Healthcare System in Czech Republic: everything you need to know

How does the Czech healthcare system work?

Over the last two decades, the Czech healthcare system has progressed enormously, to the point of becoming one of the best and largest in the region. The system has a universal and free public network as well as a private one.

All citizens, permanent residents and those employed in the country are obliged to contribute to the fund and have health insurance.

The public system is financed and administered by the government, while the private system is managed by independent companies and is more expensive than the monthly premium of the public insurance. The public system is of high quality, however it tends to have long waiting times, especially compared to the private system. There are also health centers that suffer from understaffing, which further delays patient care.

How does the system for foreigners work?

Any foreigner who is a permanent resident or is working in the Czech Republic must contribute to the health fund. A part is paid by the employer and the rest is deducted from the employee's salary.

Members of other EU countries also have access to the system using their European Health Insurance Card, as long as they are in the country temporarily. However, for those who are not European residents, they will not receive any coverage when treated in the public system. Therefore, it is very important to have a private health insurance if you are traveling for tourism.

To enter the country, it is mandatory to have health coverage.

If you want to find the best health insurance for your trip to the Czech Republic, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and purchase travel insurance and international health insurance at no additional cost and 100% online. Remember that you will not be able to enter the country if you do not have insurance. 

How do pharmacies work in the Czech Republic?

There is a large network of pharmacies in the Czech Republic called lékárna, so you should have no problem finding one and you can identify them by a large green cross at the entrance.

If you need to bring medication with you during your trip, you can only bring a 30-day supply. Otherwise, you need a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and the details of the medication.  

In the following link, you can check if your medication is allowed in the country, otherwise you will have to visit a local doctor who will prescribe an alternative.

A pharmacist can help you find the medication you need for any ailment. You must also present your prescription written by a local doctor.

Members of the public system must pay a small fee for medications, and prescription medications are usually fully funded by the public system. If you need medication, take out private health insurance with drug coverage.

In the following link you can check which medications are subsidized by the state and how much you must pay for them. 

What do I do if I have an emergency?

As a member of the EU, the emergency number is 112. Through this line you can ask for medical, police or fire department assistance. The advantage of this service is that the agents speak in English, German, Russian and even French.

However, there are also dedicated local numbers for emergency services that you can call:

Police: 158

Ambulance: 155

Fire department: 150

Metropolitan Police: 156

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter the Czech Republic because of Covid-19.

Remember that it is an EU country, therefore the restrictions are the same as in the other member countries, find out if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter.