Registration, Prevention, and Insurance Company Contributions

Healthcare System in the Czech Republic – Part Three

General practitioner and paediatrician

Healthcare in the Czech Republic is based on the general practitioner for adults and the paediatrician for children. Everyone is supposed to have their own GP, who monitors their health and vaccination calendar; and arranges preventive check-ups (every two years).

If you fall ill, a GP will examine you (usually by appointment) and can provide you with a certificate of incapacity for work (neschopenka). This certificate is sent to the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) and your employer. You will also need the certificate when you are registered with the Labour office as a job applicant. In this case, you will have to bring it to your caseworker in person. It is mandatory to follow the regime during incapacity for work – stay at the reported address or obtain permission for outings from your doctor.

If you need a referral to a specialist, a medical certificate or an extract from your medical record, your GP can arrange it. It is important to provide them with reports from other doctors to ensure they have a complete overview of your health.

Dentist

You should have a preventive dental check-up once a year. After your first visit, you will be registered, and in case of acute health conditions, you will be treated as soon as possible. If you are not registered with any dentist and experience an acute health condition, you may have difficulty finding an office that will treat you.

Gynaecologist

This type of healthcare applies to women and girls form about 15 years of age. A gynaecologist performs preventive check-ups once a year, including a cytology test for cervical cancer. For women aged 45 and over, mammography for breast cancer prevention is also mandatory. The gynaecologist also prescribes birth control, but its cost is covered by the patient.

Ophthalmologist and other specialists

A preventive examination by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) is recommended every two years, even if you don’t wear glasses. For individuals with chronic diseases, it is essential to register with an appropriate specialist who will monitor their health.

Second opinion

If you are seriously ill, you have the right to consult another doctor or healthcare facility about your condition. This process is called “a second opinion” and its terms may vary from between medical facilities. Therefore, it is best to check everything beforehand by phone.

Prevention

Preventive check-ups are fully covered by public health insurance. These may include blood pressure measurements, blood tests, or family medical history assessments.

If there is a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended to register at a mammography centre, where they offer comprehensive examinations and genetic testing.

If there is a hereditary disease in your family or you suffer from one yourself, it is possible to make an appointment for genetic testing to assess the risks before conceiving a child. In such cases, your doctor will advise you on whether the cost of the test will be covered by insurance. Coverage depends on the type of disease and the complexity of the test. A referral is required for genetic testing.

Vaccination

Preventive vaccinations beyond the compulsory list are usually covered by the patient. You can consult your GP about vaccinations. If you wish to be vaccinated against gynaecological diseases, you can also contact your gynaecologist. Alternatively, you can visit a vaccination centre. Some insurance companies offer vaccination contributions. You can find the terms and conditions on their websites. Important note: you must be in good health for at least 14 days before receiving a vaccine injection!

If you wish to be vaccinated against a disease not included in the list of covered vaccines, you will be responsible for the cost. You can consult your GP about the vaccine. If you wish to be vaccinated against gynaecological diseases, you can also contact your gynaecologist. Alternatively, you can contact a vaccination centre and schedule an appointment for vaccination. Remember: you must be in good health for at least 14 days before receiving a vaccine injection!

Despite having to pay for the vaccinations yourself, insurance companies offer various benefits, including vaccination contributions. You can find the list of benefits offered by your insurance company on their website. For example, you can request a reimbursement from your insurance company for a certain amount after the vaccination. These benefits or contribution amounts may vary depending on the insurance company.

Special contributions from health insurance companies

In addition to vaccinations, insurance companies may contribute to sports activities, massages, or dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free). If necessary, it is possible to apply for spa treatment or a stay in a rehabilitation centre based on a doctor’s referral.