Medicine & Veterinary Czech Republic

State Health Insurance

State health insurance covers most residents of the Czech Republic and is funded by mandatory contributions from employers, employees, and the government. Insurance is usually arranged through an employer or independently with an insurance company.

 

Participants: Persons with permanent residence in the Czech Republic, as well as foreigners working for Czech employers.

Coverage: Includes outpatient and inpatient care, preventive check-ups, emergency care, medications, and medical equipment.

Insurance companies: There are several state insurance companies, the largest of which is Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP).

 

Insurance for children of foreigners: From January 1, 2024, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna offers state health insurance for children of foreigners with long-term residence permits.

 

Commercial Health Insurance

Foreigners not eligible for state insurance must obtain commercial health insurance. It is divided into two types:

 

Basic insurance: Meant for short-term visits (up to 90 days) and only covers emergency medical care.

Comprehensive insurance: Recommended for long stays (over 90 days) and provides a wider range of medical services, including preventive care, treatment of chronic diseases, pregnancy, and childbirth.

 

Insurance companies offering commercial insurance: Pojišťovna VZP; UNIQA pojišťovna; Maxima pojišťovna; Slavia pojišťovna; Vitalitas pojišťovna.

 

Features for EU citizens: EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency medical care in the Czech Republic. However, for full coverage, additional commercial insurance is recommended.

Medical services in public institutions

Hospitals and polyclinics: Public hospitals and polyclinics are located in all major cities and provide a wide range of medical services.

 

Private medical institutions

Advantages of private medicine

Quick access to specialists: In private clinics, waiting times for appointments are usually shorter.

Multilingual staff: Often, the staff speaks English and other languages, making communication easier for foreign citizens.

Additional services: More comfortable conditions and an extended range of services.

Below is a list of the most well-known hospitals and clinics in key cities across the country.

Prague

Public Hospitals

Motol University Hospital: The largest hospital in the Czech Republic, offering a wide range of medical services and serving as a training base for medical faculties.

Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine: Specializes in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, transplantology, and diabetology.

Na Homolce Hospital: Known for its neurosurgery and cardiology departments.

Private Clinics

MyClinic: Offers services in the field of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery.

Formé Clinic: Specializes in plastic and aesthetic surgery.

Brno

Public Hospitals

Brno University Hospital: One of the largest hospitals in the region, offering a broad range of medical services.

Private Clinics

SurGal Clinic: A multidisciplinary private hospital offering services in various medical fields.

Ostrava

Public Hospitals

Ostrava University Hospital: A major medical facility serving the residents of the region.

Private Clinics

AGEL Clinic: A private clinic providing a wide range of medical services.

Plzeň

Public Hospitals

Plzeň University Hospital: Provides medical care in various fields of medicine.

Private Clinics

Privamed Clinic: A private hospital offering services in surgery and therapy.

Liberec

Public Hospitals

Regional Hospital Liberec: The main medical institution in the region, providing a wide range of services.

Private Clinics

Clinic "EUROCLINIC": A private clinic specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

When choosing a medical institution, it is recommended to consider the clinic's specialization, its reputation, and patient reviews. Many public hospitals closely cooperate with university medical faculties, ensuring a high level of medical care. Private clinics often offer more comfortable conditions and reduced waiting times for appointments.

In the Czech Republic, the healthcare system is organized in such a way that each resident, including immigrants, must be registered with a general practitioner (family doctor) who coordinates the patient's medical care and refers to specialists if necessary.

 

Registration with a family doctor

 

1: Finding a suitable doctor

Insurance company: Contact your health insurance company, which will provide a list of general practitioners associated with them. For example, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP) offers an online search for doctors by region.

Online resources: Use websites like ZnamyLekar.cz to find reviews and information about doctors.

 

2: Contacting the chosen doctor

Contact: Call the doctor's office or send an email to inquire about the possibility of registering new patients.

Documents: Bring identification, your health insurance card, and any available medical records when visiting.

