Beginning October 2026, Taiwan will launch a scheme of 'health coins' to encourage health checks, cancer screening and preventive care.
According to a news report by CAN, President Lai Ching-te announced the new incentive programme at a meeting of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee on 27 August 2026 in Taipei. Mr Lai said the Ministry of Health and Welfare will use digital health technology and incentives to encourage healthier habits. He said the goal is to make preventive care a more regular part of daily life.
The programme, which is being promoted as more than a rewards system, is intended to use digital technology to improve public health and encourage cooperation between the government and private sector.
Mr Lai said Taiwan has entered a super-aged society, while chronic diseases remain a major health challenge. He said health policy needs to gradually shift from treating illness toward preventing disease and promoting health.
The health ministry’s incentive plan consists of 15 strategies to strengthen local medical services and train healthcare workers in indigenous communities. The measures also aim to provide care that better reflects local cultures and community needs.
According to a news report in The Taipei Times, the programme not only intends to reward people for maintaining healthy lifestyles but is also a government initiative to promote the use of digital technology in health management.
The “health coin” programme would be open to all citizens aged 18 or older, according to Health Promotion Administration (HPA) Director-General Shen Ching-fen. She said, “The initial phase would reward people for participating in health-promoting activities, including state-funded checkups, cancer screenings and vaccinations.
“Once users accumulate a minimum of 1,000 coins via the National Health Insurance (NHI) app, they can transfer them to a designated app to redeem for healthy foods or health promotion services at partnered convenience stores, hypermarkets and life insurance companies.’
A planned second phase would reward users for achieving specific health goals, such as tracking daily steps through wearable devices, redeemable for more perks such as sports venue rentals and courses, she added.