Taiwan - Insurance

Insurance in Taiwan is supervised by the Ministry of Finance and may be written only by a limited liability company or a cooperative association. Aside from group insurance operated by the government, life and annuity insurance are comparatively undeveloped in Taiwan. The Chinese tradition that the family should take care of its members in sickness and old age lowered demand in the past, but social change and rapid economic growth have modified this situation, especially in industrial areas. In 1986, the Taiwanese government agreed to allow US companies to compete equally for insurance business. In 1999, nine foreign nonlife insurers were authorized to run full branches in Taiwan. Foreign insurers must receive approval from the government, however, and secure a business license. In Taiwan, third-party automobile liability, health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation are all compulsory.