Czech Republic — Healthcare: Public Healthcare

Key facts

• Current health expenditure: 8.5 % of GDP (2024)
• Government share of current health expenditure: 84 % (2023)
• Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 14 % (2024)
• Physicians: 4.4 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Hospital beds: 6.5 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Life expectancy at birth: 80.0 years (2024)

Steps

1. Obtaining Health Insurance — Individuals who are not already registered with the public healthcare system, such as recent immigrants or expats, must register with the local health authority (obchodní ústředna) to get a health insurance card (zdravotní karta). This can typically be done in person at a local office.
2. Accessing Public Healthcare Services — Residents can access public healthcare services by showing their health insurance card (zdravotní karta) at a doctor's office, hospital, or pharmacy. Medications and treatments are generally free or low-cost for residents.

Costs

• Health insurance contributions: 2393 CZK per month (state covers this expense for state insured persons)

Timelines

• Time to register for public healthcare: typically 1-14 days

Required documents

• Valid passport or ID card
• Proof of residency (e.g. rental agreement, utility bill)
• Proof of income (e.g. pay stub, tax return)

Common mistakes

• Not registering with the public healthcare system in a timely manner, which may result in fines or difficulties accessing services.
• Assuming private health insurance will cover all healthcare costs in the Czech Republic.

What these figures do not cover

These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.