Medical Care and Health Insurance
Navigating the healthcare system in a foreign country can be challenging. Below you will find essential information about health insurance obligations, registration processes, and where to find medical help in Prague.
🚑 Emergency Services 155
🇪🇺 EU Emergency Line 112
🛡️ Health Insurance (EHIC)
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is proof that you are insured in an EU country (plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland). It grants access to state-provided healthcare under the same conditions as Czech citizens.
⚠️ Important Reminders: EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare, mountain rescue, return flights, or stolen property. It only covers medically necessary care.
🔵 Medically Necessary Healthcare
Register your EHIC card with VZP after arrival to get a Czech insurance number and a card stating "Lékařsky nezbytná péče".
Note for Turkey: Students must bring the paper from their Turkish health provider to VZP for registration.
Example: Medically Necessary Care Card
🟢 Full Healthcare (S1 Form)
Obtain the S1 Form from your home provider before departure. Register it at VZP in Prague to receive a card for "Plná péče".
Example: Full Healthcare Card
📝 Online Registration of EHIC Card
We recommend making an online registration with VZP. Send an email to info@vzp.cz and attach the following documents:
- Copy of your EHIC (Students from Turkey send a copy of the paper from their Turkish Health insurance provider).
- Copy of your Passport or ID card (bring the original if visiting a branch in person).
- Completed registration form.
If you are a foreigner living in Prague, it is important to know that majority of Prague’s large hospitals have an emergency department. These services focus on providing diagnostic and medical care to both Czech citizens and foreign citizens.
🩺 How the System Works
Everyone is expected to be registered with a general practitioner (GP) (“praktický lékař”). The GP is your first point of contact for any non-urgent health problems.
📍 Finding a GP
General Practitioner Puls Health Center → Find a GP as soon as possible after arrival. To register, you may need a health check, medical documents, and a registration fee.
📄 Specialist Referrals
You cannot book specialists directly. Your GP must give you a referral ("žádanka"). Exceptions: Dentists, gynaecologists, or psychiatrists.
🏥 Medical Care in Prague
University Hospital Motol (Department for Foreigners)
The specialized department assists with language, administration, and doctor visits.
📍 Address: V Úvalu 84, Prague 5
📞 Phone: +420 224 438 590 (Foreigners desk)
⏰ Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30-19:00 (Weekends/Holidays: Non-stop)
General Practices
MUDr. Youngová & spol. (Dejvická)
📍 Vítězné náměstí 829/10, P6
📞 +420 222 366 166
Accepts EHIC and public insurance.
Health Center Puls
📍 Near UCT dormitories
📞 267 189 156
*Buddy recommended (limited English).
💊 Pharmacies & First Aid
Over-the-counter Medication
Most common medicines are sold in pharmacies (lékárna) without a prescription.
Pain & Fever:
Paralen, Ibalgin
Paralen, Ibalgin
Cold & Flu:
Coldrex, ACC Long
Coldrex, ACC Long
Note: Antibiotics always require a prescription. Many pharmacies are open until 8 PM, but Prague also has 24/7 emergency branches.
Feeling Unwell?
Contact your General Practitioner during regular working hours.
If it is late and you cannot wait until morning, visit the after-hours clinic (pohotovost).
🚨 Injury & Emergency
Where to go?
Minor injuries (e.g., twisted ankle): Go to a Trauma Clinic (úrazová pohotovost) – no referral needed.
Serious injuries or sudden illness: Go to the Emergency Department (urgentní příjem) at any major hospital.
⚠️ Quick Tips
- Always carry your insurance card.
- Don't wait until you're seriously ill to find a doctor.
- In life-threatening cases, call 112 or 155.
🧠 Psychological Care & Mental Health
Studying abroad can be stressful. UCT Prague offers free psychological counselling in a safe environment. Whether you are in a crisis, dealing with personal problems, or struggling with studies, our psychologists are here to help you find a solution.
Counselling and Career Centre UCT Prague:
Find more information and book a session on their webpage here.
In case of immediate mental health emergency, dial 112.Always carry your Passport/ID and Insurance Card when visiting a doctor.