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1. Medical insurance (mandatory)
1.1. Why is it necessary?
Medical insurance is the only type of insurance that is required by law to obtain any long-term visa, Blue Card, or residence permit/permanent residence in the Czech Republic. Without a policy, the Czech consulate will not accept visa documents.
1.2. Types of medical insurance
Travel/Basic (emergency care)
- Used for short-term visas (up to 90 days).
- Covers: emergency medical services, hospitalization, transportation to your home country (repatriation), evacuation, emergency dental care.
- Coverage limit: minimum €30,000 (often €60,000 is required).
- Valid throughout the Schengen area.
Comprehensive/Complex
- Mandatory for visas and cards valid for more than 90 days (work visa, Employee Card, Blue Card, residence permit).
- Covers: emergency care and hospitalization; preventive care (checkups); treatment of chronic diseases; pregnancy and childbirth; dentistry; prescribed medications and medical devices.
- Minimum limit: €400,000.
- Must be without a deductible (zero participation by the insured).
- Issued by accredited Czech insurers (PVZP, Slavia, Uniqa, Maxima, etc.).
1.3. How it works
- The policy must cover the entire period of stay until inclusion in the public healthcare system (e.g., until the start of work under the Blue Card).
- For the Blue Card, the employer connects the employee to the state system after employment, but a private policy is required for the period of waiting for a visa or starting work.
- If the insurance is taken out outside the Czech Republic, the contract and conditions must be translated into Czech.
1.4 When is insurance taken out?
- Basic travel insurance is required for the entire period until the visa is approved or for up to 90 days.
- After approval and before receiving the visa, comprehensive insurance must be presented (or a combination of both types).
When applying for a visa outside the Czech Republic:
- Comprehensive insurance must be taken out before applying or within 90 days of entry if the application is submitted within the country.
If the application is submitted within the Czech Republic
1.5 How to apply and what to provide
- If the insurance policy was not purchased in the Czech Republic, it must be accompanied by an official translation into Czech (contract and general terms and conditions). Proof of payment is sometimes required.
- No deductible is allowed — the insurance must be without the insured’s participation (zero deductible). Coverage must be valid throughout the Czech Republic, and short-term coverage must be valid throughout the Schengen area.
1.6 Specifics for Blue Cards and work visas
- When applying for a Blue Card (category D visa for highly qualified workers), insurance is required for the period before starting work, until inclusion in the public insurance system (after employment). The recommended period is approximately 40 days.
- After the start of official employment, insurance is covered by the Czech public health system (through the employer).
2. Recommendations for choosing insurance
For a work visa or Blue Card:
- Take out comprehensive medical insurance for the period until you are included in the state insurance system.
- Consider additional liability insurance (especially if you are renting accommodation).
For a residence permit and permanent residence:
- Initially, you need comprehensive insurance, then state insurance.
- Life/property insurance is optional but useful for complete protection.
Check the insurer’s accreditation — the policy must be recognized by the Czech authorities.
