Public vs private health insurance
In the Czech Republic, there are two types of health insurance for foreigners:Available to: Employees, permanent residents, EU citizens Providers: VZP, OZP, ČPZP, and others Cost: 13.5% of gross salary (employer pays 9%, employee pays 4.5%) Coverage: Comprehensive — doctors, hospitals, specialists, prescriptions Registration: Automatic when you start employment Available to: Anyone (required for visa applications if not eligible for public) Providers: PVZP (Pojišťovna VZP), Maxima, Slavia, UNIQA Cost: ~12,000–30,000 CZK/year depending on age and coverage Coverage: Varies by plan — check that it meets MVCR requirements Minimum coverage required for visa: 60,000 EUR Employee Card holder: Public insurance (through employer) Student: Usually commercial, unless employed 30+ hours Business visa: Commercial insurance initially Permanent Resident: Public insurance Tourist/short stay: Travel insurance from home country
1. Public health insurance (veřejné zdravotní pojištění)
2. Commercial (private) health insurance
Which do you need?
VZP and the public system
VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna) is the largest public insurer, covering about 60% of the population.GP visits (praktický lékař) Specialist consultations Hospital stays and surgery Prescription medications (with co-pay) Dental care (basic) Pregnancy and maternity care Emergency care Vaccinations (standard schedule) Cosmetic procedures Some dental treatments (crowns, implants) Alternative medicine Glasses/contact lenses (mostly) Some prescription drugs (above reference price) 1. Get your Employee Card or start employment 2. Your employer registers you with a health insurance company 3. You receive your insurance card within 30 days 4. Choose your GP (praktický lékař) — registration required
What public insurance covers:
What it does NOT cover:
How to register:
Commercial insurance for visa applications
Ministry of Interior requirements:Minimum coverage: 60,000 EUR Must cover: emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation Must be from a Czech-licensed insurance company Must be valid for entire stay duration PVZP (Pojišťovna VZP): Most commonly accepted, specifically designed for foreigners Maxima: Comprehensive plans for long-term stay Slavia: Budget-friendly options
Recommended providers:
Costs (approximate): | Age Group | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------| | 18-35 | 12,000–18,000 CZK | | 36-50 | 18,000–25,000 CZK | | 51-65 | 25,000–35,000 CZK | | 65+ | 35,000–50,000 CZK |