Ministry of Health and Welfare Launches Health Coins: Starting October 1, Eligible Individuals Can Receive NT$13,000 – Full Guide to 2026 Health Coin Registration and Redemption

To shift national health policy from 'treatment after illness' to 'prevention in daily life,' Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, inspired by Singapore's model, has officially launched the 'Health Coin' preventive care rewards program. It will officially take effect on October 1, 2026, and will be launched in tandem with the autumn-winter vaccination campaign for influenza and COVID-19. In the future, citizens who participate in government-funded adult health check-ups, cancer screenings, or vaccinations will automatically accumulate points. With 1 point equivalent to 1 New Taiwan dollar, individuals could earn up to NT$13,150 within a two-year validity period.

The 'Health Coin' program will be implemented starting October 1, 2026. Any adult aged 18 or older who completes one of 12 designated preventive health actions—such as government-funded health exams, cancer screenings, or vaccinations—will have points automatically calculated by the system. Once 1,000 coins are accumulated, they can be redeemed at convenience stores and supermarkets for health-conscious food items, and may also be used for partial medical expenses or life insurance premium discounts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to claim Health Coins, how to use the apps, a point conversion table, and a list of redemption channels.

What is the 2026 Health Coin? Eligibility and Minimum Redemption Threshold

Health Coin is a 'preventive care rewards point' system promoted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, similar in concept to credit card reward points or membership loyalty programs. It is available to citizens aged 18 and above, with a minimum redemption threshold of 1,000 points. Participants must register and complete a questionnaire.

The policy will be rolled out in two phases:

- Phase 1 (One-time action rewards): Operates on a 'do it and get coins' principle, targeting specific preventive health actions and vaccinations. - Phase 2 (Ongoing habit formation rewards): Based on a 'meet targets to earn rewards' principle, this phase will eventually include physical activity tracking, private or occupational health check-ups, Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) assessments, and successful management of chronic conditions such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

How to Earn Health Coins in 2026: 12 Designated Health Actions and Point Values (Phase 1)

Phase 1 includes 12 designated actions across questionnaire assessments, health check-ups, cancer screenings, and vaccinations. Both government-funded and self-paid vaccinations are eligible for point accumulation.

| Category | Health Action | Reward Points (Coins) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Login Reward | First login to the 'Health Coin Zone' in the Health Savings Account | 200 coins | Awarded immediately upon first login | | Questionnaire Assessment | Complete the 'Lifestyle Assessment Scale' in the NHI Fast Pass | 100 coins | - | | Preventive Care | Adult Preventive Health Services (government-funded adult check-up) | 800 coins | Must meet original age eligibility | | Preventive Care | Hepatitis B and C screening | 800 coins | - | | Cancer Screening | Colorectal cancer screening (standard test) | 900 coins | Up to 1,350 coins if colonoscopy is performed | | Cancer Screening | Cervical cancer screening | 900 coins | - | | Cancer Screening | Breast cancer screening | 1,000 coins | - | | Cancer Screening | Oral cancer screening | 1,000 coins | - | | Cancer Screening | Lung cancer screening | 1,000 coins | - | | Vaccination | Influenza vaccine (government-funded or self-paid) | 450 coins | Vaccination record upload required | | Vaccination | Pneumococcal vaccine (government-funded or self-paid) | 600 coins | Vaccination record upload required | | Vaccination | COVID-19 vaccine (government-funded or self-paid) | 900 coins | Highest value due to lower vaccination rates among seniors |

- Example calculation: A 42-year-old office worker who completes first login (200 coins), lifestyle assessment (100 coins), adult health check-up (800 coins), breast cancer screening (1,000 coins), cervical cancer screening (900 coins), and hepatitis screening (800 coins) can accumulate 3,800 coins at once. The Health Promotion Administration estimates that individuals can accumulate between 3,700 and 13,150 coins within the first two years, depending on age and risk factors.

