In the Czech Republic there are state-run and private medical facilities. Most of them have contracts with insurance companies covering costs of basic medical treatment of European Health Insurance Card holders. You can find out more below.
First aid
In the case of sudden illness or injury while in the Czech Republic, a 24-hour medical service is available in emergency departments of hospitals.
If due to illness or injury, you are unable to get to hospital yourself, call an ambulance on telephone number 112.
Medicaments
In the Czech Republic you can buy over-the-counter medications to relieve common illnesses (such as cold, flu, etc.) in pharmacies without a prescription. However, for other types of medicaments you will need one.
Prescriptions are usually valid for 14 days, with some exceptions. If you get a prescription from the emergency services, it will be valid for only two days, and if you are prescribed antibiotics, you must pick them up within five days.
Insurance
Health insurance for foreigners from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
In order to be able to use medical care in the Czech Republic, you must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In terms of treatment in medical facilities in the Czech Republic, this proves that you are insured and that medical care will be paid for by your insurance company.
However, the insured party of one EU member country is only entitled to essential medical care within the territory of another member country according to the nature of the illness and expected length of stay. On the basis of the 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.
Recommendation: Arrange additional commercial insurance which can cover these fees before you travel.
Health insurance for foreigners from countries outside the EU
If you do not have permanent residency within the EU, you must conclude a commercial insurance policy. If you do not have this, you will have to pay for all care on the spot in cash.