Taiwan adds 30 services to National Health Insurance benefits

These updates will benefit about 66,000 people annually.

The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has added 30 healthcare services to the National Health Insurance (NHI), which came into effect on 1 December 2024.

These additions include single-gene sequencing for seven different cancers, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), and surface antigen quantitative tests, and the Ozaki procedure for aortic valve-related illnesses. These updates will benefit about 66,000 people annually, the NHIA noted.

The inclusion of single-gene sequencing builds upon the May 2024 addition of next-generation sequencing for 12 cancer types, further aiding clinical physicians in creating personalised treatment plans. This enhancement is expected to benefit an additional 10,000 cancer patients annually, supported by an investment of approximately 100 million NHI points.

To address the high relapse rates of hepatitis B after medical discontinuation, the NHI now covers HBcrAg tests. This diagnostic measure evaluates the activity of cccDNA in liver cells, offering critical data for doctors to assess whether patients can safely discontinue medication. 

This test is expected to benefit 34,000 individuals each year, reducing risks of fulminant hepatitis and other complications, according to the NHIA.

Prostate cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Taiwan, will now be diagnosed more accurately with the inclusion of the [–2]pro-prostate-specific antigen (p2PSA) test. 

This diagnostic tool differentiates between benign prostate diseases and prostate cancer in patients with borderline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. By reducing unnecessary biopsies and associated complications, this test is projected to benefit 19,000 patients annually.

The NHIA has also included the Ozaki procedure, or aortic valve neocuspidisation, in the NHI benefits. This treatment for aortic valve-related illnesses is particularly beneficial for patients under 18, the NHIA said. 

Compared to conventional treatments, the Ozaki procedure involves shorter operation times and lower reoperation rates, making it a safe and effective option. This addition is expected to benefit 13 patients each year, with an investment of 5 million NHI points.

The NHIA emphasised its commitment to incorporating advancements in medical technology into the NHI programme. It continues to allocate resources for new technologies and periodically updates the NHI payment package to meet clinical care needs and align with the latest medical developments.