Subsidy for regular health check-ups for foreign migrant workers 2026

Subsidy for regular health check-ups for foreign migrant workers

For migrant workers legally employed in Taiwan, their employers are legally required to cover the cost of annual health checkups. If an employer illegally shifts the cost to the migrant worker, the worker can apply for a refund and file a complaint with the competent authority.

Last Updated: 5/4/2026｜Last verified: 1/1/2026｜Authority: Ministry of Health and Welfare / Ministry of Labor

Who Should Pay for Health Checkups?

Under Taiwanese law, employers are obligated to fully cover the regular health checkup costs for foreign migrant workers, including:

Pre-entry health checkup (conducted in the country of origin, cost still borne by the employer or agency)
Regular health checkups in Taiwan: once a year, cost to be paid by the employer as stipulated.

Employers may not pass on these costs to migrant workers; violators may be penalized under the Employment Service Act.

Common Deductions for Migrant Workers

The following deductions from wages may be illegal:

Expense Items	Legal Deductions?
Regular health check-up fees	❌ Should be fully borne by the employer
Pre-entry medical examination fees (transferable)	❌ Violation of Ministry of Labor regulations
Work uniform fees	❌ Work-related expenses to be borne by the employer
Accommodation fees (within reasonable limits)	✅ Deductible up to the maximum limit stipulated
Meal expenses (within reasonable limits)	✅ Deductible up to the maximum limit stipulated

How to recover deductions already made?

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Keep payslips and confirm deductions.
If wages are paid in cash, keep a record of your actual monthly income.

Step 2: Negotiation or Appeal

Call 1955 to request mediation and explain the illegal wage deductions.
File an appeal with the county/city labor bureau, which can conduct a labor inspection.
File a lawsuit in court for unpaid wages (you can entrust a legal aid foundation for assistance).

Step 3: Employer Penalties

Employers who violate regulations may be fined NT$20,000 to NT$100,000 and ordered to rectify the situation within a specified period.
Repeat offenders may have their permits to hire foreign migrant workers revoked.

Reference for Health Examination Fee Limits (2026)

Fees vary between hospitals. The Ministry of Labor's reasonable range is approximately:

General physical examination: NT$800–1,500
Chest X-ray plus sputum test: Calculated separately, approximately NT$500–800 ** Yuan**

Important Notes

The health check form is provided by the employer. The employer cannot demand that migrant workers pay for it upfront and then claim reimbursement.
If a migrant worker fails the health check and needs to be deported for any reason (excluding cases of worker negligence), the employer will still bear the related costs.
Health check results are considered personal privacy. Employers cannot force migrant workers to provide the original report.

FAQ

Q: My employer asked me to pay for my health check-up out of pocket first, and then reimburse me later, but he hasn't done so yet. What should I do?

A: This is illegal. You can call 1955 to request mediation, or file a complaint with the county or city labor bureau to recover the money. It is recommended that you keep the hospital receipts and pay slips as supporting documentation.

Q: My agent wrote in the contract that "the health check fee shall be paid by the migrant worker himself/herself". Is this valid?

A: Invalid. The law stipulates that the cost is borne by the employer, and contract terms must not violate mandatory legal provisions. Such contract terms are not binding on you. You can appeal to the 1955 office or the Labour Department.

Q: Do I need to have a health check-up every year?

A: Yes, foreign workers in Taiwan are required to undergo a regular health check-up once a year, and some job categories (such as food manufacturing) may require more frequent checks. Health checks are an important safeguard for your health, not a punishment.

Q: What happens if you fail a health check?

A: If diagnosed with a legally notifiable infectious disease (such as tuberculosis), treatment or deportation may be required. However, chronic illnesses or common diseases generally do not result in deportation. If you have any health concerns before the examination, it is recommended that you consult a doctor first.

The information on this site is compiled from public government sources. Actual eligibility is determined by the issuing authority. We do not process applications on your behalf and do not charge any fees.