TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has approved a one-year pilot insurance program that provides financial assistance to vulnerable groups hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures become more frequent.
The program, launched by Nan Shan Life Insurance, will provide a fixed insurance benefit of NT$10,000 (US$311) to policyholders hospitalized for heat-related conditions, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat cramps, according to CTEE.
The trial began in July, focusing on low-income households and other eligible groups in selected urban areas affected by higher temperatures. Social welfare organizations will act as policyholders, with premiums paid by the organizations applying for the coverage.
Bureau Deputy Director-General Tsai Huo-yen (蔡火炎) said the program is classified as microinsurance. The insurance is designed to provide basic protection against specific risks for economically disadvantaged groups or people who meet certain eligibility requirements.
Tsai said heat-related illnesses are classified as diseases in Taiwan and should therefore be covered under health insurance rather than accident insurance. However, current regulations only allow microinsurance products to cover life and accident insurance, meaning the program required approval as a pilot project.
The initial coverage areas will focus on urban heat island zones, where temperatures are typically higher than in surrounding areas. Authorities will assess whether to expand the program after reviewing the trial results.
Eligible participants will include family members of households classified as low-income or lower-middle-income under the Public Assistance Act, as well as elderly people receiving living allowances for lower-middle-income seniors under the Senior Citizens Welfare Act.
