Taiwan to launch ‘Health Coin’ rewards program in October

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has announced the launch of the ‘Health Coin’ policy in October, a digital health initiative designed to encourage preventive medicine and healthy lifestyle habits. The program aims to transition the national health focus from disease treatment to health promotion and prevention, particularly as the country enters a super-aged society.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare will implement a reward mechanism where citizens aged 18 and older can accumulate points for specific health behaviors. Initial categories for earning coins include public cancer screenings (breast, oral, lung, colorectal, and cervical), vaccinations (influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal), and general preventive care such as hepatitis B and C screenings.

According to Minister Shih Chung-liang, the points can be redeemed at convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies, with a preliminary model of one point equaling one NT dollar for discounts or health-related products. Some medical institutions may also allow points to offset costs for adult check-ups or self-paid vaccines. The program will not be retroactive for health actions completed between January and September of this year.