Prague is included in the top 20 world capitals in the PICSA ranking, which, in addition to GDP, assesses not only the affordability of housing, education, social and economic justice, but also the level of medicine. And according to the World Health Organization, the Czech Republic has bypassed such leading countries as Germany and Austria in terms of the quality and availability of medical services. At the same time, the high standards in this area apply not only to the Czech capital, but also to many other cities. It is also worth noting that in recent years, the average life expectancy of people living in the country has increased by five years.
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Features of the healthcare system in the Czech Republic
Since the level of medicine in the Czech Republic is rightfully considered one of the most advanced in the world, it is very prestigious to be a doctor here. There are many programs in the country to prepare for training in medical universities in Prague, and for practicing doctors there is an approbation that will help foreigners legalize their medical diploma in the Czech Republic, where they can continue their careers.
The country's health care system operates under a compulsory health insurance system for everyone, including foreigners who need to take out insurance for their entire period of stay in the Czech Republic. With regular insurance premiums, a person does not have to worry about the cost of medical services and drugs, since the insurance company will pay for it. Usually, in the Czech Republic, the insured are paid for the costs of medicines not only during treatment in the clinic, but also at home. The insurance also applies to those who do not work - the citizens of the country receive insurance from the state.
Health insurance programs
In the Czech Republic, there are two types of insurance: state and contractual. The state one is available for both Czech citizens and foreigners with a residence permit and refugees. With such insurance, treatment is almost free - it covers almost all medical services, including therapeutic dentistry, physiotherapy, vaccinations and annual preventive examinations. It is only required to pay the health care tax of 4.5% of the monthly salary.
In the case of contractual insurance, specialized companies collect contributions from employers on their own and they transfer most of the collected funds to the General Health Insurance Organization. In the Czech Republic, the insurance premium for working citizens is 13.5% of the wage. If we are talking about individual entrepreneurs, then they deduct the same 4.5% of the official monthly income to the tax fund, but on their own. The law defines the minimum amount of the insurance premium from the budget, which is 60% of the average premium per employee.
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A third of the insurance premium for the working population is already paid by the person himself, while he can personally choose an insurance company. Most often, locals choose VZP - this is the General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic. Foreign students provide themselves with insurance themselves - referring to both private insurance companies and public ones, which offer the necessary package of services.
Once an insurance company has been selected, it is possible to register with a therapist and dentist, and women must also register with a gynecologist. The specialists notify the patient's insurance company in order to receive payment for their services from it in the future. Then, if a person needs an appointment with a more narrowly specialized specialist, then the therapist sends him to him. In principle, you can make an appointment with a specialist doctor at any clinic, but remember that each insurance company has a network of partner medical institutions where their clients are served free of charge, otherwise patients will have to pay the full cost of treatment and only then receive compensation. In order to do this, you need to present checks and fill out a special application at the office of the insurance company. Usually, expenses are reimbursed within one to three months.
Ambulance
In case of emergency, you can contact any medical institution where you are required to admit a patient, regardless of the availability and type of insurance. But in the emergency department at the front desk, you will have to pay a mandatory registration fee - 30 CZK during the day and 70 CZK at night, as well as fill out a registration form. Usually, neither government nor contractual insurance will cover hospitalization. One day in a room for 3 people will cost 5 euros, in a separate room - 25 euros.
Childbirth in the Czech Republic
The cost of insurance also fully covers childbirth and postpartum care, even in the event of complications. However, if we are talking about giving birth to foreigners with a student or work visa, then a lot will depend on the type of contractual insurance. A woman can choose any maternity hospital, regardless of where she lives, but at the same time she needs to book a room in advance - no later than 14 weeks of pregnancy. Childbirth is usually performed by a doctor who has seen the woman during the entire pregnancy.
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Insurance cover
Basic health insurance for foreigners (ZZPC) includes coverage of the costs of necessary and urgent care, hospitalization in any medical institution in the Czech Republic in the required amount with a limit of 1.6 million CZK (60,000 euros). Comprehensive Health Insurance for Foreigners (KZPC Plus) includes coverage of the costs associated with the provision of health care in an amount similar to public health insurance, at agreed limits and with established exceptions. This option can be of two types:
- Comprehensive health insurance for foreigners PLUS - costs up to 2 million CZK (75,000 euros) - cost about 150 euros per year
- Comprehensive health insurance for foreigners PLUS with increased limits - costs 2.6 million CZK (100,000 euros) - cost about 300 euros per year.
Famous Czech clinics
Among the most famous clinics in the Czech Republic, which are very popular among Czechs and foreigners, there are several medical institutions. St. Zdislav's Hospital in Prague is a renowned surgery center where minimally invasive surgeries are performed using the latest generation da Vinci robotic system. By the number of operations performed, this kind of clinic is recognized as the largest center in the country and one of the largest in Europe.
Clinic Malvazinky in Prague is known for its comprehensive physiotherapy with an emphasis on post-traumatic and post-operative rehabilitation. Also, her doctors specialize in the prevention of chronic, painful and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The regional clinic for hip and knee arthroplasty is located in the town of Kladno. The hospital serves as a testing base for materials and technologies for a local manufacturer of orthopedic implants and instruments, but also works with products from world leaders in this field.
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Balneological resorts
The system of spa treatment has been operating in the Czech Republic for several centuries, the effectiveness of which is recognized throughout the world. The country's resorts are equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, specialized in the treatment of many diseases and have the broadest infrastructure. Most of these cities are unique due to the healing properties of mineral water springs combined with the most modern physiotherapy equipment.
Of course, we are talking about the main resorts of the country - Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne. Each of them treats a wide range of diseases, almost everywhere you can find a suitable sanatorium, in which each patient will be offered an individual treatment plan based, first of all, on the regular 3-time drinking of water from a specific source (there are dozens of them, each has its own chemical composition and temperature).
