Foreigners´ Medical Insurance – a comprehensive guide PVZP services

In the Czech Republic, there is a law requiring every individual to have health insurance. This means that you must either:

• you are enrolled in the public health insurance system – In addition to Czech citizens, this also applies to foreigners with permanent residence, individuals employed by a Czech employer, and in some cases even citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, as well as children under the age of 18 with a long-term residence permit. For these groups, we recommend verifying specific eligibility directly with VZP ČR.

If you are not eligible for public health insurance,

•  you must arrange commercial health insurance – this applies to most foreigners without permanent residence. Without this insurance, you will have to pay for all medical care yourself – and the costs can be very high.

That is why PVZP is here – a leader in health insurance for foreigners. We offer high-quality commercial insurance that meets all legal requirements and provides support and services in multiple languages.

We are confident that clear information will help you navigate the healthcare system easily – and give you the peace of mind that PVZP is here to help when you need it.

is covered

is not covered

*Urgent medical care refers to treatment aimed at preventing or minimizing sudden conditions that pose an immediate threat to life, could result in sudden death, cause serious health risks, or lead to sudden, severe pain or abrupt changes in a patient’s behaviour that may endanger themselves or others.
Necessary medical care involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute conditions that require immediate or very prompt attention.
The exact scope of coverage can always be found in your insurance policy terms and conditions.

A wide range of optional and market-unique additional insurance options:

• Insurance for foreigners’ medical expenses in the Schengen area (outside the Czech Republic)
• Optional vaccinations
• Daily compensation insurance for hospitalization due to injury
• Liability insurance
• Accident insurance

Contact our assistance service and follow their instructions. The assistance service is available 24/7 and has access to an up-to-date list of our contracted doctors and medical facilities. They can also provide a payment guarantee to the medical facility if needed.

Prepare the following:

• Your insurance policy number,
• A brief description of your health issues (when they started, your current location, whether you have already seen a doctor, and any medical reports you have).

Our assistance service communicates in Czech, Russian, Ukrainian, and English.

+420 296 841 333
pvzp-asistence@eurocross.cz

Where to find a doctor?

You can easily find a doctor who cooperates with PVZP and will provide treatment under your insurance using our online search tool:
Vyhledávač zdravotnických zařízení PVZP

Another option is to use the official database of all healthcare providers in the Czech Republic:
National Registry of Healthcare Providers (NRPZS)

⚠️ Important: If you visit a non-contracted medical facility (i.e., one not listed in our provider search), you will have to pay for the treatment on the spot.

In such cases, always keep:

• the proof of payment,
• the medical report.

These documents must be submitted for possible reimbursement according to the terms of your insurance contract.

Registration with a General Practitioner

Healthcare facilities are not legally required to register clients with commercial health insurance (e.g., PVZP) for ongoing care.

In case of acute problems, always use emergency or urgent care services — which are available even without prior registration.

How to make an appointment with a doctor?

Make an appointment by phone or email using the contacts provided on the websites of individual healthcare facilities.

What to bring to your appointment?

• Your insurance card
• Proof of identity (e.g., passport or ID card)
• Medical records if you have already had an examination
• Cash or payment card — in case you visit a non-contracted facility or need to pay for non-covered services

If you are visiting a specialist, please inform us in advance — we can send confirmation to the healthcare facility beforehand to ensure smooth care.
➡️ If you have received an appointment date from your doctor, it is important to attend or cancel it on time directly with the doctor.

Do you have medical expenses and want to claim them from the insurance company? You can report an insurance claim in several ways:

Online – Fill out the claim form here: https://pu.pvzp.cz

In person – at any PVZP branch office

By email – Send the completed form and required documents to oznameni.udalosti@pvzp.cz
📄 Download the form: Insurance Claim Notification (PDF)

By mail:
Pojišťovna VZP, a.s.
Lazarská 1718/3
110 00 Prague 1
Claims Department

How to check the status of your claim?

➡️ Check your insurance claim status

Look for a number starting with HK…
Do not forget to check your SPAM folder in your email inbox as well.

What is not covered under the basic limit?

Generally, commercial health insurance, like public health insurance, does not cover certain types of medical care and expenses. The most common exclusions include:

• Glasses and contact lenses
• Braces
• Hormonal contraception
• Optional vaccinations
• Dental hygiene
• Over-the-counter medications
• Blood and plasma donation
• Administrative examinations (e.g., for school, driving school, or employer)

ℹ️ You can arrange these examinations with any doctor — they do not have to be contracted providers.

How the “Premium” Additional Limit Can Help in This Case

The KZPC Plus and KZPC Exclusive products include a “Premium” limit designed to cover non-standard medical care and services. You can request reimbursement of your expenses within this premium limit:

• Limit amount: 200 or 300 CZK for each month the contract is active

The conditions for using this limit can be found in your insurance contract. We recommend always keeping proof of payment and medical reports.

Is PVZP insurance recognized by authorities in the Czech Republic?

Yes. All our health insurance products comply with the Czech Republic’s legal requirements and are accepted by the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior.

For short-term stays up to 90 days, we offer ZZPC insurance. For stays over 90 days, the KZPC Plus or KZPC Exclusive insurance products are available.

How soon after purchasing insurance can I visit a doctor?

The insurance is valid from the date specified in the contract, but no earlier than the day after the contract is concluded and the premium is paid. You can use healthcare services according to the coverage of the insurance plan you purchased.

Can I purchase insurance online?

Yes. You can easily purchase insurance from home — the online form is available here.

Do I need to undergo an initial medical examination?

In most cases, no.
For ZZPC and KZPC Plus insurance, no initial examination is required.
For KZPC Exclusive insurance, you need to complete a health questionnaire — based on its evaluation, a medical report or an initial medical examination may be required in exceptional cases (especially if higher health costs are expected).
For “Newborn” insurance, the initial medical examination is always mandatory.

What if I am being treated for an illness before purchasing insurance?

For ZZPC and KZPC Plus products, pre-existing conditions are not covered.
For Exclusive insurance, some pre-existing diagnoses may be covered if they are properly disclosed in the health questionnaire at the time of purchase and the client is accepted into the insurance after evaluation.

Does the insurance cover vaccinations, glasses, or dental hygiene?

No, these items are not covered under the basic limit. However, if you have Comprehensive Foreigners’ Health Insurance Plus or Exclusive, you may request partial reimbursement under the additional “Premium” limit.

Does the insurance also cover travel within the Schengen Area?

All PVZP health insurance policies apply within the territory of the Czech Republic, and most also cover necessary and urgent care within the Schengen Area.

• The ZZPC product covers the Schengen Area and transit countries.
• For the KZPC Plus and KZPC Exclusive options, medical expense insurance within the Schengen Area is included free of charge.

If you plan to travel within the Schengen Area, we recommend verifying in your contract that you have the Schengen coverage included.