 

3: Signing registration documents

Consent: At the first meeting, sign a consent form for medical care.

Informing the insurance company: The doctor will notify your insurance company about the registration.

 

Appointment with a specialist

 

Through a family doctor

Referral: In most cases, a referral from a family doctor is required to visit a specialist.

Appointment: The family doctor can assist with scheduling or provide contact details for the specialist.

 

Without a referral

Self-scheduling: Some specialists, such as dentists, gynecologists, or dermatologists, can be scheduled directly without a referral.

 

Platforms for online scheduling

 

uLékaře.cz: A platform offering consultations and appointments with doctors across the Czech Republic.

 

ZnamyLekar.cz: Allows searching for doctors by specialization and location, and booking appointments online.

In the Czech Republic, the emergency medical services system is efficiently organized and accessible to everyone, including immigrants.

Emergency numbers

Universal emergency number: 112 (available throughout Europe, including the Czech Republic; connects to the appropriate service: ambulance, police, or fire department; operators speak several languages, including English).

Direct emergency service numbers

Ambulance: 155

Police: 158

Fire department: 150

When calling any of these numbers, it is important to clearly state the location and nature of the incident.

Organization of emergency aid

Ambulance service: Operates 24/7 and free for everyone, including tourists and immigrants; response time is typically 15 minutes in urban areas and up to 20 minutes in rural areas.

Emergency departments: Located in major hospitals and accept patients without prior appointment; provide treatment for acute conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Payment and insurance

State health insurance: Covers most medical services, including emergency care.

Foreign citizens:

- Tourists must have valid health insurance covering emergencies.

- Immigrants are required to obtain Czech health insurance.

In the absence of insurance, the patient may be required to pay for services out-of-pocket.

 

On-duty services: On weekends and holidays, on-duty emergency departments operate. Information about the nearest on-duty services can be obtained from a family doctor or local information portals.

In the Czech Republic, the process of medical testing and examinations is organized efficiently and is accessible to all residents, including immigrants.

Registration with a general practitioner: The first step is to register with a general practitioner, who coordinates your medical care.

Receiving referrals for tests and examinations: The general practitioner assesses your condition and, if necessary, provides a referral for laboratory tests.

Laboratory tests: The doctor will direct you to an accredited laboratory for the necessary tests.

Conducting tests and examinations

Laboratories: There are many laboratories in the Czech Republic where tests can be conducted. Some of them operate without prior appointments; however, it is recommended to check this in advance.

Private clinics: In addition to governmental institutions, there are private clinics in the Czech Republic offering a wide range of diagnostic services.

Online appointments: Many institutions offer the opportunity to book an appointment online through their official websites or specialized platforms.

Receiving results

Ways to receive: Results can be issued in person, sent by email, or made available through an online portal of the medical institution.

Payment for services

Insurance: If you are insured in the Czech health system, most standard tests and examinations are covered by insurance.

Additional services: Some specialized examinations or services in private clinics may require additional payment.

Some of the most popular and well-known laboratories and diagnostic centers that offer a wide range of medical tests and examinations: Synlab, AeskuLab, EUC Laboratoře, Medicon, Unilabs, Mediccare

Preparation for childbirth in the Czech Republic includes several key aspects: choosing a hospital, a doctor, and securing medical insurance.

 

Medical insurance

 

State insurance: If you are officially employed or have a permanent residence, you are likely already insured in the state medical insurance system. This covers most expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth.

 

Private insurance: If you are not entitled to state insurance, it is necessary to obtain private medical insurance that covers childbirth expenses. Ensure that the chosen insurance includes necessary services.

 

Insurance for children of foreigners: From January 1, 2024, VZP ČR offers state medical insurance for children of foreigners with long-term residence permits.

 

Choosing a doctor and hospital

 

Pregnant women in the Czech Republic can choose a doctor and a hospital for managing pregnancy and childbirth.

 

Gynecologist: It is recommended to choose a gynecologist who will monitor your pregnancy. You can consult your family doctor for recommendations or use online resources to find a specialist.

