Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Czech Republic
- Czech Republic has STRICT insurance requirements—non-EU residents need Comprehensive Commercial Insurance (not travel insurance) for long-term visas.
- Comprehensive insurance must cover at least CZK 60,000 (€2,400) with no co-pays, deductibles, or coverage limits—only specific Czech-approved policies qualify.
- After 5 years of residence, non-EU citizens can join public insurance (VZP or other funds)—this is the goal for most long-term expats.
- Public healthcare is good quality and affordable (13.5% of income for self-employed), but English is limited outside Prague.
- Prague has excellent English-speaking clinics (Canadian Medical, UniClinic) popular with expats—many accept both public and private insurance.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Czech Republic?
Czech Republic has very specific insurance requirements for non-EU citizens. For long-term visas, you need Comprehensive Commercial Health Insurance (komplexní zdravotní pojištění) from a Czech-approved insurer—NOT travel insurance. Requirements: minimum CZK 60,000 coverage, no deductibles, no co-pays, no coverage exclusions. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, non-EU citizens can join the public health insurance system. EU citizens use EHIC or can join public insurance if employed.
Insurance is required for:
- All non-EU long-term visa applicants—Comprehensive Commercial Insurance is mandatory
- Freelancers (Zivnostnik) who must arrange their own coverage
- Those in the first 5 years before public insurance eligibility
- Expats wanting English-speaking doctors in Prague
- EU citizens not employed locally (EHIC covers emergencies, not routine care)
Public vs Private Healthcare in Czech Republic
Public Healthcare
VZP and other public health insurance funds
- Access: Czech citizens, EU citizens (with employment or S1 form), non-EU citizens after 5 years residence
- Cost: Employed: 13.5% of salary (split employer/employee). Self-employed: 13.5% of profit (min ~CZK 2,500/month). Voluntary: ~CZK 2,500/month.
Czech public healthcare is good quality—the system ranks well in EU comparisons. Wait times for specialists can be 2-4 weeks (not as bad as UK/Poland). English availability is limited outside Prague. VZP is the largest fund; others include OZP, VOZP, ZPMV. All provide similar coverage.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Comprehensive commercial (required for visas): CZK 15,000-35,000/year (€600-1,400). International: €150-300/month.
For non-EU expats in the first 5 years, comprehensive commercial insurance is the only option. Providers include PVZP, Maxima, Slavia. Coverage is comprehensive but these plans are designed for visa compliance, not premium service. Many expats supplement with private clinics like Canadian Medical for better English support.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Czech Republic. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Supplement to Czech comprehensive insurance for worldwide travel coverage
Not ideal for: Visa compliance—may NOT meet Czech Comprehensive Commercial Insurance requirements
Allianz Care
Best for: EU expats wanting coverage beyond EHIC for Prague private clinics
Not ideal for: Non-EU visa applicants—must use Czech-approved comprehensive insurers (PVZP, Maxima)
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and expats who qualify for public insurance but want premium options
Not ideal for: Non-EU first 5 years—Czech comprehensive insurance is mandatory
IMG Global
Best for: Short-term stays and EU citizens supplementing EHIC coverage
Not ideal for: Long-term non-EU residents—does not meet Czech comprehensive insurance requirements
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Czech Republic
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Supplement to Czech comprehensive | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU expats wanting coverage | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and expats | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Short-term stays and EU | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Czech Republic
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Travel insurance does NOT meet Czech visa requirements. You need specific Comprehensive Commercial Insurance from Czech-approved providers.
- Comprehensive insurance has strict requirements: CZK 60,000 minimum, no deductibles, no co-pays, no exclusions. Verify your policy meets these EXACTLY.
- The 5-year rule: Non-EU citizens can only join public insurance after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Until then, comprehensive commercial is mandatory.
- Freelancers (Zivnostnik): You must arrange your own insurance. If employed, your employer handles public insurance contributions.
- English is limited in the public system outside Prague. For English-speaking care, use private clinics like Canadian Medical, UniClinic, or Medicon.
- Age limits: Some comprehensive insurers restrict new applicants over 65-70. Apply before aging out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for a Czech long-term visa?
Non-EU citizens need Comprehensive Commercial Health Insurance (komplexní zdravotní pojištění) from a Czech-approved insurer. Requirements: minimum CZK 60,000 coverage, no deductibles, no co-pays, no exclusions. Travel insurance does NOT qualify. Approved providers include PVZP, Maxima, and Slavia.
When can I join Czech public health insurance?
Non-EU citizens: After 5 years of continuous legal residence. EU citizens: Immediately if employed in Czech Republic or with S1 form. Until you qualify for public insurance, comprehensive commercial insurance is mandatory for visa renewals.
How good is Czech public healthcare?
Good quality—Czech healthcare ranks well in EU comparisons. Wait times for specialists are typically 2-4 weeks (better than UK or Poland). Facilities are modern, especially in Prague. The main issue for expats is limited English outside of Prague—consider English-speaking private clinics.
What about freelancers (Zivnostnik)?
Self-employed freelancers must arrange their own insurance. If you qualify for public insurance, you pay 13.5% of your declared profit (minimum ~CZK 2,500/month). If not yet eligible (first 5 years for non-EU), you need comprehensive commercial insurance.
Where can I find English-speaking doctors in Prague?
Prague has excellent expat-focused clinics: Canadian Medical Care, UniClinic, Medicon, and EUC Premium. These offer English-speaking staff and often accept both public insurance and private payment. Expect to pay CZK 1,500-3,000 (€60-120) for a consultation if paying privately.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.