Health Insurance and Healthcare for Foreigners in the Czech Republic
Properly arranged health insurance plays a key role, and failure to comply with legal requirements may not only limit foreign investors' access to healthcare but also jeopardize the issuance of a visa or residence permit, thereby slowing their business activities or investments in the Czech Republic.
As of 31 December 2025, 1,131,197 foreign nationals were residing in the Czech Republic. The largest groups were citizens of Ukraine, followed by Slovakia, Vietnam, and Russia. More than one-third of all foreigners held permanent residence permits, while about 65% were staying in the country on the basis of temporary residence. Citizens of EU member states accounted for 21% of all foreigners.
Health insurance is an integral part of the residence process and represents one of the fundamental requirements for a foreign national to stay legally in the Czech Republic.
The legal obligation for foreign nationals to have health insurance while staying in the Czech Republic stems from the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals (No. 326/1999 Coll.), which requires proof of health insurance for the purpose of issuing a visa or residence permit. Participation in the public health insurance system itself (for example, as an insured person within the public scheme) is governed by the Public Health Insurance Act (No. 48/1997 Coll.)
Health Insurance Options for Foreigners in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, two main types of health insurance are available to foreigners. Public health insurance primarily applies to foreigners with permanent residence, employees whose contributions are paid by their employer, and minors holding long-term residence permits. The scope of coverage under the public system is generally comparable to that provided to Czech citizens. Proof of insurance is not required if the foreign national is enrolled in the public health insurance system, receives healthcare on the basis of an international agreement, or demonstrates another legally recognized method of covering medical expenses. Commercial health insurance is mainly used by foreigners holding long-term visas or other forms of long-term residence who are not participants in the public system. The extent of coverage and the conditions of care are determined by the insurance contract and are limited by the agreed policy limits.
When planning a stay in the Czech Republic, it is essential to consider whether the length of stay will exceed 90 days, as health insurance requirements depend on this factor. For example, if you are applying for a short-term Schengen visa, you must provide travel health insurance covering the entire duration of your intended stay. Travel health insurance must be valid in the territory of the Member States and cover the full period of the applicant's planned stay or transit.
The minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000. The insurance must also cover any expenses that may arise during the stay in connection with medical repatriation, urgent medical treatment, emergency hospital care, or death. If a visa with limited territorial validity is issued for the territory of more than one Member State, the insurance coverage must be valid at least in all of those Member States. The cost of such insurance for two months is typically around EUR 3,300, although the final price depends on the intended length of stay in the Czech Republic.
In the case of a long-term stay exceeding 90 days, a foreign national is required to obtain comprehensive health insurance. This type of insurance covers a broader range of medical services, including preventive care as well as follow-up (dispensary) care, that is, regular monitoring for certain medical conditions, and also care related to pregnancy and childbirth. The minimum insurance coverage must be EUR 400,000 per insured event.
When arranging health insurance, it is important to pay attention to waiting periods related to pregnancy and childbirth, which typically range from three to eight months. To collect a long-term visa, it is essential to have insurance that does not exclude pregnancy-related care to ensure full medical coverage and compliance with legal requirements.
Standard commercial health insurance typically does not cover costs related to pregnancy, childbirth, or postnatal care, including hospitalization for delivery and follow-up treatment after birth. Although this type of insurance is significantly cheaper (usually around EUR 782 per year), any expenses connected with childbirth would have to be paid entirely out of pocket by the pregnant foreign national. By contrast, comprehensive health insurance for pregnant women provides full coverage for delivery and related medical care. Its price is higher, starting at approximately EUR 2,677 per year; however, when compared with the actual costs that a foreign national would otherwise have to bear personally, it may still be financially advantageous. Some insurance companies also require an individual assessment and the submission of specific medical documentation. The health review process usually takes several days, and the policy can only be paid for and activated once it has been approved.
Insurance Companies Offering Comprehensive Health Insurance for Foreigners
Several insurance companies on the Czech market provide comprehensive health insurance for foreign nationals. These include, for example, SV, AXA, Slavia, Colonnade Insurance S.A., VZP, UNIQA, and Maxima.
The choice of a specific insurance policy should correspond to the type and length of the stay.
The most common uncertainties arise when determining whether proof of health insurance must be submitted, in what scope, and at what stage of the process (for example, when a visa is issued or when applying for a residence permit).
Many companies assist with visa applications and advise on the type of insurance required for particular residence categories. It is therefore always recommended to consult immigration or visa advisors before arranging a stay. This helps ensure compliance with current legislation and minimizes the risk of procedural complications during the residence process.
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Natálie Woźnicová Managing Director Denamar Consutling Services s.r.o. |
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