I remember nearly passing out from stomach pain after three straight night shifts during my first month on the assembly line. In that moment I learned a saving truth: knowing how to file a medical leave as an OFW in Taiwan can protect more than your health. It keeps your visa, your pay, and your peace of mind secure. Below is the practical playbook I wish someone had handed me.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Pay Rate | Duration and Notes |
| Ordinary Sick Leave | Up to 30 calendar days per year | 50 percent of daily wage paid by employer | Covered by Article 43 of the Labor Standards Act |
| Hospitalization Leave | Combined with ordinary leave up to one year | Company policy after first 30 days | Present hospital admission papers; payment after day 30 follows company rule |
| Labor Insurance Sickness Benefit | Starts on day 4 of incapacity | 50 percent of average insured salary | Paid twice a month for up to six months (extendable to twelve with one year of coverage) |
| Occupational Injury or Disease | Starts on day 4 of work related illness | 70 percent of insured salary for first 12 months | Drops to 50 percent afterward; total limit two years under the Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act |
Eligibility and Coverage
Before my broker processed my papers, I never knew that simply holding a valid work permit and an Alien Resident Certificate already qualifies me for sick leave and Labor Insurance benefits. All legally employed foreign workers fall under the same protection, and live-in caregivers are enrolled once their agency files their Labor Insurance.
Key points to remember
- Your name must appear on your employer’s Labor Insurance roster.
- National Health Insurance membership is separate but needed for medical proof.
- Even probationary workers are entitled to ordinary sick leave from day one.
Required Documents
- Doctor’s certificate with diagnosis and treatment dates
- NHI card and ARC
- Employer’s leave application form (signed)
- Hospital invoices or receipts (if admitted)
- Yellow Labor Insurance Sickness Benefit form
I keep digital photos of each item in a cloud folder labeled “Sick Leave” so nothing goes missing.
How to File a Medical Leave as an OFW in Taiwan: Step-by-Step
- Notify your supervisor right away
The moment symptoms force you to stop working, send a LINE or email that states the date, your condition, and the clinic or hospital you plan to visit. Clear communication prevents “no call, no show” records that can hurt your contract. - Visit an NHI-contracted clinic the same day
Present your NHI card and ARC at registration. Tell the doctor you need a medical certificate for work. Many clinics issue bilingual forms upon request, which saves translation fees later. - Submit papers to HR within three days
Fill out the company sick-leave form and tick “with pay (50 percent)” for up to thirty days. Hand in the original doctor’s certificate and NHI receipts. I once waited until the fourth day and my payroll was delayed a full cycle, so act quickly. - Activate your Labor Insurance benefit if leave exceeds three days
Ask HR for the yellow Labor Insurance Sickness Benefit form. Attach the doctor’s certificate and any hospital bills. HR forwards the packet to the Bureau of Labor Insurance within five days of your first sick day. Expect half-month deposits credited directly to your bank account around the fifteenth and thirtieth. - Track every payout
I use a simple spreadsheet to log approval dates and amounts. If a payment is short, you have clear numbers to show HR or the 1955 Migrant Hotline.
Protecting Your Rights
- Keep everything: store scans of certificates, forms, and receipts. They settle disputes faster than memory can.
- Dial 1955: multilingual agents answer questions on unpaid leave, forced overtime, or sudden termination.
- Know Article 72: employers face fines and orders to reinstate you if they dismiss you during approved medical leave.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | How I Avoid It |
| Delaying clinic visit | HR may question legitimacy | I visit the clinic before the shift ends |
| Losing original receipts | Labor Insurance claim rejected | Scan and email copies to myself immediately |
| Forgetting to extend leave | Marked absent without leave | Call HR the day before the certificate expires |
| Assuming all pay is automatic | Missed benefits | Check bank statements every payday |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ordinary sick leave reset every calendar year?
Yes. Your thirty-day allowance restarts on January 1 even if you changed employers in November.
Can I combine vacation leave with sick leave?
You can, but vacation leave is fully paid while ordinary sick leave pays only fifty percent. Use vacation days strategically.
What if my employer refuses to sign the Labor Insurance form?
File a complaint at the nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office or call 1955. Officials can compel your employer to process the paperwork.
Will using sick leave affect my visa renewal?
No. Legitimate medical leave and approved Labor Insurance claims do not count against visa evaluations.
OFW Story: Quick Relief for OFW After Surgery in Taiwan
Michelle Joy Morallos Lira, an OFW in Taiwan, received NT$30,000 in immediate aid from the Migrant Workers Office in Taichung after undergoing surgery for cholecystitis.
Labor Attaché Bienvenido Cerbo Jr. led the support through the AKSYON Fund to help her recover and navigate her post-surgery condition.
Though discharged, Lira remains unable to perform heavy duties required in her caregiving job.
Her employer responded with empathy, allowing her to take on lighter tasks until June.
Cerbo assured her of continued help while she regains her strength, one day at a time.
Conclusion
Getting sick overseas once felt like the fastest way to lose my job. Now I know that Taiwan’s labor rules back me up when I follow the right steps. If you wake up tomorrow with a fever or a twisted ankle, reach for this guide, gather your papers, and give yourself permission to heal. Your body—and your future self—will thank you.