What Health Insurance Is Required After Temporary Protection Ends in the Czech Republic?

Properly extended temporary protection in the Czech Republic is valid until 31 March 2027. Current information is published on the official Naši Ukrajinci portal. After temporary protection ends, a person should not continue using the previous insurance card without confirming their new insurance status.

The basic rule is simple: an officially employed person usually enters the public health insurance system. An adult foreign national without employment, permanent residence or another legal entitlement will normally need comprehensive commercial health insurance.

Insurance after obtaining special long-term residence

Temporary protection ends when special long-term residence is granted. Participation in public health insurance based specifically on temporary protection also ends, as explained by VZP.

• An employee working for a Czech employer generally enters the public system.
• An unemployed adult without permanent residence usually needs comprehensive commercial insurance.
• A self-employed person without another entitlement to public insurance may also need commercial insurance.
• A person with permanent residence participates in public health insurance.

Health insurance for employees

A foreign national without permanent residence is generally covered by public health insurance while employed by an employer registered in the Czech Republic. The employer registers the employee with a health insurance company and pays the required contributions.

This entitlement may end when employment finishes. Without a new job, permanent residence or another legal basis for public insurance, commercial insurance should be arranged immediately. Further information for foreign nationals is available from VZP.

When commercial health insurance is required

Commercial health insurance is generally required for an adult foreign national with long-term residence who is not employed, does not have permanent residence and has no other legal entitlement to public health insurance.

Before purchasing a policy, check:

• whether it satisfies the requirements of the residence permit;
• the exact date on which coverage begins;
• whether there is any gap between the old and new insurance;
• which doctors, clinics and treatments are covered;
• coverage limits, exclusions and patient contributions.

Health insurance for children

Since 2024, foreign children under 18 with valid long-term residence have participated in the Czech public health insurance system. Their legal representative must register them and normally pay the insurance contributions unless the state is responsible for payment under another legal provision.

What to do before temporary protection ends

Before changing status, contact your health insurance company, report the date on which temporary protection will end and provide evidence of your new residence permit or employment. Do not assume that all records will be updated automatically.

Conclusion

After temporary protection ends, an officially employed person will usually have public health insurance. An adult without employment, permanent residence or another legal entitlement will normally need comprehensive commercial health insurance. New coverage should begin without interruption; otherwise, the person may have to pay the full cost of medical treatment.