#ImmiUpdatesCzechia The Czech Republic provides a high-quality healthcare system for its residents and foreigners. If you are going to Czechia for work or study, you need to get health insurance. How does it work, and what should you do? Let’s learn more in this article!

 

Health insurance is obligatory for Czech residents.

 

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all foreigners in the Czech Republic. The type of insurance you need depends on your residency status and the length of your stay.

 

Health Insurance for Short Stays (Up to 90 Days)

If you are visiting Czechia for up to 90 days, you must have health insurance that covers medical emergencies. You have two primary options:

• Travel Insurance: Many foreigners rely on travel insurance from their home country, which typically covers emergency medical treatment.
• Emergency Health Insurance: You can purchase commercial emergency health insurance from a Czech provider, which will cover essential medical expenses during your stay.

Note: If you are on a short-term visit, this insurance does not cover elective or long-term medical care, and you cannot work in the Czech Republic under this coverage.

 

Health Insurance for Long-Term Stays (Over 90 Days)

Public Comprehensive Health Insurance

Public health insurance is available to certain categories of foreigners, providing access to the same healthcare services as Czech citizens.

Who Is Eligible for Public Health Insurance?

• Citizens and permanent residents of the Czech Republic (including foreigners)
• Employees working for companies based in the Czech Republic (including foreigners without permanent residency)
• Children of foreigners with a long-term residence permit (must be paid by the parents)
• Foreign children in foster care
• Asylum seekers and their children while their status is processed
• Foreigners with visas for temporary protection or tolerated stay

International Agreements

Foreigners from countries such as the USA, Japan, Turkey, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Tunisia, and Syria, who work or run a business in the Czech Republic become part of the Czech health insurance system. They must deregister from their home country’s health insurance. 

A similar rule applies to nationals from Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) working in EU countries, including the Czech Republic. Additionally, a special agreement with Israel applies only to Czech and Israeli citizens. These regulations do not apply to tourists or students.

How Much Is Public Health Insurance?

Health insurance contributions amount to 13.5% of gross income deducted directly from your salary. As a self-employed person, you need to make regular payments (based on your income) to the insurance company.

The state covers health insurance for children, students under 26, pensioners, maternity leave recipients, the unemployed, and other eligible groups.

Benefits of Public Comprehensive Health Insurance

Comprehensive health insurance ensures access to complete medical care in the Czech Republic. That covers preventive examination, emergency and urgent care, follow-up and planned health care, urgent dental care, hospital and diagnostic care, and post-injury rehabilitation.

Public Comprehensive Health Insurance Providers

There are several public health insurance providers in the Czech Republic, including:

• Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP)
• Oborová zdravotní pojišťovna (OZP)
• Česká průmyslová zdravotní pojišťovna (ČPZP)
• Zdravotní pojišťovna ministerstva vnitra ČR (ZPMVČR)
• Revírní bratrská pojišťovna (RBP)
• Vojenská zdravotní pojišťovna ČR (VoZP)

 

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance typically provides a more limited range of services compared to public insurance. It often excludes treatment for chronic diseases, serious conditions, and congenital disorders.

Private health insurance is provided by companies that aim to make a profit. Expect to pay more for private health insurance than for public health care.

Note: When applying for visa or residence permit applications as a non-EU national, you must obtain health insurance as part of your application.

Types of Private Health Insurance

1. Emergency Care Insurance – only covers urgent medical care for sudden health issues
2. Comprehensive Health Insurance – covers a wider range of services, including preventive care, vaccinations, and maternity care. 

Private Comprehensive Health Insurance Providers

Some of the private health insurance providers offering comprehensive coverage include:

• PVZP
• Maxima
• UNIQA 
• AXA 

 

 

Let us deal with comprehensive health insurance for you and contact us here!

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Source: VZP, IPC

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