Czech Republic Health Insurance

The Czech Republic, which was known as Bohemia in the 9th century, is located in Central Europe. It is a landlocked country bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. The Czech Republic was part of Czechoslovakia until 1 January 1993 when it was divided into two countries, the Slovak Republic being the other. It also leases the Moldauhafen which is a lot in the Hamburg Docks where goods can be transported by river to the Czech Republic. The capital city is Prague and the official languages are Czech and Slovak. The population is estimated at 10.19 million.

The terrain of the country is varied with mountains, rivers which flow into the sea, forests and four national parks. The weather in the Czech Republic is temperate and continental. The summers are fairly hot and wet. In contrast the winters are cold, drier and snowy. The coldest time of year to visit is December to February when it snows on the mountains and in the cities. June to August are the hottest months of the year. The best months to visit are May or September when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

The Czech Republic has a high income economy lead by exports to Europe and increased foreign investment. Most of the country’s economy has been privatised. The automotive industry is the country’s largest industry, over 1 million cars were produced in 2010 and 80 percent of them were exported. The Czech Republic is known for Budejovicky Budvar beer, Skoda Auto cars and inventing contact lenses. The country gets its energy from steam (mainly from coal), nuclear power plants, renewable sources and imports gas from Russia and Norway. It is part of the Schengen Area meaning that it does not have border controls with its neighbours. It became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2004 and is aiming to adopt the Euro as its currency in 2012.

Approximately 1 percent of the country’s population are employed in the tourism industry. Tourists are attracted to the historic capital city of Prague, the spa towns, the castles and chateaux’s, puppet festivals, beer festivals (the country has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world) and outdoor activities. It was estimated in 2009 that approximately 77,000 expatriates relocate to the Czech Republic each year.

Czech Republic Health Care and Insurance

The capital city of Prague has western style medical facilities with English speaking Doctors. In 2009 7.6 percent of GDP was spent on health care expenditure. In 2008 there were 3.625 physicians per 1,000 people and 7.18 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

The country has a health care system providing free care to all citizens. The system is funded by compulsory contributions to a state approved insurer, most people use the General Health Insurance Company (known as Vseobecna zdravotni pojistovna). Employees (both citizens and foreign residents), employers and the Government make contributions to the insurer. The system is regulated by the Ministry of Health through the National Health Service. It operates like private health insurance where the cost of medical care is paid directly to the medical facility by the insurer. The medical facilities provide a good standard of care.

Czech Republic residents must be registered with a Doctor to receive medical treatment. The Doctor of the patient’s choice must be registered with the patient’s insurer. The Doctors inform the insurer of what treatment the patient requires and refer them to hospital when the need arises.

Travellers wishing to visit the Czech Republic should have a medical insurance policy that will pay for all medical treatment while visiting the country. A health insurance card or international credit card with health insurance included will be sufficient proof to allow a foreign national in the country access to treatment.

The majority of hospitals have emergency rooms however patients are typically sent to a medical facility that treats the particular condition. For example, if you broke your nose you would be sent to the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. General medical clinics can be found in the larger cities in the Czech Republic. All major hospitals and some private specialists accept both credit card and cash as payment for their services.

Tourists should be aware that the medical facilities in the Czech Republic are often more cautious than other Western countries. Medical conditions that would typically be treated on an outpatient basis often require hospitalisation. Medications are typically found in supermarkets in other countries, such as aspirin, can only be purchased in pharmacies. Pharmacies are usually open from 8 am to 7pm with a 24 hour duty pharmacy in larger cities.

If you require medical care while in the capital city of Prague the Nemocnice na Homolce hospital has a good reputation (telephone: 257 272 350). The hospital has a clinic for foreigners with English speaking receptionists. It does not have a 24 hour emergency department or deal with traumas. For 24 hour care and trauma cases expatriates go to Motol Hospital in Prague (telephone: 224 433 681). If you need to see a Doctor for outpatient care while in Prague you could go to UNICARE Medical Center (telephone: 235 356 553) or the Canadian Medical Center (telephone: 235 360 133).

Citizens of the EU are entitled to free emergency medical care. A European Health Insurance Card should be taken with you when you travel. Visitors should be aware that the card only covers emergency care, not on going care or repatriation back to your home country. Some medical facilities in the country are not used to foreign patients and may not be aware of what the card entitles the patient to.

Czech Republic Travel Insurance Concerns

The Czech Republic is a safe country to visit although pick pocketing is a major problem in tourist areas in Prague. Visitors should keep a close eye on their belongings in the city, in crowded areas, at outdoor cafes and when travelling on public transport. The country has pick pocketing rings which may be armed so victims should avoid confrontation. The Czech Police may ask to see your passport at any time so it must be carried with you. Steps should be taken to safe guard your passport to ensure that it is not the subject of pick pocketing.

The country has a good public transport network. Passengers should purchase a ticket before travelling on buses, trams and trains. The ticket should be validated when boarding.

Travellers should be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and not leave them unattended. ATMs are widely available. Tourists should use ATMS in monitored locations as thieves have been known to skim cards at ATMS to obtain the details and pin number. The currency in the Czech Republic is the koruna. Tipping is 10 percent, it is customary to give the tip to the waiter before leaving the table.

To avoid being overcharged for taxi rides, ask for an estimate of the price and ensure that the driver uses the meter. It is safer to telephone a taxi rather than hailing one on the street as reports of robberies by hailed taxi drivers have been made. If you are unable to telephone a taxi then look for taxi stand with the sign “Fair Place” as the company is regulated by the Government.

The emergency telephone number in the Czech Republic is 112. If you require an English speaking police officer it is best to go to the police station at Vlasska # 3 next to the Embassy. English speakers are not always available at local police stations. Ambulance services can be contacted by telephoning 155. The ambulances have response times of less than 15 minutes and generally require payment at the time of service.

Travellers visiting the Czech Republic during March to October and intending on camping or hiking are at risk of contracting Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis from tick bites. Precautions should be taken to ensure that you are not bitten. A vaccination can be received to prevent tick borne encephalitis.

No specific vaccinations are required to enter the Czech Republic. However it is recommended that childhood vaccinations are updated as well as vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There was an outbreak of hepatitis A in June 2008 in Prague and the Central Bohemia region. An outbreak of the mumps was reported at the beginning of 2011 in North Bohemia.

Visitors driving into the Czech Republic need to have a toll sticker which can be purchased from gas stations. A fine which is determined on the spot is payable for not complying. Drivers are also required to have their head lights on at all times and carry a number of safety items with them. There is a zero tolerance policy for driving and alcohol. Driving with any trace of alcohol on your breath is illegal.

Czech Republic Expat Health Insurance

International Health Insurance is compulsory to enter the Czech Republic. At Expat Medical Insurance we can help you purchase a plan that meets you budget and needs. Please contact us today for a free quotation.