01 · Legal basics
Who needs health insurance?
Foreigners generally need valid health coverage for their stay in Czechia, but the correct route is not the same for everyone. It may be Czech public health insurance, commercial travel medical insurance, an EHIC/GHIC arrangement or coverage under an international agreement.
Long stays over 90 daysFor applicants who must use commercial comprehensive travel medical insurance, the statutory minimum limit is currently EUR 400,000 per insured event. Since September 2023, the cover may be arranged with any insurer authorised to provide it in Czechia.
EU citizens, people participating in Czech public health insurance and nationals covered by certain international agreements may follow different rules. Do not buy a product solely because another foreigner used it.
Official source: Information Portal for Foreigners ↗02 · Visa and residence
When will you need proof of insurance?
For a long-term visa, proof of compliant medical travel insurance is commonly submitted before the visa is placed in the passport, unless an exemption applies. Authorities may also request proof that the premium has been paid.
Check these four points
- The insurance covers the whole required period.
- The territorial scope matches the official requirement.
- Your name and passport details are correct.
- You have the policy, confirmation and any requested proof of payment.
Documents issued abroad may require an officially certified Czech translation. Requirements can differ between a short Schengen stay, a long-term visa and an extension filed inside Czechia.
Official source: Information Portal for Foreigners ↗03 · Choosing the system
Public insurance and commercial insurance are different.
Public health insuranceMay apply, for example, through qualifying employment, permanent residence or specific statutory categories. Contributions and access are governed by public law.
Commercial health insuranceA contractual insurance product with defined limits, exclusions, provider procedures and policy terms. Always read the current conditions.
Your residence permit by itself does not always determine the answer. Employment, age, nationality, international agreements and family status can all matter.
04 · Children and families
Special rules can apply to children.
Since 1 January 2024, minors with a valid long-term residence permit can enter Czech public health insurance under statutory conditions. Timing matters: families should contact a Czech public health insurer before existing private cover expires and verify the child’s exact status.
A child who does not yet meet the conditions for public insurance may still need commercial comprehensive cover. Confirm the transition rather than allowing one policy to expire without a replacement.
Official source: Information Portal for Foreigners ↗05 · Healthcare
How to find a doctor in Czechia.
- Use the national healthcare map.Search the official NZIP map by location and medical specialty.
- Check your insurer’s procedure.Commercial policies may require a contracted facility or prior contact with the assistance service.
- Call before travelling.Confirm that the clinic accepts new patients, speaks your preferred language and can treat you under your type of cover.
- Bring your documents.Take identification, your insurance confirmation and any assistance or policy number.
Open official healthcare map ↗Official source: National Health Information Portal ↗06 · Urgent help
Emergency, urgent care or a regular appointment?
155Medical emergencyCall for a sudden serious illness, major injury or condition threatening life or health.
112European emergency lineUseful for foreigners and situations involving more than one emergency service.
Emergency calls are free. Tell the operator what happened, your exact location, how many people need help and your telephone number. Follow instructions and do not hang up first.
Do not use emergency lines for routine care.For a non-life-threatening problem, contact a general practitioner, out-of-hours service or your insurer’s assistance line.
Official source: Czech public administration portal ↗07 · Using commercial insurance
Before treatment and reimbursement.
Except in a genuine emergency, check your policy instructions before visiting a provider. The assistance service may direct you to an appropriate facility, confirm a guarantee of payment or explain whether you should pay first and request reimbursement.
Keep a complete record
- Medical report and diagnosis
- Original invoices and proof of payment
- Prescriptions and pharmacy receipts
- Any referral or prior approval
- Communication with the assistance service
Deadlines, exclusions and claim procedures are governed by the current Slavia policy terms supplied with your contract.
08 · Before you apply
Your practical checklist.
Passport details match exactlyCorrect start and end datesRight purpose and length of stayRequired territorial coveragePolicy and proof of payment savedAssistance contact stored in phone
Continue to the official calculator ↗Last reviewed: 1 September 2026This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Official authorities, legislation and the current insurance terms take precedence.