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International Health Insurance for Expats in the Czech Republic
Expats who choose to move to the Czech Republic should secure international health insurance right away as those applying for a long-term visa or a permanent relocation are required to prove they have health insurance that covers the duration of their stay in the country.
Travelers are also encouraged to purchase travel insurance before their vacation to avoid potential hefty medical expenses and costs of trip mishaps, as medical costs in the country can be high. Even more, those entering the country with a Schengen visa are required to have travel insurance.
The Czech Republic has some of the best healthcare in Central Europe. With over 25,000 hospitals, clinics, and private medical practitioners, it is a popular destination for medical tourism. How does the healthcare system work in the Czech Republic, and what can you expect as an expat living there?
Here, we will give you the nuts and bolts on the types of medical care and health insurance available in this beautiful country and help you compare the best international health insurance plans, answer your Czech Republic FAQs, and more.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in the Czech Republic
The Healthcare System in the Czech Republic
The healthcare system in the Czech Republic is segregated into the public and private sectors, both of which are comprehensive and high quality. It’s important to note that pharmacies likely function very differently than what you are accustomed to back at home.
Public Healthcare in the Czech Republic
Heavily subsidized, the hospital standards in the Czech Republic are high and likely similar to what you are accustomed to back home. Many doctors are also trained in Western countries and speak English.
Don’t be offended if your medical staff is curt: the turnover rate of patients is incredibly high at Czech public hospitals, and consultation times can be short as a result. There are more doctors per head in the Czech Republic than there are in the whole of the United States.
The waiting period before treatment within the Czech Republic’s public sector tends to be long since doctors are always in high demand, so choosing private health insurance that allows you to receive care at a private institution may shorten your waiting time.
Dentists operate in both the public and the private healthcare system. The Czech statutory health insurance covers basic, preventive dental procedures, such as check-ups, basic fillings, and extractions. Orthodontic treatment is also covered for children up to the age of 18.
For more complex procedures, we recommend going to a private dental clinic.
Public Hospitals in the Czech Republic
Travelers and expats who choose to receive medical treatment at one of the Czech Republic’s public hospitals have stellar options to pick from, such as University Hospital Brno, Na Homolce Hospital, and The Proton Therapy Center.
University Hospital Brno is the second-largest hospital in the Czech Republic, and its doctors can boast impressive records, such as being the first to treat benign prostate cancer with steam. The hospital ranks among the best in the country, and it follows the Ministry of Health’s strict standards.
Na Homolce Hospital features cutting-edge technology across many departments, from cardiology and neurology to surgery and oncology and more. Providers here are the first in the world to perform robotic abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, laser atrial fibrillation ablation, and catheterization.
The Proton Therapy Center, located in Prague, is one of the country’s most sophisticated cancer centers, and its team of oncologists has successfully treated over 6,000 patients from more than 50 countries around the world.
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Private Healthcare in the Czech Republic
Treatment at private hospitals in the Czech Republic is excellent but expensive. Doctors are highly qualified and experienced. There are even more English-speaking staff at private hospitals.
You can also expect much shorter waiting times and a service-oriented approach when it comes to dealing with their patients. Make sure you are covered by an international private health plan or be prepared to see a startlingly more expensive medical bill.
Please note that some private facilities will ask you to pay upfront before seeing a physician.
Private Hospitals in the Czech Republic
Expats and travelers who want the extra comfort of the Czech Republic’s private institutions can choose from a variety of top-tier facilities, including the Gennet Clinic Archa and the SurGal Clinic.
The Gennet Clinic offers specialized services in genetics, assisted reproduction, immunology, fetal medicine, andrology, and urology, and it’s one of the top clinics for those seeking IVF care.
The SurGal Clinic is a private surgery clinic in Brno that offers services in weight loss surgery, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, imaging methods, vascular surgery, and more. They offer excellent international care, treating over 300 international patients a year.
Health Insurance Options in the Czech Republic for Expats
Health insurance is compulsory for all individuals living in the Czech Republic, be it state insurance or private insurance. If you stay in the country for over 90 days, you are required to show proof that you are covered under statutory or private health insurance.
Public Insurance in the Czech Republic
Anyone working for their Czech employer, citizens, and residents is automatically insured under the country’s public healthcare system. This means most treatments—including the notoriously expensive dental treatment—are free as long as you pay your monthly contributions.
This is done through a joint monetary contribution by the employer and employee, usually to the Všeobecná zdravotní pojišลฅovna (VZP), the largest and state-owned insurer in the nation. Here is a list of other health insurance companies offering the Czech Republic’s health insurance scheme.
You will then receive a card to prove your membership, which you will provide at hospitals and clinics whenever you seek treatment. Expats are also required to pay a small stipend for the treatment received from this fund.
If you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you’re in luck! All individuals possessing an EHIC have access to the Czech Republic’s superb public healthcare system.
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Private Insurance in the Czech Republic
If you are staying in the Czech Republic without an EHIC and not working for a Czech company, then securing an international private health insurance plan is your best option. To stay in this country, all citizens must be covered by insurance.
International health insurance best serves individuals moving to or visiting the Czech Republic because it offers flexible, customizable care that is portable across borders. These plans allow you access to many top-tier facilities, clinics, and hospitals while also offering care in other countries.
Individuals who choose an international insurance plan have the luxury of picking which benefits they need, but most plans offer coverage for:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency medical care
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Care worldwide, including your home country
These policies are also generally renewable and offer 24-hour assistance for emergencies. You can also consider add-on benefits for vision, dental, maternity, and preventative care.
