Health insurance as an employee
How public health insurance starts when you take a Czech job, and what you must do.
What this actually is
Czechia has compulsory public health insurance. If you are employed by a Czech employer, your employer registers you and deducts contributions from your pay. You choose which health insurance company to join and receive a card that you show at the doctor.
Who it applies to
Anyone employed by a Czech employer.
When it's required
From the day your employment begins.
Step by step
- 1
Choose a health insurance company
You can pick any of the public insurers; VZP is the largest but not the only option.
- 2
Tell your employer
Give them your chosen insurer and your birth number if you have one.
- 3
Collect your card
Your insurer issues a card confirming cover. Carry it to appointments.
- 4
Register with a GP
Cover is not the same as having a doctor — you must register with a practice that accepts your insurer.
Documents to bring
- Passport or identity card
- Birth number (rodné číslo) or assigned number
- Employment contract
Who decides
Your chosen public health insurance company
Related
Official information
- VZP — General Health Insurance CompanyOfficial source
- Ministry of HealthOfficial source
Last checked: 1 August 2026
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Requirements change and individual cases differ — confirm with the responsible authority before acting. Information last checked 1 August 2026.