The health service
State-run and private medical facilities exist in the Czech Republic. Most of them have concluded a contract with an insurance company on provision and settlement of costs for healthcare and only provide insured patients with the essential care subject to settlement of the excess as stipulated by law – this relates to EU citizens who have a European health insurance card.
First aid, emergency and rescue service
Sudden illness, accidents and similar can be resolved using the emergency services. These are open as special departments in hospitals. In very serious cases, it is possible to call the rescue service on the emergency number 112.
Pharmacies
Medicines to relieve flu or a cold and similar preparations can be purchased without a prescription. A prescription from a doctor is required to purchase other medicines.
Insurance
Within the EU
A European health insurance card may be enough for citizens of countries, which are EU members. In terms of treatment in medical facilities in the Czech Republic, this proves that the patient is insured in the EU and that medical care will be paid for by his or her insurance company.
On the other hand, the insured party of one EU member country is only entitled to essential medical care within the territory of another member country with a view taken to the nature of the illness and expected length of stay. On the basis of this card, the insurance company will not pay for anything above the framework of essential care and will not even settle the excess stipulated by the local laws. This excess is payable at the following levels in the Czech Republic (simplified list):
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Visit to a GP – CZK 30,
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Emergency treatment – CZK 90,
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A day in hospital – CZK 60,
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Item on a prescription – CZK 30.
It is thus recommended that you arrange additional commercial insurance which is able to cover these fees.
Citizens of countries outside the EU
If you do not have permanent residency within the EU, you must have concluded a commercial insurance policy. If you did not have this, you would have to pay for all care on the spot in cash.