Access to healthcare services Health Insurance Finding doctor Emergency numbers Not speaking Czech? Getting prescription Patient Guide Mental health Experiencing violence?
Having medical emergency? 
Use the Refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons and temporary protection holders have access to the Czech healthcare system, including treatment at hospitals. Healthcare services include medical consultations, emergency care, specialist treatment (with referrals from a general practitioner), preventive care such as vaccinations, and maternal healthcare.
How can I access healthcare services in Czechia?
To get healthcare in the country, you usually need to join the public health insurance system. This insurance is mandatory for everyone in Czechia and helps you get the medical care you need. Please visit the Ministry of Social Affairs’ website for more information.
For refugees from Ukraine, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website for specific information in Ukrainian.
How can I get health insurance?
The rules for health insurance are a little different depending on your status. Here is how it works:
Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are usually automatically enrolled in public health insurance when their status is granted. The largest provider of public health insurance in the country is VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna). This insurance lets you access a wide range of healthcare services, including medical consultations, emergency care, and preventive measures like vaccinations and maternal healthcare. Temporary protection holders are also automatically enrolled when they receive their visa. The insurance is also through VZP and allows you to access essential healthcare services. For the first 90 days, the insurance coverage is free.
Please visit the section on healthcare on the website Naši Ukrajinci from the Ministry of Interior for more information. Asylum-seekers get state-provided health insurance from the government. It covers basic care like medical consultations and emergency treatment while they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. Dependents (like children or a spouse) are usually covered under the same insurance as the main applicant.
For specific guidance or assistance with health insurance, you can reach out to local health insurance offices.
How can I find a doctor in Czechia?
To get medical care, your first step is usually to register with a General Practitioner (GP). This doctor will be your main contact for regular medical needs, like check-ups, vaccinations, and specialist referrals.
Step 1: Find a General Practitioner (GP)
Contact your health insurance company (e.g. VZP). They can give you a list of doctors in your area who accept your insurance. Ask your network or support organisations to help you find a doctor near you. Use online platforms (e.g. Emmy, ZnamyLekar.cz) to:
- Search for doctors
- Book appointments
- Use services in multiple languages
- Access online/telemedicine consultations
Tip: Health centres (zdravotní středisko) also offer a range of services, including general healthcare and specialist referrals, and are a good place to visit if you’re unsure about where to go.
Step 2: Register with the GP
Once you’ve chosen a doctor: Visit their office to register as a new patient. Bring your health insurance card and personal ID.
If you need additional medical services, such as specialist consultations (like a gynaecologist, psychologist, etc.), you will typically need a referral from your GP. You usually cannot visit a specialist directly without this referral – unless it’s an emergency.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency?
If it’s an emergency, you don’t need a referral. You can go directly to the emergency department (urgentní příjem) at the nearest hospital. Make sure to have important documents, including your health insurance. Emergency care is available regardless of your status or possession of health insurance.
In an emergency, act quickly and seek help to ensure you receive the necessary care. If you cannot commute on your own, call one of the direct lines below for immediate medical help. An operator will arrange an ambulance or guide you to the closest medical facility.
Emergency numbers:
- EU-wide number for any type of emergency
- Connects you to a central dispatch centre
- Operators usually speak multiple languages (English, Ukrainian, etc.)
- Use this if you’re not sure which service you need (ambulance, fire, police)
Tip: It’s available for non-Czech speakers, as well as when you need more than just medical help.
- Direct line to Czech medical emergency services
- Connects you straight to medical dispatchers
- Faster medical response (you skip the general call centre)
- Language support is limited – mostly in Czech
Tip: It’s best for medical emergencies only, if you or someone else needs an ambulance urgently and you can communicate in Czech (or have someone who can).
You can also use the Záchranka App to quickly contact emergency or mountain rescue services with just one tap. The app includes smart features that can help you during medical emergencies.
What if I don’t speak Czech?
Many clinics, especially in larger cities, have doctors or staff who speak other languages such as English, Ukrainian or Russian.
Your health insurance provider (e.g. VZP) does not offer a list of multilingual doctors – please use trusted online directories instead (like Expats.cz, Canadian Medical, or ZnamyLekar.cz) and check each doctor’s profile for languages spoken. Call or email the doctor’s office directly to confirm and mention you have VZP insurance (company code 111). In Prague, the Motol University Hospital’s foreign department supports non-Czech speakers and accepts both public and private VZP insurance.
Tip: Some clinics offer interpreter services to help you communicate with the doctor. These may be provided by the clinic itself or arranged by refugee support organisations. If no interpreter is available, you can use a translation app/online tool on your phone to explain your symptoms or understand the doctor’s advice during the appointment. You can also write down your symptoms in your language – many doctors are familiar with basic medical terms in other languages.
How can I get a medical prescription?
Step 1: Visit a doctor
See a general practitioner (GP) or a specialist, who will give you a prescription for your medicine. Most prescriptions are electronic (eRecept) – you will get a code on your phone to scan digitally at the pharmacy, or a printed copy.
Step 2: Go to a pharmacy (lékárna)
Show the eRecept code at any pharmacy. The pharmacist will find your medicine in the system.
Step 3: Payment (if needed)
Bring your health insurance card. Some or all of the cost may be covered (verify with the doctor). If not fully covered, the pharmacist will tell you the price before giving the medicine.
Tip: If you don’t speak Czech, many pharmacists speak English or another language. You can also use online translation tools to help communicate.
Still have questions about the healthcare system?
It’s okay – the healthcare system can appear complicated.
If you’re unsure or want to better understand how everything works, please consult the Patient Guide, created by the Ministry of Health of Czechia.
Patient Guide: Your step-by-step healthcare guide in Czechia
A clear, step-by-step guide to navigating the Czech healthcare system. Covers who can get care, where to go, how to get insurance, what services are free, and more. Explains your rights as a patient and how to file a complaint if needed. Available in three languages:
Feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed?
It’s completely normal to feel this way – especially during difficult times. If you’re struggling emotionally or finding things difficult, know that you’re not alone. Visit our dedicated page for advice, emotional support, and mental health resources:
Supporting Your Feelings and Worries
Have you experienced harm or abuse?
If you’ve been affected by violence or unsafe situations, support is available. You don’t have to go through it alone. Visit our page on gender-based violence to learn about your rights and the help you can get. Help for Violence and Trauma
See also:
Temporary Protection Help and Information UNHCR’s Partner Organizations Supporting Your Feelings and Worries Help for Violence and Trauma
