TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan launched emergency insurance coverage Thursday (Oct. 9) for disaster volunteers following the death of a volunteer who died from sepsis. The Central Disaster Response Center (中央災害應變中心前進協調所), Taiwan's emergency coordination body, announced NT$1 million (around US$32,767) accident coverage after Lin Hung-sen (林鴻森), an excavator owner, died Monday (Oct. 6) while volunteering.
Liu Yu-chuan (劉玉娟), chief secretary of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部), Taiwan's health ministry, revealed collaboration with the Financial Supervisory Commission (金管會), Taiwan's financial regulator, and insurance companies to create the emergency coverage. The government covers the NT$1 (around US$0.03) insurance fee while the Ministry of Health and Welfare serves as policyholder for heavy machinery operators, electricians, medical volunteers, and registered volunteers.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare monitors insured volunteer numbers daily and automatically renews coverage for those working beyond three days. Chief coordinator Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) from the Forward Coordination Office (中央災害應變中心), Taiwan's disaster response headquarters, emphasized the plan ensures volunteer safety in disaster zones through continuous protection measures.
The Disaster Relief Foundation (賑災基金會), Taiwan's disaster aid organization, funds policies prioritizing professional volunteers and "Shovel Superheroes" (鏟子超人) recruited through official channels. Coverage begins Friday (Oct. 10) for three days while the Ministry of Digital Affairs (數位部), Taiwan's technology ministry, creates real-time registration enabling QR code enrollment. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.518)