Czechia: health insurance for foreigners

Health insurance is compulsory for long stays in Czechia. People employed by a Czech employer are generally in the public system; others need comprehensive private insurance.

1. For stays over 90 days you need insurance covering comprehensive medical care.
2. Employees of an employer based in Czechia can join public health insurance (e.g. VZP); the employer usually pays the premium. Permanent residents are compulsorily insured in the public system.
3. Anyone not in the public system needs comprehensive private insurance: at least EUR 400,000 per insured event, with no co-payment. Since 20 September 2023 any insurer authorised in Czechia can provide it (see the Czech National Bank's register).
4. When applying at an embassy you can submit travel insurance for the first 90 days plus a separate comprehensive insurance contract, or one comprehensive policy for the whole stay. A policy taken out abroad needs an official Czech translation.
5. Minors with long-term residence are automatically in the public system until 18; after that, unless insured another way, they need comprehensive private insurance.

• Ministry of the Interior (IPC): Medical insurance ↗
• VZP: Healthcare for foreigners ↗

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official sources or ask the relevant authority before making a decision.