🇨🇿 Czechia Healthcare Guide
Prague has several internationally accredited hospitals including Motol University Hospital, and the EHIC system works smoothly for EU visitors needing emergency or urgent care. What trips visitors up is that Czech pharmacies require a prescription for many medications that are over-the-counter elsewhere in Europe — bring your prescriptions with generic names written out.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 155
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $25 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Czechia’s public healthcare system is well-regarded, with university hospitals in Prague (Motol, VFN) and Brno providing care comparable to Western Europe at lower cost. EHIC holders receive the same coverage as Czech residents in public facilities. GP visits require registration with a specific practice, but hospital emergency departments (pohotovost) accept walk-ins.
Emergency department walk-ins
Czech GPs require patient registration, which is impractical for visitors. For non-emergency issues, hospital outpatient departments (pohotovost) accept walk-ins.
Prague hospital quality
Motol University Hospital and VFN (General University Hospital) in Prague are the country’s best-equipped facilities.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Czech pharmacies (lékárna) are well-stocked, and many common European medications are available at lower prices than in Western Europe. Antibiotics and codeine products require a prescription. Carry original packaging and a prescription with the international nonproprietary name for any controlled medication.
Lower medication prices
Generic medications in Czechia cost significantly less than Western European equivalents. Pharmacists can advise on local alternatives.
Tips for travellers
Prague’s university hospitals offer comprehensive specialist care, with IKEM (Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine) particularly strong in cardiology and transplant medicine. EHIC holders can access specialists through the public system with a GP referral. Having your treatment history saved and accessible in Czech or English helps specialists at IKEM or Motol continue your care efficiently.
IKEM specialist centre
IKEM in Prague is a leading specialist centre for cardiac, renal, and metabolic conditions, and accepts referred international patients.