What is health insurance for foreigners and who needs it?
The options for health insurance for foreigners are expanded after the amendment of the law:
In 2023, the law on the residence of foreigners in the Czech Republic was amended. "The monopoly of the insurance company VZP has been terminated and foreigners can now again choose which insurance company to be insured with," explains Roman Jandík, director of the retail department of the insurance company Maxima Pojistovna.
Below are some of the most common questions about who needs commercial health insurance and how to choose the best plan.
Do all foreigners staying in the Czech Republic have to be insured?
Yes. Foreigners can choose between two types of insurance: public health insurance or commercial health insurance. Czech public health insurance covers persons regardless of nationality who are permanent residents of the Czech Republic. It also applies to persons who do not have a permanent address in the Czech Republic but are, for example, employed by a company based in the country.
If an individual does not meet either of these conditions, he or she is obliged to take out commercial health insurance. Both types of insurance are acceptable for the visa.
Do all foreigners staying in the Czech Republic have to be insured?
What health insurance is available to foreigners?
If you do not fall into any of the categories of foreigners with access to public health insurance (e.g. access based on employment, permanent residence or, as of 1 January 2024, as a child under the age of 18), you will need to take out commercial insurance.
Foreigners' health insurance is intended for persons who are not covered by the Czech Republic's public health insurance system.
There are two distinct groups:
1) persons planning a short-term stay of up to 90 days
2) persons planning a long-term stay of more than 90 days.
Foreigners are covered by two types of commercial health insurance:
1) basic insurance covering necessary and urgent medical care for short stays of up to 90 days (so-called travel insurance) for holidays and tourist trips
2) comprehensive health insurance for people planning a long-term stay of more than 90 days.
What should I know before choosing an insurance company?
When buying commercial health insurance, it is important to read and understand all the terms and conditions carefully. You should also compare benefits and access to local medical facilities.
Commercial health insurance companies issue insurance cards just like public health insurance companies. If you haven't received an insurance card, use your health insurance contract and proof of payment instead.
The insurance card or the health insurance contract with proof of payment both serve as proof that you have valid health insurance in the Czech Republic. You should always keep this document with you in case you need medical attention or are checked by the foreign police.
From 20 September 2023, a minimum limit of EUR 400,000 per claim without a deductible is required.