How Many Health Coins Can You Earn in 2 Years? Estimated Accumulation by Population Group

According to estimates by the Health Promotion Administration, within the first two years of the Health Coin program (the validity period), the number of points accumulated will vary by age and risk factors (such as smoking history, betel nut chewing, or family history of cancer):

1. Individuals without risk factors: - Under 40 years (male/female): approximately 3,700 to 4,600 points - 40 to 65 years (male/female): approximately 7,500 to 9,000 points - 65 years and above (male/female): approximately 8,350 to 11,150 points

2. Individuals with risk factors (smoking history, betel nut chewing, or family history of cancer): - Under 40 years (male/female): approximately 3,700 to 4,600 points - 40 to 65 years (male/female): approximately 9,500 to 11,000 points - 65 years and above (male/female): approximately 10,350 to 13,150 points

How to Register for 2026 Health Coins? Which App to Download? Dual-App System Explained

To ensure information security and prevent the 'Health Savings Account,' which contains sensitive medical data, from directly engaging in consumer transactions, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has separated the 'accumulation' and 'redemption' functions into two different apps:

1. Accumulation and Point Inquiry (Health Savings Account App): - App: 'NHI Fast Pass | Health Savings Account' by the National Health Insurance Administration - Operation: After healthcare providers upload health check-up or vaccination records, the system automatically converts them into points in the 'Health Coin Zone.' No manual application is required.

2. Redemption and Product Inquiry (Health GO App): - App: 'Health GO App' by the Health Promotion Administration - Operation: Once the 1,000-coin threshold is reached, users can one-click transfer from the Health Savings Account App to the Health GO App to redeem points for goods or services at partner outlets.

What Can You Redeem with 2026 Health Coins? Convenience Store Discounts and Insurance Premium Discounts

Initial partners for Health Coins include national retail chains and life insurance companies:

- Convenience stores and supermarkets: Points can be used at a 1:1 ratio (1 coin = NT$1) to redeem health-conscious food items such as sugar-free beverages, unsweetened soy milk, chicken breast, tea eggs, and healthy meal boxes (specific lists subject to Health Promotion Administration review). - Medical institutions and pharmacies: Can be used to offset partial medical fees or self-paid vaccine costs. - Life insurers: Discussions are underway to link Health Coins with 'spillover insurance policies,' allowing premium discounts or benefits for those who authorize the use of their health behavior data.

Health Coin Rules and Future Phase 2 Outlook

The Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasizes the following key restrictions:

- No retroactive issuance: The program officially launches on October 1, 2026. Health check-ups or vaccinations completed between January and September 2026 will not be eligible for points. - Non-transferable and non-cashable: The system is name-based; points cannot be gifted, resold, or cashed out. - Validity period: Points are valid for 2 years and can only be redeemed once 1,000 coins are accumulated.

Future Phase 2 plans aim to expand from 'one-time actions' to 'target-based rewards' for long-term health management, potentially incorporating daily step counts from wearable devices, successful control of 'three highs' (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol), private or occupational health check-ups, and ICOPE assessments for seniors.

Summary of the 2026 Ministry of Health and Welfare 'Health Coin' Policy

| Policy Item | Details | |---|---| | Launch Date | October 1, 2026 (coinciding with autumn-winter vaccination campaign; no retroactive points for Jan–Sep 2026 records) | | Eligibility | Adults aged 18+ (must meet age requirements for each health check/screening) | | Issuance Mechanism | Name-based automatic calculation, 2-year validity, non-transferable, non-cashable, redemption possible at 1,000 coins | | Apps | Accumulation/Inquiry: NHI Fast Pass (Health Savings Account) Redemption: Health GO App | | Initial Partner Channels | Four major convenience stores, chain supermarkets (health-conscious food), pharmacies, medical institutions, life insurers (insurance premium discounts under discussion) | | Phase 2 Plan | Integration with wearable device step tracking, 'three highs' control targets, private/occupational health check-ups, ICOPE assessments |

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many Health Coins must I accumulate before I can redeem them? A1: The minimum redemption threshold is 1,000 points. After registration and questionnaire completion, you can redeem once you have accumulated 1,000 or more points.

Q2: Can I earn Health Coins for self-paid vaccinations? A2: Yes. In Phase 1, both government-funded and self-paid vaccinations are eligible. Receiving the influenza vaccine (450 points), COVID-19 vaccine (900 points), or pneumococcal vaccine (600 points) and uploading the record will earn you points.

Q3: My elderly family members don’t know how to use smartphone apps. How can they claim or redeem Health Coins? A3: The Ministry has prepared four support measures, including allowing family members to assist, and providing hands-on guidance services at health centers, community hubs, and pharmacies. The app interface