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ChenDermatologist
Dr. Chen Yi-Jia · Dermatology Notes
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Patient guide · Prescription / NHI rules Updated 2026-05-05

Taiwan NHI rules for common dermatology drugs — complete reference
Coverage criteria, dosing, treatment duration, PASS pre-authorization

A complete reference of Taiwan NHI rules for commonly prescribed dermatology drugs. Each entry lists: indication, ICD-10 code, NHI coverage criteria, dose, course, pre-authorization requirement, and out-of-pocket pricing. Covers topical steroids, adalimumab, dupilumab, omalizumab, JAK inhibitors, and isotretinoin.

Note:Taiwan NHI coverage rules are revised annually by the NHIA; this article reflects rules through May 2026. Actual coverage follows the latest NHI announcement at the time of consultation. Prescription must be evaluated by a specialist based on your individual situation.
NHI badge legend

✓ Covered by NHI Usable in routine cases
▲ Conditional coverage Requires specific diagnosis / severity / prior-treatment history; some need prior authorization (PASS)
✗ Out-of-pocket Not covered by NHI, or off-label use

Taiwan NHI Coverage for Common Dermatology Drugs

This article summarizes Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage rules, dosing, treatment duration, and pre-authorization (PASS — Pre-Authorization Submission System) requirements for common dermatology prescriptions. Note: NHI conditions are revised annually; this is current as of May 2026. Actual coverage subject to NHI Administration's most recent announcement at time of prescription.

Coverage Badge Definitions

  • ✓ NHI covered: Generally covered under standard indication
  • ▲ Conditional: Covered only when specific diagnosis / severity / prior treatment criteria met; some require pre-authorization (PASS)
  • ✗ Out-of-pocket: Not NHI-covered, or off-label use

Topical Drugs

  • Topical corticosteroids (all classes): ✓ NHI covered. Standard for inflammatory dermatoses.
  • Topical retinoids (Adapalene 0.1%, Tretinoin 0.025-0.05%): ✓ NHI covered for acne. Out-of-pocket for cosmetic use.
  • Tacrolimus 0.03/0.1% (Protopic), Pimecrolimus 1% (Elidel): ▲ Conditional — for moderate-severe AD failing first-line.
  • Crisaborole 2% (Eucrisa): ▲ Conditional — for AD ≥ 2 yo.
  • Topical Ivermectin 1% (Soolantra): ✗ Out-of-pocket. Effective for papulopustular rosacea.
  • Hydroquinone, Tri-Luma, Ruxolitinib cream: ✗ Out-of-pocket.

Oral Isotretinoin (NHI ICD code 706.1)

  • NHI conditions: Severe nodulocystic acne or recurrent moderate acne failing 6+ months of standard therapy. Documentation: lesion count, photos, prior treatments.
  • Dose: 0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day; cumulative target 120-150 mg/kg over 5-9 months
  • Pre-screen: pregnancy test (women), CBC, AST/ALT, lipid panel
  • Monitoring: monthly initially, then every 2-3 months
  • Pregnancy ban: throughout treatment + 1 month after; 2 contraceptive methods required

Oral Antibiotics for Acne / Rosacea

  • Doxycycline 100 mg, Minocycline 100 mg: ✓ NHI covered. Use 8-12 weeks for acne; sub-antibiotic dose 40 mg modified-release for rosacea (when available).
  • Sarecycline: ✗ Not available in Taiwan (US-only).

Atopic Dermatitis Biologics & JAK

  • Dupilumab (Dupixent): ▲ NHI conditional for ≥ 6 months age, moderate-severe AD failing standard therapy ≥ 6 months, with PASS pre-authorization. Out-of-pocket ~NT$ 16,000-22,000/injection.
  • Upadacitinib (Rinvoq), Abrocitinib (Cibinqo): ▲ NHI conditional for ≥ 12 yo failing standard therapy. PASS required. Out-of-pocket ~NT$ 30,000-50,000/month.
  • Tralokinumab, Lebrikizumab: ✗ Out-of-pocket if available.

Psoriasis Biologics

NHI key criteria: PASI > 10 + DLQI > 10 + failed at least 2 conventional therapies (MTX / Cyclosporine / Acitretin / phototherapy) for ≥ 3 months each.

  • Adalimumab, Secukinumab, Ixekizumab, Bimekizumab, Guselkumab, Risankizumab, Ustekinumab: all ▲ NHI conditional with PASS
  • Apremilast (Otezla): ▲ Conditional for moderate psoriasis failing one conventional therapy
  • Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu): ✗ Out-of-pocket (newer)

Alopecia Areata JAK

  • Baricitinib, Ritlecitinib: ▲ Limited NHI conditional coverage starting 2025; criteria SALT > 50% + 2+ failed conventional treatments. Largely out-of-pocket ~NT$ 30,000-50,000/month.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

  • Omalizumab (Xolair): ▲ NHI conditional for CSU with UAS7 ≥ 28 + 4× standard antihistamine inadequate ≥ 4 weeks; PASS required. 300 mg q4w; up to 600 mg q2w off-label.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

  • Adalimumab: ▲ NHI conditional for moderate-severe HS (Hurley II-III) failing 3+ months oral antibiotic; 40 mg weekly from 2024.

PASS Pre-Authorization 7-Step Process

  1. Confirm diagnosis with appropriate ICD-10 code
  2. Document severity (PASI / EASI / SALT / UAS7 / Hurley score)
  3. Document failed prior treatments with dates and dosages
  4. Pre-treatment screening complete (TB, hepatitis, pregnancy test, etc.)
  5. Submit PASS application via NHI online system
  6. Reviewed within 7-14 working days
  7. Receive approval; prescribe; reauthorize per coverage period (usually 6-12 months)

Major Out-of-Pocket Drug List

  • Hydroquinone, Tri-Luma: melasma / hyperpigmentation
  • Ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura): vitiligo, AD
  • Soolantra (Ivermectin 1%): rosacea
  • Brimonidine 0.33% gel (Mirvaso): rosacea erythema
  • Finasteride / Dutasteride: AGA (hair loss)
  • Shingrix vaccine: shingles prevention
  • Newer biologics not yet in NHI coverage

Summary

Taiwan NHI provides excellent coverage for common dermatologic prescriptions including topicals, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, and increasingly biologics with conditional approval. Patients should discuss with dermatologists about whether their disease severity meets NHI criteria, what documentation is needed for PASS, and which out-of-pocket options may offer better outcomes for specific conditions.