Health Insurance for Foreigners in the Czech Republic

Health Insurance for Foreigners in the Czech Republic

Foreigners and EU citizens in the Czech Republic must have valid health insurance to access medical care. Whether you need Czech health insurance for a visa or general healthcare, there are two main options: public health insurance and commercial health insurance.

Public health insurance covers most medical treatments, including those for preexisting conditions. It is required for certain foreigners, such as those with permanent residency or those employed by a Czech company.

Who Qualifies for Czech Public Health Insurance?

• Foreigners with permanent residency

• Employees of Czech companies

• EU citizens (self-payers)

• Children, students, pensioners, and unemployed individuals covered by the state

• Kids under 18 years old( Non-EU citizens) 

• EU citizen's Non-EU family members

VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna) is the most common Czech medical insurance provider. Most hospitals accept public insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage.

Public Health Insurance Costs (2025):

• Self-payers: 2,808 CZK/month

• Employees: 2,808 CZK/month minimum. Paid by employer

• Trade license holders: Minimum 3,143 CZK/month

• Government employees: 2,127 CZK/month

Foreigners without access to public insurance need commercial health insurance for foreigners in the Czech Republic. This is required for long-term visa and temporary residency applications.

Types of Commercial Health Insurance

• Urgent Care Insurance – This covers emergency treatment only (not accepted for visas).

• Comprehensive Health Insurance – Covers regular and emergency medical care and is required for visas.

Foreigners with Czech commercial health insurance must check if hospitals accept their provider. If not, they must pay upfront and request reimbursement lat

Health Insurance Costs for Foreigners in the Czech Republic

For foreigners in the Czech Republic, basic health insurance starts at 900 CZK/month, and comprehensive coverage starts at 1,700 CZK/month. Prices depend on the provider and coverage.

EU citizens can use their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for essential medical care. However, for full coverage, they can join Czech public health insurance or buy Czech medical insurance from private providers if don't qualify for Czech Public health insurance.

Brexit Update for UK Citizens: UK citizens can use the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), replacing the EHIC for emergency medical care in the Czech Republic.

Foreigners can arrange Czech health insurance online or through an agent in the Czech Republic for visa applications, the policy must include a physical signature and stamp. The length of insurance impacts visa duration.

Understanding Czech health insurance types is important for foreigners living or staying in the country long-term. Whether using public health insurance or purchasing commercial Czech medical insurance, having the right coverage ensures access to quality healthcare.