A Personal Journey of Medical Tourism in Taiwan
Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Erin Donahue
There’s nothing more frustrating than the US healthcare system, and I know I’m not alone in this. As I get older, something I’m becoming more obsessed with is medical tourism. It’s no secret that healthcare in the US is straight-up dooky, and I’ve become more and more disillusioned.
This isn’t my first stint going abroad for my health. I first did medical tourism in Taiwan with a comprehensive physical less than a year before this trip, and I’ve previously written about my beauty tourism experience in Korea. Now, I’ve gone back to Taiwan to do a full check on my GI tract with a colonoscopy and endoscopy.
Understanding Taiwan’s World-Class Healthcare System
Taiwan is my second home, and I’ve been visiting almost every year since I was born. What many people might not know is that global health organizations consistently rank Taiwan’s healthcare system as one of the best in the world. In the past when I was younger, I’ve had occasional encounters there during emergencies, but these days it’s different. I intentionally plan my trips there for preventative health measures.
I want to make it clear that Taiwan is not typically known as a medical tourism destination, and I’m not trying to convince you to come for it, quite frankly. I’m sharing my experience to highlight the stark differences between healthcare systems, and how the U.S. doesn’t take care of its citizens the way other developed nations do.
Navigating Healthcare in Taiwan as a Foreigner
Taiwanese citizens have universal healthcare, but since I’m not a citizen I went to a private clinic in Hsinchu and paid out of pocket. When I first posted on social media about my experience I got a lot of questions asking about this clinic, but unless you are a fluent Mandarin speaker, this clinic is not for you.
While most of the doctors speak English, they prefer Mandarin, and the clinic doesn’t offer translation services. I’m fortunate to be fluent enough, and my mom helps translate the more complex medical terminology. If traveling to do medical tourism in Taiwan for your healthcare is something you want to do, consider researching clinics in Taipei. As the capital of the country, it’s more likely there are foreigner-friendly facilities there.
Getting a Comprehensive Physical in Taiwan
The facility I went to is incredibly clean, efficient, and comfortable. Upon arrival, the staff gives you a locker containing a change of clothes, and nurses guide you through various rooms. When I first did the physical I finished everything in about an hour and a half and completed 20 different tests including a blood test, allergy test, ultrasounds for my organs and thyroid, pap smear, vision and hearing, and more. I wanted a skin check but forgot to request one. Skin cancer isn’t as prevalent in Taiwan as in Western countries since Asians take great precautions to avoid the sun.
As a foreigner paying out of pocket, the comprehensive physical cost me NT$13,785 which converted to $425. To put this in perspective, in the States, you must schedule multiple appointments with different specialists, and insurance companies don’t cover many of these tests under preventative care. I got my test results in two weeks with follow-up notes, and I brought the results back to the States to review with my GP.
Taking Preventative Health Measures: GI Screening
I was so impressed with my experience getting a physical that when I planned my next trip back to Taiwan, I decided to be proactive about my health and scheduled my first colonoscopy and endoscopy to establish a baseline. This is especially important to me considering that colon cancer is a growing silent killer among young people, and these procedures should be more accessible in America.
The process was straightforward. Before the actual procedure, they repeated some bloodwork and a couple of the evaluative tests that I’d previously done during my physical. The staff provides you with an itemized list of procedures, and nurses and doctors guide you through different rooms.
Then, the medical team administered sedation, and I was surprised to see them include a dose of Fentanyl in the mix. Even though I knew it was medical grade, I’ll admit it was slightly unnerving! Before I could think too much about it, the anesthesia took effect, and I next remember the medical team completing the procedure and moving me to a recovery area while the medication wore off.
Colonoscopy/Endoscopy Cost Breakdown
The entire cost to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy as a foreigner only set me back ~$525. I’ve literally had dinners more expensive than that! During the procedure, they found and removed a polyp, which I had pre-consented to. Without the removal, the screenings are less than $400. Doesn’t that just infuriate you as an American?? To piss you off even further, there’s an option to include a meal after each procedure, and I always opt in. Since I went to a private clinic, the rate is a bit pricey for Taiwanese people, but citizens have the option to do this at the hospital instead under their National Institute of Health.
- Colonoscopy/Endoscopy: NT$13,000 = ~$380
- Polyp Removal: NT$4200 = ~$129
- Total: NT$17,200 NT = ~$525 USD
The Real Cost of Medical Tourism vs. US Healthcare
Now, I know discussing medical tourism can come across as privileged, and yes, international flights aren’t cheap. One strategy is if you’re a savvy travel hacker, you can easily mitigate the costs of airfare and accommodations with credit card points. The two travel cards I use are the Capital One Venture X and American Express Gold. Looking at the bigger picture, combining health procedures with your travel costs can save you more money than seeking treatment in the States.
Plus, look at it like a two-for-one deal: you’re exploring a new place while taking care of your health! Unless the U.S. somehow changes its healthcare system to actually benefit its citizens like other developed countries, I’m going to remain a proponent of going abroad for medical and cosmetic procedures. For those interested in medical tourism, there are several popular destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Türkiye, Mexico, and Colombia, just to name a few. Thailand and Malaysia’s healthcare facilities particularly interest me. Their hospitals look more like luxury hotels! But remember, and I can’t stress this enough, do your own thorough research before making any decisions.
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