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Health Care and Insurance
This guide will help you find your way through health insurance, doctors, pharmacies, emergency care and mental health support in Czechia.
Figuring out health care in a new country can feel like a lot at first
You do not need to know everything before you arrive, but it helps to understand the basics: what insurance you need, where to go when you are ill and how to find support if you are not feeling well. This guide will help you find your way through health insurance, doctors, pharmacies, emergency care and mental health support in Czechia. For visa and residence-related insurance rules, always check the Official Information Portal for Foreigners of the Ministry of the Interior.
Health insurance: What you need to know
Everyone staying in Czechia must have valid health insurance. The type of insurance you need depends on your citizenship, your residence status and the length of your stay. Check your insurance before you travel. The rules can differ for EU students, non-EU students, exchange students, scholarship holders and students under 18.
Students From EU, EEA and Switzerland
Students From EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are insured in your home country, you can usually use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EHIC gives you access to medically necessary care from public health care providers in Czechia under the same conditions as Czech insured people. EHIC is not the same as travel insurance. It does not usually cover private clinics, repatriation, lost luggage or other travel risks. Consider arranging additional travel insurance if you want wider coverage.
Students From Outside the EU
Students From Outside the EU
If you are from a non-EU country and stay in Czechia for more than 90 days, you will usually need travel medical insurance that covers comprehensive medical care for the whole period of your stay. If you apply for a long-term visa or residence permit at a Czech embassy or consulate, you will normally need to provide proof of insurance before your visa is issued.
Some students are exempt from submitting proof of travel medical insurance, for example if they are covered by public health insurance or by an international agreement. For example, if you have a Czech Government scholarship, standard medical care in Czechia is paid by the Ministry of Health for the duration of your scholarship.
Check the official rules on the Information Portal for Foreigners
Health insurance: What you need to know
Everyone staying in Czechia must have valid health insurance. The type of insurance you need depends on your citizenship, your residence status and the length of your stay. Check your insurance before you travel. The rules can differ for EU students, non-EU students, exchange students, scholarship holders and students under 18.
Students From EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are insured in your home country, you can usually use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EHIC gives you access to medically necessary care from public health care providers in Czechia under the same conditions as Czech insured people. EHIC is not the same as travel insurance. It does not usually cover private clinics, repatriation, lost luggage or other travel risks. Consider arranging additional travel insurance if you want wider coverage.
Students From Outside the EU
If you are from a non-EU country and stay in Czechia for more than 90 days, you will usually need travel medical insurance that covers comprehensive medical care for the whole period of your stay. If you apply for a long-term visa or residence permit at a Czech embassy or consulate, you will normally need to provide proof of insurance before your visa is issued.
Some students are exempt from submitting proof of travel medical insurance, for example if they are covered by public health insurance or by an international agreement. For example, if you have a Czech Government scholarship, standard medical care in Czechia is paid by the Ministry of Health for the duration of your scholarship.
Check the official rules on the Information Portal for Foreigners
Stephanie
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
As an English-speaking expat, it can be overwhelming to navigate a foreign healthcare system. I have had friends who have put-off seeking medical advice because they did not have a practictoner they could easily communicate with. My advice is to find a general practitioner within the first few months of your stay - don't wait until you think you've broken your arm!
When you need a doctor
It is a good idea to find out where to go before you actually need medical care. Your university or International Office can often recommend doctors, clinics or student health services in your city.
General practitioner or specialist
For everyday health issues, your first point of contact is usually a general practitioner, or GP. In Czech, this is called praktický lékař. A GP can help with common illnesses, basic check-ups, prescriptions and referrals to specialists when needed. Try to find a GP soon after you arrive, especially if you will stay in Czechia for a longer period.
Depending on your situation, you may need a specialist, such as a dentist, gynaecologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, dermatologist or physiotherapist. Some specialists can be contacted directly. For others, you may need a referral from your GP.
In larger university cities, you can often find English-speaking doctors, especially in private clinics or international medical centres. You can search for doctors online using websites like znamylekar.cz. This website allows you to filter doctors by specialization, location, insurance company, and language. Before your visit, check whether the doctor accepts your insurance. Private clinics may ask you to pay directly.
Pharmacy
Need to fix a flu or a cold? Pharmacies are called lékárna in Czech. You can buy basic over-the-counter medicine there, for example for a cold, mild pain or allergies. For stronger medicine, you usually need a prescription from a doctor. Prescriptions in Czechia are often issued electronically through the eRecept system. You will usually receive a code by SMS, email or on paper and show it at the pharmacy. Some cities have pharmacies with extended opening hours or emergency pharmacy services. Search for pohotovostní lékárna if you need a pharmacy outside regular opening hours.
Emergency care
If you have a sudden illness or injury outside normal working hours, you can use an emergency medical service or hospital emergency department. For emergency medical services, including emergency dental services, there is usually a standard fee of 90 CZK. In a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 112 (European emergency number) or 155 (ambulance service in Czechia).
Mental health and support
Moving abroad and starting university can be exciting but it can also be demanding. Stress, homesickness, loneliness or pressure during exams can affect your mental health. You do not have to handle it alone.
University counselling
Many Czech universities offer counselling centres, psychological support or wellbeing services for students. These services are often free or available at a reduced cost. If you feel overwhelmed, contact your university counselling centre or International Office. They can help you find the right support.
Therapy and online support
You can also look for support outside your university. Some therapists and online platforms offer counselling in English or other languages. Before booking, check the therapist’s qualification, language and prices. Some insurance plans may partially reimburse therapy or preventive mental health support. Check your insurance policy or ask your insurance provider.
Find useful contacts at Hedepy
Find useful contacts at Terapio
Crisis support
If you feel you are in crisis, seek help immediately. Taking care of your mind isn't a sign of weakness. Your mental well-being is the engine for your academic goals. If you are not sure where to start, contact your university counselling centre or International Office and ask them to help you find support in a language you understand. You can:
- call 112 if there is an immediate danger
- call a crisis helpline, such as 116 123
