Health Insurance

Health Insurance for Students in the Czech Republic

Students staying more than 90 days need travel medical insurance for urgent care for the first 90 days plus comprehensive insurance for the rest, or comprehensive insurance for the whole stay. Cover must be at least EUR 400,000 (euros) for each insured event, with no cost sharing.

Student Insurance Plan • Czech Republic

Medical Coverage

At least EUR 400,000 for each insured event

POLICY TYPE

Comprehensive health insurance for foreigners

Care like Czech public health insurance

Comprehensive

Cover for each insured event

At least EUR 400,000

Cost sharing (you pay part of the bill)

None allowed

Length

First 90 days plus the rest, or the whole stay

What the Czech Rules Ask For

Every foreigner staying more than 90 days needs travel medical insurance for urgent care for the first 90 days plus comprehensive insurance for the rest, or comprehensive insurance for the whole stay.

Why You Need Health Insurance

The visa is not issued without it.
Police can ask to see it when they check your stay.
You need it again to extend your permit.

Legal Requirements

Cover of at least EUR 400,000 for each insured event.
No cost sharing: you pay none of the bill.
It must also cover accidents that are your own fault or caused by alcohol or drugs.
Valid for your whole stay.

Insurance Approaches for Different Students

Two policies

Travel medical insurance for urgent care for the first 90 days, plus comprehensive insurance for the rest of your stay.

One policy

Comprehensive health insurance for your whole stay.

Without proof of insurance, the embassy does not put the visa in your passport.

Example: Charles University Partner Insurance

Charles University offers its students tailored insurance from two partners.

University Health Insurance Costs

University	Waiver Allowed
Charles University, with PVZP	Open to students under 35. Cover up to CZK 10 million. 20% student discount on standard rates.
Charles University, with Slavia pojišťovna	Open to students under 35, and to graduates under 35 who stay on a permit to look for work or start a business.

*Costs shown may vary. Always check with your specific university for current rates.

Your Options

Any insurer allowed to sell this cover in the Czech Republic can be used. Pojišťovna VZP (PVZP) and Slavia pojišťovna are two insurance companies that partner with Charles University.

Popular Insurance Providers

Pojišťovna VZP (PVZP)

Foreigners' Comprehensive Medical Insurance EXCLUSIVE and PLUS

Slavia pojišťovna

Comprehensive Health Insurance for Foreigners, a Charles University partner

Using Health Care

How to get care as a student.

Healthcare System Basics

Find a GP soon after you arrive.
Some specialists need a referral from your GP.

Step-by-Step Care Guides

Everyday illness

1Find a general practitioner (GP), in Czech praktický lékař.
2Check the doctor accepts your insurance.
3Private clinics may ask you to pay first.

Medicine

1Go to a pharmacy (lékárna) for basic medicine.
2For stronger medicine you need a doctor's prescription, often sent as a code.

Emergency

1Use an emergency medical service or hospital emergency department.
2Pay the usual CZK 90 fee.
3In a serious emergency, call 112 or 155.

University Support

Many Czech universities run counselling centres for students.

Available Services

Counselling and well-being services

Key Advantages

Often free or cheaper for students

Useful Links and Questions

Useful links and quick answers.

Official Government Resources

Ministry of the Interior: medical insurance

The insurance rules for visas and permits.

Visit Resource →

Study in Czechia: health care and insurance

Doctors, pharmacies and emergency care for students. Czechia is another name for the Czech Republic.

Visit Resource →

Emergency Contacts

European emergency number

112

Police, fire and ambulance.

Ambulance

155

Emergency medical service.

Important: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need insurance?

After the embassy approves your visa, and before it is put in your passport. Show your insurance certificate (proof of your policy) at the embassy.

Can I buy insurance in India or Pakistan?

Yes, if it meets the rules. A policy bought abroad needs a certified Czech translation of the contract and its terms.

Can I show insurance for 90 days only?

You can show 90-day travel insurance only if you also show comprehensive insurance for the rest of your stay. Or show comprehensive insurance for the whole stay.