This guide is intended to help employees of Charles University to understand their health insurance options and navigate the healthcare system in the Czech Republic more effectively. For more detailed information, please consult your insurance provider or visit the relevant websites.
This information is not intended for students with student visas or residence permits. For information related to health insurance for students, please visit this website.
Understanding health insurance requirements is essential for non-EU citizens employed at Charles University, below you can find the overview of the two main types of health insurance available: public and private.
Eligibility: Public health insurance is available to:
• Czech citizens and foreigners with permanent residence;
• Employees of companies based in the Czech Republic (e.g. foreign employees of Charles University);
• Applicants for international protection, asylum seekers, and those under temporary protection;
• Family members of EU citizens with temporary residence (limited to spouses only).
Special Provisions for Children: Children born in the Czech Republic, regardless of their residence status, are automatically entitled to public health insurance for the first 60 days after birth. The birth of the child has to be reported to the health insurance company within 3 days after giving birth. Moreover, from January 2024, also children with long-term residence permits have to be enrolled into the public health insurance system until they turn the age 18 years. Parents should report the child to the insurance company within 8 days of receiving the long-term residence permit. In both categories, parents must pay for their child's health insurance as self-payers.
Coverage and Benefits: Public health insurance covers most medical expenses, including routine check-ups, preventive care, and certain medications. However, some services, such as dental work or gynecological visits, may involve out-of-pocket costs if specific materials or procedures are not covered by insurance. Each insurer offers different benefits, so it is advisable to check your insurer's website for a comprehensive list of services covered.
Comprehensive medical insurance is suitable for foreigners who intend to stay in the Czech Republic for 90 days or longer and are not covered by the public health insurance system (most often family members over the age of 18 accompanying the employee of CU). If the family members apply for long-term visa or for long-term residence permit at an office of the Diplomatic Mission of the Czech Republic, they have to submit a certificate proving travel medical insurance.
Eligibility: Private comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for:
• Non-EU citizens with long-term visas or long-term residence permits who are not employed at companies based in the Czech Republic;
• EU family members with temporary residence;
• Leave to Remain visa holders (those with “vízum strpění”).
Coverage Requirements: This type of insurance must be purchased for the entire duration of your stay in the Czech Republic, with a coverage limit typically set at €400,000. It must be obtained through an insurance company authorized to operate in the country. Before visiting a contract doctor, it’s recommended to contact your insurance provider to get a 'payment guarantee,' which ensures that the insurance company will reimburse you for medical expenses.
Considerations for Private Insurance Holders: Private healthcare typically offers quicker access to medical services compared to public healthcare, with shorter waiting times and more flexibility in appointment scheduling. However, private doctors may charge additional fees, and it’s important to confirm whether they accept your insurance. If you conceal a pre-existing condition that requires long-term treatment, the insurer may refuse to cover related medical procedures.
Authorized Insurance Providers: According to Czech law, only certain insurance companies are authorized to offer commercial health insurance to foreigners. Currently, six companies are licensed to provide this coverage:
• Maxima
• Slavia
• PVZP
• Uniqa
For Non-EU citizens staying in the Czech Republic for less than 90 days, health insurance for necessary and urgent care (referred to as “standard”) is available through these companies.
If we compare public and private healthcare providers, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, accessibility, and quality of care. Public healthcare is widely accessible and generally more affordable, but it may involve longer wait times. Private healthcare offers quicker access and greater convenience, but it often comes with higher costs and may require additional fees or memberships.
Final Tips: Always confirm with your healthcare provider whether they have a contract with your insurance company and what specific services are covered. For dental and gynecological visits, it’s advisable to ask about any potential out-of-pocket expenses in advance.
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Staff Welcome Centre CU Point Charles University Celetná 13 116 36 Prague 1 Czech Republic |
Phone: (+420) 224 491 898 (+420) 224 491 897 E-mail: |