 

Hospital: Choosing a maternity hospital or clinic is important for comfortable childbirth. Many hospitals offer tours of their maternity wards, which will help you make an informed decision.

 

Pre-registration: Some hospitals require pre-registration for childbirth. Check with the chosen institution and register in advance.

 

Documents

 

Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including identity card, health insurance card, and test results.

 

Partner-supported childbirth

 

Partner-supported childbirth in the Czech Republic is becoming increasingly popular. However, not all maternity hospitals in the Czech Republic offer the possibility of partner-supported childbirth. Many hospitals require pre-registration for partner-supported childbirth. It is recommended to contact the chosen maternity hospital in advance to learn about necessary procedures and documents. If the partner does not speak Czech, it is recommended to find out if there is staff speaking other languages in the hospital or consider bringing a translator.

 

Vaccination of newborns

 

In the Czech Republic, vaccination of newborns and children is mandatory and regulated by law. According to Czech law, children must be vaccinated against nine diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection.

Failure to comply with this obligation without a valid reason can lead to fines, as well as refusal to admit a child to kindergartens and other educational institutions. Exceptions are only possible for medical reasons when vaccination is contraindicated.

 

Postnatal Care

 

After childbirth in the Czech Republic, postpartum care is provided for both the mother and the child.

Pediatrician: Choose a pediatrician for your child before birth to ensure timely check-ups after being discharged from the hospital.

Home Visits: In some cases, midwives can visit you at home to monitor the condition of the mother and baby.

In the event of the death of a foreign national on the territory of the Czech Republic, the following steps must be taken:

 

Reporting the Death

Emergency Services: Immediately report the incident by calling number 155 (ambulance) or 112 (emergency services).

Medical Certificate: The attending doctor will confirm the fact of death and issue the appropriate certificate.

 

Registration of Death

The death certificate must be registered at the local civil status registration office at the place of residence or registration of the deceased. The doctor who confirmed the death will send the necessary documents to the civil status office.

Based on the provided documents, the employees of the Civil Status Office will make an entry in the book of death records and issue an official certificate.

 

Informing the Embassy

Consular Services: Contact the embassy or consulate of the country of which the deceased was a citizen to receive consultations and assistance with further actions. The consulate can assist in the documentation and organization of the repatriation of the body.

 

Organization of Funeral or Repatriation

Funeral Bureaus: Contact a licensed funeral bureau, which will help organize a funeral in the Czech Republic or repatriation of the body to the homeland. They will provide information on the necessary documents, deadlines, and service costs.

Documents for Repatriation: To transport the body abroad, a death certificate, a medical certificate on the cause of death, transport permission, and other documents will be required, which the funeral bureau and consulate will help arrange.

Cremation: Cremation in the Czech Republic is the most common burial method, covering about 95% of all funerals. The country operates 27 crematoria, ensuring wide availability of this service to the population. The largest is the crematorium in the Strašnice district of Prague, which is considered one of the largest in Europe. Funeral bureaus assist in the documentation and organization of the cremation process.

 

Financial Aspects

Insurance: If the deceased had valid insurance, contact the insurance company to clarify coverage for funeral or repatriation expenses.

Expenses: In the absence of insurance, the expenses typically fall on the relatives or close ones of the deceased.

 

Additional Actions:

Property and Inheritance: Consider issues related to the deceased's property in the Czech Republic, and seek legal advice if necessary.

Cancellation of Documents: Notify the relevant authorities about the death to cancel documents such as residence permit, driver's license, and others.

Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

 

Rabies: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs and cats. Lack of vaccination can lead to fines up to 800 euros.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

 

Dogs:

- Distemper

- Parvovirus

- Hepatitis

- Leptospirosis

- Parainfluenza

 

Cats:

- Panleukopenia

- Rhinotracheitis

- Calicivirus

- Chlamydia

 

Although these vaccinations are not legally mandatory, they are strongly recommended by veterinary specialists to protect your pet's health.

