Public and Commercial Health Insurance in the Czech Republic

Foreign residents cannot always choose freely between public and private insurance. If Czech law places you in the public system, participation is mandatory. If you are not eligible, commercial health insurance may be required for your visa or residence permit.

The correct option depends on residence status, employment, age and sometimes EU or international coordination rules. A change of job or residence permit can therefore change your insurance obligations.

Who is covered by public health insurance?

Foreign nationals with permanent residence in the Czech Republic are generally covered by the public system. Foreigners without permanent residence may also participate when they are employed by an employer based in the Czech Republic.

Separate rules apply to EU citizens and their family members, temporary protection holders, people with certain international protection statuses and other specific groups. Current conditions for foreigners are explained by VZP.

A long-term residence permit alone does not automatically place every adult third-country national in the public system. A person who has no qualifying employment or another legal basis may still need commercial insurance.

When is commercial health insurance required?

Commercial health insurance is commonly required for third-country nationals staying under certain long-term visas or residence permits who are not covered by Czech public health insurance.

For residence procedures where proof of travel health insurance is required, the insured limit must be at least 400,000 EUR per insured event without a deductible paid by the insured person.

Since September 2023, comprehensive insurance for foreigners can be purchased from any insurer authorised to provide the required coverage in the Czech Republic. Detailed requirements are available on the Information Portal for Foreigners.

Public vs commercial health insurance

Public insurance covers healthcare according to Czech legislation. Patients generally use doctors, hospitals and other providers that have contracts with their health insurance company.

Commercial insurance is governed by the individual policy. Before purchasing it, check:

• the maximum coverage limit;
• the network of contracted doctors and hospitals;
• exclusions and waiting periods;
• coverage of chronic conditions;
• dental treatment;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• how reimbursement works if you pay for treatment yourself.

There is no single standard price for commercial health insurance. Premiums depend on age, duration and the scope of coverage.

How much does public health insurance cost in 2026?

For employees, total public health insurance contributions equal 13.5% of the assessment base. The employee pays 4.5%, while the employer pays another 9%.

A person covered by the public system who has no taxable income and is not covered by an employer or the state pays 3,024 CZK per month in 2026.

For a self-employed person subject to the minimum assessment base, the minimum monthly advance in 2026 is 3,306 CZK. Current contribution amounts are published by VZP.

Health insurance for foreign children

Since 2024, foreign children under 18 who hold a valid long-term residence permit are included in Czech public health insurance regardless of the purpose of that residence.

This rule does not automatically apply to children who only hold a long-term visa. For minors with qualifying long-term residence, the legal representative, guardian or custodian is responsible for paying the required contribution.

When the child turns 18, eligibility must be assessed again. The rules are explained by the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

Temporary protection and employee cards

Temporary protection holders are included in the public system. For people first granted temporary protection from 11 February 2025 onward, the state covers health insurance contributions during the first 90 days. After that, the payer may be an employer, the state for an eligible category or the insured person.

For an employee card holder arriving from abroad, travel health insurance is required from entry into the Czech Republic until the day employment begins. Public health insurance then starts through qualifying employment. The procedure is described on the official employee card page.

What to check when your status changes

If employment ends, your residence status changes or a child turns 18, do not assume that existing insurance continues under the same conditions. Check immediately whether you still qualify for public insurance and who is responsible for paying contributions.

Public and commercial health insurance in the Czech Republic are not interchangeable plans. Your legal status determines which system applies. Commercial insurance does not replace mandatory public insurance, while people outside the public system need appropriate private coverage for their stay.