Is health insurance mandatory in Czech Republic?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for everyone residing in the Czech Republic, including foreigners. You cannot receive a visa or residence permit without valid health insurance.

Can I use my home country insurance in Czech Republic?

For short stays (under 90 days), you may use travel insurance or EHIC (EU citizens). For long-term residence, you need Czech health insurance — either public (if employed) or commercial.

How much does public health insurance cost?

Public insurance costs 13.5% of your gross salary. Your employer pays 9% and you pay 4.5%. For minimum wage (18,900 CZK), your monthly contribution is about 851 CZK.

Health Insurance Czech Republic Foreigners 2026

In the Czech Republic, there are two types of health insurance for foreigners:

1. Public health insurance (veřejné zdravotní pojištění)

Available to: Employees, permanent residents, EU citizens

Providers: VZP, OZP, ČPZP, and others

Cost: 13.5% of gross salary (employer pays 9%, employee pays 4.5%)

Coverage: Comprehensive — doctors, hospitals, specialists, prescriptions

Registration: Automatic when you start employment

2. Commercial (private) health insurance

Available to: Anyone (required for visa applications if not eligible for public)

Providers: PVZP (Pojišťovna VZP), Maxima, Slavia, UNIQA

Cost: ~12,000–30,000 CZK/year depending on age and coverage

Coverage: Varies by plan — check that it meets MVCR requirements

Minimum coverage required for visa: 60,000 EUR

Which do you need?

Employee Card holder: Public insurance (through employer)

Student: Usually commercial, unless employed 30+ hours

Business visa: Commercial insurance initially

Permanent Resident: Public insurance

Tourist/short stay: Travel insurance from home country

Health Insurance for Foreigners in Czech Republic: Complete Guide 2026

Guide Contents

Public vs private health insurance

VZP and the public system

Commercial insurance for visa applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance mandatory in Czech Republic?

Can I use my home country insurance in Czech Republic?

How much does public health insurance cost?

Ready to start your application?

Related Guides

Employee Card in the Czech Republic: Complete 2026 Guide

Permanent Residence in the Czech Republic: Complete 2026 Guide

Czech Citizenship: Complete Application Guide 2026