 

Animal Identification

Microchipping: From January 1, 2020, all dogs in the Czech Republic must be identified using a microchip conforming to ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. Lack of a microchip can lead to fines up to 2000 euros.

 

Additional Procedures

Parasite Treatment: Regular deworming and treatment for external parasites (fleas, ticks) is recommended to maintain the animal's health.

Pet Passport: For travel within the EU and beyond, it is necessary to obtain a pet passport, which includes information about vaccinations and the health status of the pet.

 

Complying with these requirements and recommendations will help ensure your pet's health and avoid possible fines. Regular veterinary visits and timely vaccinations are key aspects of responsible pet ownership in the Czech Republic.

 

Useful Tips

Use platforms like Vetfinder.cz to find the nearest veterinary clinic. In many clinics, staff speak English, which facilitates communication for foreigners.

The Czech Republic has a well-developed infrastructure for housing and caring for pets, including pet hotels and shelters for homeless animals.

Pet Hotels

If you are planning a trip or temporarily unable to care for your pet, various pet hotels in the Czech Republic offer professional care and comfortable conditions.

Psí hotel PGC Praha 5: Located in Prague, provides care services for dogs, cats, and other small animals. The hotel is equipped with modern facilities and offers an individual approach to each pet.

Psí Hotel Tootsie: Also located in Prague, specializes in caring for dogs. Offers both short-term and long-term stays ensuring all necessary needs of the pet are met.

Animal Shelters

There are many shelters in the Czech Republic that care for homeless and lost animals, providing them with temporary housing and medical assistance, as well as facilitating their subsequent placement into new families.

Dog Shelter Troja: One of the largest shelters in Prague, engaged in the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless dogs. Actively collaborates with volunteers and holds events to raise awareness of issues related to homeless animals.

Útulek Bohnice: Located in the Bohnice area in Prague, this shelter provides a refuge for dogs and cats, ensuring them necessary care and medical assistance. Also engaged in finding new owners for its wards.

How to Find a Suitable Place for Your Pet

Online Platforms: Websites like Booking.com offer selections of hotels where pets are allowed, which can be useful when planning trips with your pet.

Local Recommendations: Consult local veterinary clinics or pet stores for advice and recommendations on reputable pet hotels or shelters.

In the Czech Republic, pet ownership is regulated by a number of rules and regulations designed to ensure the well-being of pets and maintain public order. Below are key aspects that pet owners should consider.

Registration and Identification

Microchipping: All dogs in the Czech Republic must be identified by a microchip.

Registration: After microchipping, the animal's data must be entered into the appropriate register. This facilitates finding the pet if it is lost.

Vaccination

Rabies: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats.

Other Vaccinations: It's recommended to vaccinate against other diseases such as parvovirus, leptospirosis, and distemper for dogs, as well as panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis for cats.

Taxes and Fees

Dog Tax: Dog owners are required to pay an annual tax, which depends on the location and number of dogs. For instance, in Prague, the tax is 1500 Czech crowns for the first dog in an apartment and 600 Czech crowns for each subsequent dog.

Walking Rules

Leash and Muzzle: In public places, dogs must be on a leash. Use of a muzzle is mandatory for certain breeds or as required by local authorities.

Clean-up After Pets: Owners are required to clean up their animal's waste in public areas. Violation of this rule may lead to fines.

Traveling with Pets

Public Transport: Dogs are allowed in public transport provided they have a muzzle and leash. An additional fee may be charged for transporting a dog.

Hotels and Restaurants: Many establishments in the Czech Republic welcome guests with animals; however, it is recommended to verify in advance the possibility of staying with a pet.

Accommodation

Renting Accommodation: When renting an apartment, it is advisable to check with the owner if pets are allowed, as some landlords may impose restrictions.

Animal Protection

Animal Protection Laws: Czech legislation strictly regulates the treatment of animals, prohibiting cruelty and ensuring their welfare. Violations of these laws can lead to severe fines and criminal liability.