Specimen (2019) of the «standard» VZP CR insurance card (EP – P). Photo: vzp.cz
HEALTH INSURANCE
By law, everyone staying in the Czech Republic is obliged to have valid and paid health insurance. A valid and timely paid health insurance policy in the Czech Republic is compulsory for everyone!
There are two main types of health insurance: public and commercial.
Citizens of the Czech Republic are covered by public health insurance.
Foreigners with a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic, all foreigners working on the basis of an employment contract with an employer with a registered address in the Czech Republic, EU citizens, their family members and other categories of foreigners, e. g. foreigners with international protection status, are included in the state compulsory health insurance system under certain conditions.
Other categories of foreigners:
— self-employed and other entrepreneurs, economically inactive family members of foreigners, students — must take out commercial health insurance in the Czech Republic.
There are 2 types of commercial health insurance for foreigners in the Czech Republic:
1) insurance of first necessary and emergency medical care (travel insurance for foreigners)
2) comprehensive health insurance.
When applying for the issue or extension of a residence permit in the Czech Republic, it is necessary to present a comprehensive health insurance policy for foreigners concluded for the entire expected period of stay (up to 2 years).
Under commercial comprehensive health insurance, you will only be accepted by doctors and medical centres that have a contract with your insurance company.
In some cases, your doctor may ask you to pay cash and your insurance company will reimburse you later. You should keep the receipt.
Remember to read the terms and conditions of your health insurance contract carefully. You should always have your insurance card with you.
Specimen (2019) of the card of an insured person of the VZP CR, citizen of a non-EU country, working in the Czech Republic. Photo: vzp.cz