We recommend speaking to our expert insurance advisors today to find a personalized plan before you begin your adventure in the Czech Republic!
Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in the Czech Republic
Some of the best private health insurance for expats include Allianz, AXA, and Cigna. Keep reading below to find out about these fantastic providers, and visit our page to find the top 9 insurance companies for expats in the Czech Republic.
Allianz
Allianz, one of the largest international health insurance providers, offers expats in the Czech Republic coverage through three core plans: Allianz Care, Allianz Care Plus, and Allianz Care Pro. All three plans cover inpatient and day-care services, oncology treatment, and medical evacuation.
The annual limit per plan is:
- Care plan: USD $2,500,000
- Care Plus plan: USD $4,000,000
- Care Pro plan: USD $5,00,000
Each tier of coverage offers additional benefits. Beyond the benefits offered in each core Care plan, expats may purchase add-on plans for further coverage. These plans include an outpatient plan, a dental plan, a repatriation plan, and a maternity plan.
AXA
AXA’s five plans are their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. These plans include valuable services such as 24/7 personal support, claims repayment within 48 hours, second medical opinions, and virtual doctor visits. The plans all offer coverage for:
The Prestige and Prestige Plus plans also cover routine pregnancy care and annual health checks.
The annual limit of each plan is:
- Foundation plan: USD $160,000
- Standard plan: USD $1,600,000
- Comprehensive plan: USD $2,400,000
- Prestige plan: USD $3,200,000
- Prestige Plus plan: USD $8,00,000
Cigna
Cigna’s health insurance plans offer excellent coverage for expats seeking both inpatient and outpatient services through their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans as well as their Close Care plan. The core benefits shared by these plans are:
The Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan all offer international coverage, while the Close Care plan only offers coverage in the Czech Republic and the member’s home country as a cost-effective option.
The Silver plan offers an annual limit of USD $1,000,000, with the Gold plan offering an annual limit of USD $2,000,000, and the Platinum plan offering an unlimited annual maximum. The Close Care plan offers an annual limit of USD $500,000.
Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in the Czech Republic
When choosing a health insurance plan, you must weigh your personal health concerns against your budget to determine which insurer, plan, and coverage level best suits your needs.
Your Health Concerns and Health Insurance Plans for the Czech Republic
Find a plan that offers the highest-quality coverage for your specific health needs while still fitting your budget. Health history such as age and pre-existing conditions may affect the cost of care, and more healthcare coverage will likely mean a higher cost for your plan.
Your Budget and Health Insurance Plan for the Czech Republic
The factors that contribute to your health insurance costs are your premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. We have described each term below:
- Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance.
- Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs.
- Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits.
- Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible.
- The out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.
Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is considered a very safe place to visit, though petty crime is common in the country. Follow the guidelines below to ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Items
Because theft is common in the Czech Republic, only carry what you need, and keep it close to your body. Be especially cautious near public transportation and tourist attractions, and remember that some thieves may work in groups, so avoid direct confrontation.
Purchase Travel Insurance Before Booking Your Trip
Expats visiting the Czech Republic on vacation or staying for other short-term travel can use a travel insurance policy to protect them from specific financial risks and losses that may arise during their trip. These losses may include lost luggage, canceled flights, and emergency medical services.
Pharmacies in the Czech Republic
With over 2,000 large pharmacies or “lékárna” scattered across the Czech Republic, you will never fear running out of medications and not being able to restock them. However, all prescriptions in the Czech Republic come with a time limit depending on who issues them, or what they are issued for.
Here are a few unique rules to follow:
- Prescriptions from a doctor are valid for 1 week.
- Prescriptions from the emergency services are valid for 1 day.
- Prescriptions for antibiotics are valid for 3 days.
If your prescription exceeds its validity period, you will have to see your doctor again for a replacement, which will cost about 30 Czech Koruna, or USD $1.25. While medicines are usually covered by most insurers, some insurers expect you to cover a percentage of the cost of some medicines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need travel insurance to visit the Czech Republic?
Individuals who are using a visa to visit the area must purchase travel insurance before they will be allowed to enter the country. Other visitors are not required to purchase travel insurance, though it is highly recommended.
How much does health insurance cost for expats?
The cost of health insurance will vary widely based on length of coverage, health history, age, and the level of coverage you choose.
Is healthcare expensive in the Czech Republic?
The cost of healthcare in the Czech Republic without health insurance is known to be quite expensive, so making sure you have private or public insurance is important.
Is healthcare in the Czech Republic good?
The Czech Republic is known for having high-quality healthcare and top-of-the-line facilities with advanced technology, making it a great destination for medical tourism.
Can I use my U.S. health insurance in other countries?
U.S. health insurance will not be accepted in the Czech Republic, but purchasing international health insurance allows you to receive medical care around the globe, receiving care that fits your needs, budget, and chosen providers.
Compare Plans and Quotes Now
Choosing the right private health insurance plan can be a daunting task as there are numerous options available in the Czech Republic. To ease this decision, chat with our insurance experts at Pacific Prime.
We have over two decades of experience in the industry and are committed to finding the perfect insurance plan to suit your budget and needs.
Our highly-trained experts at Pacific Prime provide free quotations, leverage our close partnerships with all major insurers, and have an extensive portfolio that consists of all the best plans. Contact us today so we can help!
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