Online purchase of foreigners' health insurance
About health insurance for foreigners: visas, coverage and common questions
Health insurance for foreigners in Czechia
Foreign nationals from outside the European Union must hold health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in the Czech Republic, and proof of it is required when applying for a visa or residence permit. Below you will find when public insurance applies, when commercial insurance is required, how the available options differ and what to watch out for when arranging your stay.
Public or commercial health insurance?
Public health insurance covers foreigners employed by an employer based in the Czech Republic, as well as holders of permanent residence. Your employer registers you and the scope of care is the same as for Czech nationals.
Everyone else needs commercial health insurance from an insurer authorised to offer it in the Czech Republic. This typically includes students, self-employed people, family members and many people during their first year of stay.
Comprehensive cover versus urgent and necessary care
Commercial insurance comes in two basic scopes. Insurance for urgent and necessary care covers only acute conditions that cannot be postponed. It is cheaper, but generally not sufficient for a long-term stay.
Comprehensive health insurance is closer in scope to public insurance. It includes preventive and follow-up care and a wider range of treatments, and it is usually the option required for long-term residence.
Proof for your visa or residence application
You submit the insurance certificate together with proof of payment. With commercial insurance the premium is paid upfront for the whole period you choose.
Requirements for the minimum scope and validity period depend on the type of stay you are applying for. Check them before arranging the policy so that your documents match what the authorities will ask for.
Waiting periods and exclusions
Commercial health insurance applies waiting periods, meaning a period after the policy starts during which certain treatments are not yet covered. This typically concerns pregnancy and childbirth care.
Conditions that existed before the policy was arranged are usually excluded. Insurers differ considerably in the scope of exclusions, so for a long-term stay compare the terms, not just the price.
What to do when you need a doctor
Before visiting a doctor, call the assistance service listed on your insurance card. They will direct you to a contracted medical facility where treatment is billed directly to the insurer.
At a non-contracted facility you may have to pay first and claim reimbursement afterwards. You receive the list of contracted facilities once your policy is arranged.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance do I need for a Czech visa?
It depends on the type and length of your stay. Long-term stays generally require comprehensive health insurance, while insurance for urgent and necessary care may be sufficient for short stays. Check the requirements for the specific permit you are applying for.
When am I entitled to public health insurance?
Primarily as an employee of an employer based in the Czech Republic, because your employer then registers you. Holders of permanent residence are also entitled. Everyone else needs commercial health insurance.
What is the difference between comprehensive cover and urgent care cover?
Urgent and necessary care covers acute conditions only. Comprehensive insurance is closer in scope to Czech public health insurance, includes preventive care and is usually the option required for long-term stays.
Can I arrange the insurance online?
Yes. Commercial health insurance for foreigners can be arranged online. Once the premium is paid you receive the insurance certificate you submit with your residence application.
Is the premium paid upfront?
Yes. With commercial health insurance the premium is paid in advance for the entire agreed period, and proof of payment is usually part of the documents submitted with your application.
Does the insurance cover pregnancy care?
Comprehensive insurance usually includes pregnancy care, but with a waiting period from the start of the policy. The exact length and scope differ between insurers, so review the terms in advance.