On 2 August 2021, an amendment to the Foreigners Residence Act came into effect. One of the most significant changes it brings is the obligation for foreigners who enter the Czech Republic and will have stayed in the country for more than 90 days to arrange a comprehensive health insurance policy exclusively with Pojišťovna VZP, a.s. This exclusivity will apply for the next five years. After this period, other health insurance companies will also be able to offer this kind of insurance.
Foreigners who already reside in the Czech Republic based on a long-term visa or long-term residence permit and have organised comprehensive health insurance with another health insurance company do not have to conclude a new contract with Pojišťovna VZP during the period of validity of their existing residence permit. They will have to do so in connection with the submission of an application for the extension of their current residence permit or application for the issuance of a new residence permit.
The obligation to ensure comprehensive health insurance does not apply to foreigners with public health insurance or foreigners whose health care is reimbursed based on an international treaty or who hold valid EHIC and GHIC health insurance cards. Furthermore, this obligation does not apply to citizens of the European Union and their close family members.
