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Insider’s Guide to Health Care in Prague

Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Prague: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Prague.
|-Insider’s Guide to Health Care in Prague

The healthcare system in Prague is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is provided by the Czech Republic’s public health insurance system, Všeobecná zdravotní pojiš?ovna (VZP). This system is used by Czech citizens and foreigners who are legally registered in the Czech Republic.

Czech Rep’s Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Czech Rep is used by both Czech citizens and foreigners who are legally registered in the country. It is generally recommended to use public hospitals in Prague for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Prague are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Czech Rep, however, many opt to use private hospitals for more specialized care. Private hospitals in Prague are known for their high quality of care and modern facilities. They are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Prague

  • Motol University Hospital: This is a public hospital located in Prague 5. It is well-equipped and specializes in trauma and emergency care.
  • Na Homolce Hospital: This is a private hospital located in Prague 5. It is known for its modern facilities and high quality of care.
  • Charles University Hospital: This is a public hospital located in Prague 2. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
  • Vinohrady Hospital: This is a public hospital located in Prague 2. It specializes in orthopedics, gynecology, and pediatrics.

Emergency Services in Prague

Ambulance services are available in Prague. To call for an ambulance, dial 155. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, however, there can be delays depending on the situation.

Health Insurance Companies in Prague

The most popular private health insurers in Prague are VZP, OZP, and ZPMV. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Prague: Health Care

“I’ve been living in Prague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Prague is a beautiful city with a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals.When it comes to housing, you’ll find that there are plenty of options in various neighborhoods. If you’re looking for something more affordable, I’d recommend checking out areas like Žižkov, Vinohrady, or Vršovice. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have a great mix of local shops, restaurants, and parks. You can find a nice one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,200 a month.On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Malá Strana, Staré M?sto, or Josefov. These areas are beautiful and historic, but they’re also quite expensive, with rents often exceeding $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.As for other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Prague. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $25, and you can find a decent meal at a restaurant for around $10. If you enjoy going out for drinks, you’ll be happy to know that beer is quite cheap here, with a pint costing around $2 at most bars.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some products or services you’re used to might be a bit more expensive or harder to find in Prague. For example, imported goods can be pricier, and you might not have access to the same variety of products as you would back home. However, I’ve found that it’s easy to adapt and discover local alternatives that are just as good, if not better.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Prague on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You’ll be able to enjoy the city’s rich history, culture, and nightlife without breaking the bank,” commented an expat living in Prague.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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