Private and state healthcare facilities operate in the Czech Republic. The majority of them have agreements with the State Health Insurance Company on the provision and payment of healthcare. They provide patients with healthcare which is free at the point of delivery (this is also true for citizens of EU member countries holding a European Health Insurance Card - EHIC).
Accident and Emergency
Sudden illness, injury and other emergency situations are dealt with by the Accident and Emergency department in a special area of the hospital. Should a life threatening situation arise, a paramedic can be called direct to the scene by calling 112.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in the Czech Republic issue medicines and other materials necessary for treatment and healthcare based on doctors’ prescriptions and sometimes without them. Prescription medicines are issued free of charge or for a small fee if the patient’s health insurance does not cover the full amount. Some must be paid for in full by the patient.
Validity of a doctor’s prescription:
- A prescription from an A&E department is valid on the day it is issued and the following day
- A prescription for antibiotics is valid for 3 days
- All other prescriptions are valid for one week
Tips for visitors:
Why not book a course of procedures or a wellness programme at a Czech spa. The Czech spas have a tradition going back several centuries and are known across the globe.
