The Czech Republic is a popular destination for expats, tourists, and medical tourists who seek high-quality and affordable healthcare services. But is healthcare free in the Czech Republic for foreigners? The answer depends on several factors, such as the nationality, residency status and duration of stay of the foreigner. In this article, we will explain the main aspects of the Czech healthcare system and how it applies to different categories of foreigners.
The Czech Republic has a universal healthcare system that provides free medical treatment to Czech citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners working for a local company through a public health insurance scheme. Public health insurance is funded by compulsory contributions from employers and employees, as well as subsidies from the state budget. The largest health insurance company is the state-owned Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP).
Public health insurance covers most medical services, such as consultations, examinations, tests, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescriptions, and preventive care. However, some services may require a small co-payment from the patient, such as dental care, cosmetic procedures, alternative medicine and some medications. The public health insurance also covers emergency care for anyone in the country, regardless of their insurance status.
The quality of healthcare in the Czech Republic is generally high, and many doctors are Western-trained and can speak English. However, public hospitals may suffer from long waiting times, overcrowding, outdated equipment and lack of privacy. Some expats may prefer to use private healthcare facilities, which offer more comfort, convenience, and choice, but at a higher cost.
EU citizens who visit the Czech Republic as tourists can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during their visit. The EHIC entitles them to the same level of care as Czech citizens, but they may still have to pay some co-payments or fees for certain services. The EHIC does not cover private healthcare, repatriation, or non-urgent care, so it is advisable to have additional travel insurance for these cases.
UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit. The GHIC works in the same way as the EHIC, but it does not cover Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
EU citizens who stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, either for work, study or other reasons, must register with a Czech health insurance company and pay monthly contributions. They can choose to register with the VZP or one of the other public health insurance companies, or they can opt for a private health insurance company. The amount of the contribution depends on the income and status of the person.
EU citizens who work for a Czech employer are automatically insured under the public health insurance scheme and pay monthly contributions. Their employer pays a portion of the fee and the employee pays the remainder. The employer is also responsible for notifying the health insurance company of the commencement and termination of the employment.
EU citizens who are self-employed in the Czech Republic can also participate in the public health insurance scheme, as long as they carry out their self-employment only in the Czech Republic. They have to register with the health insurance company and pay monthly contributions based on their income. They also have to pay social security contributions and taxes to the Czech authorities.
EU citizens who are not working or self-employed in the Czech Republic, but have sufficient proof of their actual residence and centre of interests in the country, can also join the public health insurance scheme under certain conditions. For example, they may be dependent family members of a person who is insured in the Czech Republic, or they may receive income replacement benefits, such as a pension, from another EU country.
Non-EU citizens who visit the Czech Republic as tourists for less than 90 days must have appropriate travel health insurance that covers at least 60,000 EUR of medical expenses and repatriation. They must show proof of their insurance when applying for a visa or entering the country. Travel health insurance does not cover public healthcare, so they have to pay for any medical services they receive in the country.
Non-EU citizens who stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, either for work, study or other reasons, must have comprehensive health insurance that covers all medical services and costs in the country. They must show proof of their insurance when applying for a long-term visa or residence permit. The health insurance must be provided by a Czech or foreign insurance company that is authorized to operate in the Czech Republic. The minimum coverage required is 90,000 EUR per year.
Non-EU citizens who work for a Czech employer are automatically insured under the public health insurance scheme and pay monthly contributions. Their employer pays a portion of the fee and the employee pays the remainder. The employer is also responsible for notifying the health insurance company of the commencement and termination of the employment.
Non-EU citizens who are self-employed in the Czech Republic can also participate in the public health insurance scheme, as long as they have a trade license and pay social security contributions and taxes to the Czech authorities. They have to register with the health insurance company and pay monthly contributions based on their income.
Non-EU citizens who are not working or self-employed in the Czech Republic, but have permanent residence in the country, are also compulsorily insured under the public health insurance scheme. They have to register with the health insurance company and pay monthly contributions based on the minimum wage. They are entitled to the same level of care as Czech citizens.
Non-EU citizens who come from countries that have a bilateral social security agreement with the Czech Republic may be exempt from some of the above requirements, depending on the terms of the agreement. The Czech Republic has such agreements with the USA, Japan, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Tunisia and Syria. These agreements may allow the citizens of these countries to use their home country’s health insurance in the Czech Republic, or to participate in the Czech public health insurance scheme under certain conditions.
Foreigners who need to buy commercial health insurance in the Czech Republic have several options to choose from. Different types of commercial health insurance suit different needs and preferences of foreigners. The main types are:
Five insurance companies are authorized by the Czech National Bank to provide commercial health insurance for foreigners in the Czech Republic. They are:
Moving to Prague or any Czech city? MuveOne, an international European removal company, specializes in seamless relocations across Europe. With skilled movers handling moves of any size, transparent pricing, including free online quotes, and services tailored to your needs like insurance and customs clearance we ensure prompt delivery within 48 hours across Europe. Our priority is your satisfaction and safety, promising a stress-free move with dedicated customer support. Get a quote today and let MuveOne assist in your Czech Republic relocation.
