Take Charge: Affordable HIV Prevention & Treatment in Taiwan
Whether you're enjoying the street food in Taipei, cycling along Kaohsiung’s waterfront, or chilling in Taichung’s coffee scene — one thing is true across Taiwan: your health matters.
In 2025, HIV prevention and treatment are easier, faster, and more affordable than ever before. Taiwan has made huge strides in public health, offering modern, inclusive, and budget-friendly access to HIV-related services for everyone — regardless of gender, sexuality, or background.
What Are Your HIV Prevention Options?
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- PrEP is a daily pill that reduces your risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. It’s safe, effective, and now available at more clinics and pharmacies throughout Taiwan.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- If you’ve had a potential HIV exposure within the last 72 hours, PEP can help prevent infection. It's a 28-day course, available at emergency clinics and hospitals across the country.
- HIV & STI Testing
- Early detection is key. Rapid HIV testing is widely available in public hospitals, community health centers, and LGBTQ+ resource clinics, often at low or no cost.
Where to Get Affordable Services in Taiwan
Taiwan’s healthcare system is known for its accessibility. If you're covered by National Health Insurance (NHI), many services are either subsidized or fully covered, including:
- Routine HIV testing
- HIV confirmatory blood tests
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV
- Doctor consultations and follow-ups
For those without NHI (e.g., international students or expats), private clinics and NGOs also offer affordable rates, particularly in urban areas like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
Who Offers These Services?
- Public hospitals and local health centers
- LGBTQ+ support centers and health NGOs
- University health clinics
- Mobile testing units during Pride events and health fairs
Some cities even have anonymous testing services, so you can check your status without giving your real name — fast, confidential, and judgment-free.
Why This Matters
HIV is not a death sentence. With early detection and consistent treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, fulfilling lives. And with PrEP and PEP now widely available in Taiwan, prevention is more powerful than ever.
Everyone Deserves Access
Whether you're:
- Exploring your sexuality
- In a new relationship
- A young adult just learning about PrEP
- Or simply want peace of mind
Taiwan has the tools and resources to support you.
Sexual health isn’t something to feel awkward about — it’s something to be proud of.
Take the First Step
Protect yourself. Protect your partner. Know your status.
Visit your nearest health center, ask about PrEP or PEP, and make testing a part of your self-care routine.
You deserve health without shame — and in Taiwan, it's more accessible than ever.
Parnrawee Wadbua
