Czech Republic Medicine and health
In the Czech Republic, the process of registering with a doctor depends on whether you use public healthcare (through the compulsory insurance system) or go to private clinics.
If you have public insurance (VZP or other companies)
The first step is to register with a primary care physician (praktický lékař). This is similar to a family doctor who keeps your medical records and issues referrals.
- Most specialists (cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, etc.) can only be seen with a referral from a primary care physician.
- Exceptions: gynecologists, dentists, psychiatrists, pediatricians (for children) — you can contact them directly.
Appointments can be made:
- by phone at the clinic's reception desk,
- in person,
- through the online office (if the facility has this option).
Waiting times at public institutions can be long — for popular specialists, queues can reach several weeks or even months.
If you use private healthcare
In private clinics, the procedure is simpler:
- Appointments can be made by phone, online, or through the clinic's mobile app.
- No referral is required — you can choose the specialist you need right away.
- Appointments are usually scheduled quickly: from a few days to 1–2 weeks, sometimes on the same day.
Popular services and clinics for online appointments:
- Doctor Prague
- Canadian Medical Care
- EUC Klinika
- Unicare Medical
Important to know
- For Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status, most services are provided within the state system — but you must choose and register a primary care physician.
- If you only have private insurance (for example, for a visa), check the list of clinics with which it cooperates.
- Without insurance, the appointment will be fully paid (from 800 Kč per consultation).
Tip! If you are denied an appointment or have problems registering at a clinic, it is worth consulting with lawyers — they will help confirm your right to access medical care in the Czech Republic.
In the Czech Republic, health insurance is mandatory for all residents — without it, it is impossible to obtain full access to medical care, open a visa, or obtain a residence permit. The system is divided into state (public) insurance and private insurance for foreigners.
State insurance
The Czech Republic has a compulsory state health insurance system. The main companies are:
- VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna) — the largest state insurance company;
- other funds (e.g., OZP, VoZP, ZPMV) that serve different categories of the population.
The following are eligible for state insurance:
- Czech citizens;
- foreigners with permanent residence;
- persons who are officially employed (the employer pays contributions);
- students, if their studies last more than 90 days and the university has concluded an agreement with VZP;
- Ukrainians with temporary protection status (temporary insurance is paid by the state).
State insurance covers:
- consultations with primary care physicians;
- referrals and treatment by specialists;
- diagnostics and tests;
- inpatient treatment;
- partial compensation for the cost of medicines.
Private insurance for foreigners
Ukrainians who come to the Czech Republic on a student or work visa (without temporary protection) must take out medical insurance for foreigners (komerční zdravotní pojištění cizinců).
This is a mandatory requirement for applying for a visa or extending your stay. Such a policy costs between €400 and €1,000 per year (depending on the package and insurance coverage).
It usually covers:
- outpatient consultations;
- emergency care;
- hospitalization;
- surgery and basic examinations.
❗️ Restrictions: dentistry, psychotherapy, cosmetic procedures, and some expensive medications may be excluded from the basic package. You should check with the insurance company before signing the contract.
Who receives free medical care?
- Ukrainians with temporary protection status — they are covered by VZP state insurance and receive treatment on the same terms as Czech citizens.
- Employees and students who are registered with VZP through their employer or university.
In all other cases, private insurance is mandatory.
Where to get insurance?
VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna) is the largest state insurance company in the Czech Republic, serving both citizens of the country and foreigners with the right of residence.
On our service, you can take out an international insurance policy that is suitable for the Czech Republic and meets the requirements for applying for a visa, residence card, or extension of stay.
After the war began, the Czech Republic granted Ukrainians with temporary protection status the right to access the healthcare system on an equal footing with Czech citizens. However, it is important to understand that free services are not available to everyone and in all cases — it all depends on your residence status and whether you have insurance.
What is free for Ukrainians with temporary protection
If you have a temporary protection visa and are registered with the state fund VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna), you can use medical services in the same way as Czechs:
- consultations with a family doctor and pediatrician;
- referrals to specialists;
- tests, diagnostics, X-rays, ultrasounds, ECGs;
- inpatient treatment, including emergency care;
- vaccinations (mandatory vaccinations, COVID-19, flu);
- childbirth assistance, pregnancy monitoring;
- treatment of children under 18 years of age.
These services are fully covered by state insurance and do not require additional payments.
What is not covered by the state
Even with temporary protection, you will have to pay for:
- some medications (only drugs on the list are reimbursed, the rest are at your own expense);
- dental care beyond basic services (fillings, prosthetics, orthodontics — paid);
- cosmetic surgery, aesthetic medicine services;
- private clinics without a contract with VZP;
- psychotherapy (full reimbursement — only in exceptional cases).
What documents are required for free medical care
- identity card (passport or ID);
- temporary protection card;
- VZP insurance card (issued after registration).
Without these documents, medical facilities may require payment on the spot.
If you do not have temporary protection
Ukrainians who are in the Czech Republic on a student or work visa must have medical insurance for foreigners. Only this gives you the right to see a doctor and have your expenses covered. Without it, all services are provided on a paid basis.
In case of refusal of service
There are situations when a clinic refuses to accept a patient even with insurance or temporary protection:
- the hospital does not have a contract with VZP;
- there is an error in the registration or insurance database;
- the staff misinterprets the rules for Ukrainians.
There are many pharmacies in the Czech Republic — they can be found on almost every street in large cities and small towns. However, the system for dispensing medicines is stricter here than in Ukraine: most potent drugs are sold only with a doctor's prescription.
