Finding low-cost, English-friendly dental care in Taiwan for OFWs is easier once you know two things: what the National Health Insurance (NHI) actually covers and which clinics understand our accent and limited days off.
NHI subsidises basic work—check-ups, cleanings, fillings—so you often pay only NT$150-200 per visit, but prices jump for cosmetic jobs like implants. Keep on reading to learn more.
Why Skipping Check-Ups Costs More Later
Many OFWs avoid the dentist or clinic to save money, yet a basic NHI visit costs about the same as two MRT rides. Small problems—like a tiny cavity or mild fever—can quickly turn into infections, missed shifts, and bigger bills if left alone. Miss a few workdays and you lose overtime pay while Labor Insurance covers only half your wage.
Early check-ups spot issues before they grow, protect your health, and keep your income steady. Your NHI fees are already deducted from your salary, and they cover two cleanings a year plus most routine care. Use them now and avoid paying far more later—for both treatment and lost earnings.
How NHI cuts your bill
- Basic co-pay: NHI limits dental clinic co-pays to about NT$150 per visit, far below private rates.
- Registration fee: You still pay a small clinic “registration” charge (often NT$50).
- Examples: Many local clinics list a NT$50 co-pay for routine scaling (teeth cleaning).
- Hospital vs. clinic: Big medical centres may ask NT$170 after a 2025 NHI adjustment, while smaller clinics remain cheaper.
- Not covered: Implants, veneers, and cosmetic whitening are private fees—expect tens of thousands of NT dollars.
Affordable, English-speaking clinics
Taipei
| Clinic | Why it’s good | Nearest MRT |
| Taiwan Adventist Hospital – International Priority Care Center | Multilingual desk, NHI billing, evening slots. | Nanjing Fuxing |
| Longwood Dental | Harvard-trained dentists; accepts NHI for basic work. | Jiannan Rd. |
| National Taiwan University Hospital – Dept. of Dentistry | Large team, English service window, student discounts on certain days. | NTU Hospital |
Taichung
| Clinic | Why it’s good | Tips |
| China Medical University Hospital – Dentistry Division | Full NHI service; accepts LINE booking in English. | Go before 10 a.m. to avoid crowds. |
Kaohsiung
| Clinic | Why it’s good | How to book |
| Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital – International Medical Center (Dental) | English desk; NHI co-pay only; implant centre on site. | Call +886-7-342-2121 #75914 |
Money-saving Tips
- Use student clinics. Dental schools at NTU and TMU run training clinics where supervised students perform cleanings and fillings for the basic co-pay. Book two weeks ahead.
- Schedule cleanings every six months. NHI covers two free scalings a year if more than 180 days apart.
- Ask for generic fillings. Composite or amalgam fillings are covered; porcelain inlays are not. Confirm before treatment.
- Carry ARC & NHI card. Without them you pay private prices and must claim refunds later.
- Check clinic hours on LINE. Many dentists close mid-afternoon; LINE bots show real-time slots.
Long-Term Risks of Skipping Dental Care
Neglecting small dental problems to save a few NT dollars can backfire. Cavities deepen, gums weaken, and pain flares up—often when you least expect it. The result is higher bills, lost work hours, and health issues that reach far beyond your mouth.
| Problem you ignore | What happens next | Bigger cost later |
| Minor cavity | Spreads to the tooth’s nerve, causing infection | Root canal or extraction—costs and healing time multiply |
| Bleeding gums | Turns into gum disease, loosening teeth | Bridge, denture, or implant fees plus speech and chewing problems |
| Persistent toothache | Abscess forms; infection can spread to jaw or bloodstream | Hospital stay, IV antibiotics, weeks off work |
| Missing cleanings | Plaque hardens into tartar, raising decay risk | Longer, more painful scaling sessions and higher co-pays |
| Untreated pain | Sleep loss and stress hurt focus at work | Lower productivity, overtime lost, possible contract issues |
Quick math: A routine NHI visit costs roughly the price of two MRT rides. A single missed workday can wipe out several weeks of those co-pays. Using the benefits you already pay for keeps small issues small—and protects both your health and your paycheck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a simple filling cost with NHI?
Around NT$150-200, covering exam, X-ray, and filling.
Can I do braces under NHI?
No. Orthodontics is cosmetic and fully self-pay. Clinics offer instalment plans but rates vary widely.
Are walk-ins okay?
Yes, but expect longer waits. Use phone or LINE booking when possible to save time.
Where to complain about overcharging?
Call the NHI English hotline 0800-030598 or the 24-hour migrant hotline 1955 for help.
Final thoughts
Dental pain can derail our work and our remittances. With NHI and the clinics above, you can keep your smile bright for the price of one MRT ride. Bookmark this guide, share it with your dorm-mates, and book that cleaning before small problems grow big. Take care, kabayan!