Healthcare in the Czech Republic

The primary model for organizing healthcare in European Union countries is through health insurance, and this applies to the Czech Republic as well. Everyone must be insured—both children and adults—though the conditions vary for Czechs and foreigners, as well as between children and adults.

Czech citizens, based on their insurance, are entitled to free medical care and many related services. Additionally, insurance often fully or partially covers various doctor-prescribed medications and basic dental care, such as emergency dental treatment.

The following laws govern the conditions for providing medical care:

• Law No. 551/1991 Sb. on the General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic
• Law No. 592/1992 Sb. on Public Health Insurance Contributions
• Law No. 48/1997 Sb. on Public Health Insurance

These laws define two types of health insurance in the Czech Republic: 1. Public Health Insurance 2. Private (Commercial) Health Insurance.

Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance can be either mandatory or voluntary.

• Mandatory public health insurance is required in the following cases:
  1. If the individual is employed or self-employed in the Czech Republic.
  2. If the individual is a refugee.
  3. If the individual is an international student (EU citizens).
  4. If the foreigner is detained or imprisoned in the Czech Republic.
  5. If the dependent of an insured person was born in another EU state.
  6. If the foreign minor does not have a legal guardian and the court determines guardianship.
• Voluntary public health insurance applies to individuals who are not employed or self-employed in the Czech Republic and are not registered with the local employment office. These individuals must pay for their health insurance themselves.

In many cases, foreigners cannot benefit from public health insurance and must purchase their own health insurance. Specifically, they must sign a contract for private (commercial) health insurance and cover the costs themselves.

Private Health Insurance

Private or commercial health insurance does not include life insurance. The scope and conditions of this insurance are defined in the contract between the insurance company and the insured person.

There are two main types of private health insurance:

1. Medical Care Insurance

This insurance covers treatment costs due to illness, injury, or pregnancy. It may also include preventive check-ups, medication costs, medical aids like glasses, dental prostheses, and orthoses, as well as additional hospital services (e.g., private rooms with enhanced comfort), dental care, and medical costs during travel outside the Czech Republic. The specific list of covered services is outlined in the contract. This insurance type is often necessary for foreigners who cannot access public health insurance.

2. Health Insurance with a Benefit Payout

This type of insurance is usually arranged with a commercial insurance company, either as a standalone policy or as an addition to life insurance. Under this contract, the insurance company reimburses the insured for expenses incurred. The compensation amount is specified in the contract. Typically, the insured person first pays all medical expenses, gathers the necessary documents, and then submits them to the insurance company for reimbursement.

What Should a Foreigner Choose?

For more information, refer to the section 'Health Insurance for Foreigners in the Czech Republic'.