How to have free healthcare for life: The alternative to the DTV, the Taiwan Gold Card
This is really outside the box but I think some people should at least consider it.
Taiwan has free healthcare and a lot simpler ‘immediate’ residency with the ‘gold card’ for only $350USD. As long as you stay 183 days per year in Taiwan for three years you then have permanent residency.
As thailand now taxes foreign income. A good strategy would be living in both for three years and keeping Thailand under 180 days so you are not taxed, then migrating permanently to thailand if you enjoy it more after your healthcare in Taiwan is solidified and you have residency.
The ‘ideal’ which I am still considering is simply living in Taiwan for 3 years and for 6 months of the year when you’re bored hitting up Pattaya or Cebu or Bali or where ever else and after 3 years, more permanently move to Thailand, with your residency + free healthcare secured.
Of course most people aren’t going to be willing to do this, me either at this stage. But if you could, would then be free healthcare for life. Plus a permanent residency, I think 2-4 years paid maternity leave and actual government benefits, which even if you go after and get residency in Thailand, to me, all I see is a second un-avoidable tax bill, so why bother?
After speaking to the head maxiofacial surgeon in Khaosiung hospital, he told me a lot of Americans (and HKers) are taking up this strategy and simply flying to Taiwan when elective issues come up.
Otherwise, for now, based on my research I think travel insurance is the way to go for healthcare. I think blue cross blue shield does it in America, safetywing people mention sometimes and I use fastcover (for Australia) with no excess around $1500AUD for the year.
For now, I’m still just considering it. But! For me the DTV was definitely not a celebration it was an admission, to myself, that 100% I will not be living in Thailand forever, it is purely temporary and the DTV solidified that as I have since completely stopped looking into investing in or making a company here to get the work permits + other requirements necessary for residency. So yes, the DTV is cool, but as a long term plan, I mean it’s not one unless you are 50 and by 55 you can get the retirement visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses an alternative immigration strategy involving the Taiwan Gold Card, which provides free healthcare and easier residency options for expats. It suggests living in Taiwan for three years to secure residency and avail of benefits, while minimizing time spent in Thailand to avoid foreign income tax. Comments reflect similar experiences and strategies, emphasizing the advantages of the Taiwan Gold Card over traditional options like the DTV for long-term living arrangements.
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