, cracking, deformation, chip detachment, discoloration or wear causing inability to use | Free | Same as above |
| Basic information printed incorrectly by the NHI Administration | Free | Same as above |
| Applying for a virtual card | Free | Article 5, paragraph 2 of Management Regulations |
Article 16 of the National Health Insurance Act authorizes the NHI Administration to charge card fees for renewal and replacement; the fee standards set it at NT$200 per card (amended in 2009 / Republic of China year 98). Upon receiving a new card, the old card is cancelled under Article 14 of the Management Regulations, and cannot be used even if found later.
How to Apply: Comparison of Three Channels
| Channel | How to Do It | Card Pickup Method |
|---|
| NHI Action Easy Go app | Users with completed device authentication enter "NHI Counter" → "NHI Card Application", follow steps and pay fee online; electronic receipt is emailed | Registered postal delivery, approx 2 to 3 working days; or choose in-person pickup specifying location and time |
| NHI website (computer) | If mobile number is not applicant's own or without mobile phone, visit NHI website "E-Counter" → NHI card applications → Card Application Counter via "Certificate-Free Zone" or personal online service | Same as above |
| In-person counter | Bring identification documents and photo to NHI regional division joint service centers or liaison offices | Subject to on-site rules; this article found no current official explanation on immediate on-site card retrieval duration |
- Cannot authenticate device after card loss: Family members in the same NHI household (dependents such as spouse, children, or parents) can apply on your behalf using their own app.
- Identity proof documents: National identification card (national ID card replacement); children under 14 who have not received an ID card use household certificate (戶口名簿); foreigners present Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). For in-person counter agent applications, both the applicant's and agent's original ID documents must be inspected (under Article 4 of Management Regulations).
- Photos: Can upload or submit a 2-inch recent color photo (bust, bareheaded, clear facial features). Under Article 4 of the Management Regulations, applicants with special needs or those who agree in writing to use existing government database photos can be exempted from providing a physical photo.
- Government agency assistance: Insured individuals accommodated, placed, or assisted by government agencies or institutions can have the agency apply on their behalf with an official letter.
How to See a Doctor During Card Replacement
| Scenario | Procedure | Legal Basis |
|---|
| Holding fee receipt (within 14 days) | Within 14 days of paying replacement fee, present receipt and original ID document at clinic/hospital, fill out exceptional medical care roster to receive care under NHI status | Article 3 and 4 of Regulations Governing NHI Medical Care; NHI press releases |
| No receipt or unpaid fee yet | Pay medical expenses upfront out-of-pocket, return to the clinic/hospital with new card or ID document within 10 days (excluding statutory holidays) to process refund | Article 4 of Regulations Governing NHI Medical Care |
| Unable to return within 10 days (unattributable) | Bring detailed medical expense statement and official receipt to NHI Administration to apply for reimbursement; outpatient/emergency within 6 months of treatment, inpatient within 6 months of discharge | Article 5 of Regulations Governing NHI Medical Care; Articles 55 and 56 of National Health Insurance Act |
The above procedures only establish NHI eligibility; patients must still pay clinic registration fees and statutory copayments, as detailed in NHI copayment for outpatient and emergency services. The following is editorial guidance (not official rule): apply online immediately when a card is lost and save the electronic receipt on your mobile phone to avoid confusion if urgent medical care is needed.
Practical Reminders for Taipei and New Taipei Residents
- NHI card reissue is a nationwide service administered by the NHI Administration; residents in Taipei and New Taipei can use the app, website, or visit regional divisions and liaison offices under the same standards.
- Under Article 8 of the Management Regulations, the NHI Administration maintains card reader equipment at regional divisions, liaison offices, and township/district offices (district office, 區公所) to query/update card data or configure/modify card PIN codes. If you forget your PIN, bring your identity proof to request a reset.
- You can set a PIN on your NHI card to restrict third-party access to personal health and medical records (Article 7 of Management Regulations).
- When resigning or transferring insurance enrollment to a district office (區公所), keep your coverage continuous as outlined in NHI transfer after resignation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does NHI card reissue take?
After applying and completing payment via the app or website, the NHI Administration produces the card and sends it by registered mail via Chunghwa Post in about 2 to 3 working days; applicants can also choose in-person pickup at regional divisions or liaison offices. Actual days are subject to official announcements.
How much does NHI card reissue cost?
NT$200 per card. First-time card issuances, non-man-made damage rendering the card unusable, and printing errors by the administration are free; virtual NHI cards are also free.
Does replacing a damaged NHI card cost money?
It depends on the cause. Non-man-made card bending, cracking, chip detachment, discoloration, or wear rendering it unusable is free; accidental breakage, scratches, or other man-made damage requires paying NT$200.
Can I apply for an NHI card replacement for family members?
Yes. If a card is lost and mobile device authentication cannot be completed, an authenticated family member in the same NHI household (enrolled spouse, children, or parents) can apply on their behalf using their app.
Can I see a doctor before the replacement card arrives?
Yes. Those who have paid the replacement fee can present the receipt and ID within 14 days; without a receipt, pay upfront out-of-pocket and return to the healthcare facility within 10 days (excluding statutory holidays) with your card or ID for a refund.
Last updated: 2026-11-01
This article was compiled by SOSfix editors from public information for general reference only; for individual inquiries, contact the National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare (0800-030-598).
Sources
- National laws and regulations database: fee standards for National Health Insurance cards (amended December 10, 2009 / Republic of China year 98, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 2 fee of NT$200 per card; first card, non-man-made damage, and printing error free exemptions.
- National laws and regulations database: regulations governing the issuance and data storage of National Health Insurance cards (amended January 4, 2023 / Republic of China year 112, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 3 renewal, replacement, and virtual cards; Article 4 ID documents, photos, photo exemption cases; Article 5 fees and fee waiver; Article 7 PIN; Article 8 card reader locations; Article 14 cancellation of old card.
- National laws and regulations database: National Health Insurance Act (amended June 28, 2023 / Republic of China year 112, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 16 authorizing card replacement fees; Articles 55 and 56 reimbursement of advance medical expenses within 6-month deadline.
- National laws and regulations database: regulations governing National Health Insurance medical care (amended June 20, 2024 / Republic of China year 113, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 3 presenting NHI card and ID proof; Article 4 advance out-of-pocket payment and return within 10 days (excluding statutory holidays) for refund; Article 5 unattributable causes applying for direct reimbursement.
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (Southern Division, NHI Administration): 5 steps to replace a lost NHI card via app (January 22, 2025 / Republic of China year 114, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): app "NHI Counter" → "NHI Card Application", online payment and e-receipt, seeking medical care with receipt and original ID, website certificate-free counter, delivery in 2 to 3 workdays, in-person pickup option.
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (NHI Administration): apply early for NHI card renewal before Lunar New Year (January 6, 2023 / Republic of China year 112, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): family members in same NHI household applying on behalf, registered mail delivery in 2 to 3 working days, seeing doctor within 14 days holding receipt and ID filling out exceptional roster, consultation hotline.
Related reading: Taiwan NHI Overseas Medical Reimbursement: Limits & Rules · Lost Wallet in Taiwan: Which Cards and IDs to Report First