Where to find pharmacies
The most popular chains:
- Dr. Max – the largest pharmacy chain in the Czech Republic.
- BENU – modern pharmacies with an online store.
- Pilulka – a chain of pharmacies and an online platform with delivery.
On the websites, you can check the availability of medicines, order them online, and choose the nearest pharmacy. In Prague and large cities, there are pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day (lékárna 24h) — they are easy to find on Google Maps.
What medicines are sold without a prescription
You can buy the following without a prescription:
- antipyretics and painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen);
- medicines for colds, coughs, and allergies;
- vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies;
- medicines for digestive problems.
Antibiotics, antidepressants, hormonal drugs, strong sleeping pills, and painkillers are sold exclusively with a prescription.
How to get a prescription
The Czech Republic has a system of electronic prescriptions (eRecept). After a consultation, the doctor sends a prescription code to your phone (via SMS or email). You just need to show this code at the pharmacy to get your medicine.
- If you use a private clinic, the prescription will also be electronic.
- There are online services where you can get an eRecept after filling out a form and paying (useful for those who need repeat prescriptions).
Are Ukrainian equivalents available?
Many “familiar” Ukrainian drugs have different trade names in the Czech Republic. To find an equivalent:
- search for the drug by its active ingredient;
- ask the pharmacist about substitutes;
- use the official drug database: SÚKL – Databáze léků.
Online orders
Dr. Max, BENU, and Pilulka offer online orders with delivery to your home or the nearest pharmacy. This is convenient if you need over-the-counter medications or vitamins.
💡 Tip: If you have a chronic illness, bring a supply of medication with you for the first few weeks. Then be sure to visit a doctor in the Czech Republic to get an eRecept for regular purchases.
In the Czech Republic, the emergency medical system is well organized and accessible to everyone — both citizens and foreigners. But it is important to know how to call an ambulance, what is covered free of charge, and what you may be charged for.
How to call an ambulance
- The single emergency number in the Czech Republic is 112.
- You can also call the ambulance service directly at 155.
Operators usually respond in Czech, but in cities it is often possible to switch to English or German.
Do they provide service without insurance?
- If there is a threat to life or health, the ambulance will come and provide assistance even without insurance or documents.
- However, after the patient's condition has stabilized, the hospital may charge a fee if the patient does not have insurance coverage.
When is assistance free
- For Ukrainians with temporary protection status or those who have taken out state or private insurance, emergency assistance is free.
- For students and employees whose employer pays contributions to the Czech health insurance system (VZP or other funds), emergency assistance is also covered.
How much does emergency care cost without insurance
- Ambulance call-out: approximately 3,000–5,000 Kč (€120–200).
- Hospitalization: from 2,000 Kč per day (≈€80) and above, depending on the department and treatment.
- Complex procedures or operations can cost tens of thousands of crowns.
How hospitalization works
- The ambulance takes the patient to the nearest hospital that has beds available.
- In the emergency room (Urgentní příjem), doctors perform diagnostics and decide whether hospitalization is necessary.
- Further treatment is provided according to the patient's insurance status.
What documents should you have with you
- Passport or ID card.
- Residence permit / confirmation of temporary protection.
- Health insurance policy (if available).
- Patient card, if you have already received treatment in the Czech Republic.
Tips
- If you do not have insurance, be sure to request a detailed bill from the hospital.
- In cases where you have been billed questionable or inflated amounts, you can appeal them through your insurer or legal support.
Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you sort out any disputes and prepare an appeal to the hospital or insurance fund.
💡 Important: even if you are planning a short stay in the Czech Republic, it is worth taking out an insurance policy that covers ambulance and hospitalization. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses in case of an emergency.
The Czech Republic has one of the most organized healthcare systems in Central Europe. However, to avoid problems, it is worth preparing your documents before your trip and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.
What documents to prepare
- Medical insurance valid in the Czech Republic (a prerequisite for obtaining a visa, residence permit, study or work permit).
- Passport and a copy.
- Confirmation of temporary protection status (for those who have already received it in the Czech Republic).
- Medical certificates and medical history, if you have any chronic diseases.
- A list of medications with active ingredients — this will help you find equivalents in Czech pharmacies.
Mobile apps and services
- Moje VZP — an app from the largest insurance company in the Czech Republic, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP). It allows you to check information about insurance and medical services.
- eRecept — an electronic prescription system where you can store and check your prescriptions.
- Mapy.cz is a useful map of the Czech Republic where you can find the nearest hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency services.
Useful contacts and links
- 112 is the single emergency number (ambulance, police, fire department).
- 155 — direct line for calling an ambulance.
- VZP — official website of the largest insurance company
- Moje zdraví — portal of the Czech Ministry of Health with up-to-date information
What to do immediately after arrival
- Register with an insurance company (VZP or another).
- Choose a primary care physician (praktický lékař) and sign a declaration with them.
- Find out where the nearest pharmacy and hospital are to your place of residence.
- Check whether your insurance policy covers emergency care and hospitalization.
Practical tips
- Always carry your passport and insurance with you — even in digital form.
- If you don't speak Czech, it's a good idea to carry a card with a brief description of your chronic illnesses or allergies in English.
- In case of emergency hospitalization, ask for a detailed written bill — this will help in case of an appeal.
Visit Ukraine services
- Arranging medical insurance that meets Czech requirements (for visas, residence permits, or study permits).
- Legal advice if the hospital has issued a bill, refused admission, or there are problems with status recognition.