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Czech entry requirement: health insurance?

Posted by (Austin) on

I leave for Prague from the U.S. on Wednesday. To what extent do I need to show health insurance? Can I just show them a credit card? Below is the information from the U.S. State Dept:

The Czech Government requires that you have proof of finances to pay for your stay and for you to have travel/health insurance and is requiring proof of medical insurance for travelers to the Czech Republic. Minimum coverage of the insurance has to be at least $35,000.

According to the Czech Government, a health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the Republic.

Posted by
9099 posts

Regardless of whether it is required by law or not, you should always have travelers insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation charges. A severe broken leg can set you back $50,000USD. So assuming you purchased this insurance, simply bring along a copy of the policy.

Posted by
6 posts

Great. So, "assuming" I can simply charge that $50k to my credit card, as I can, can I just show that card to the customs officer for admittance? That was really my question.

Posted by
42 posts

I have been to the Czech Republic several times and I have never been asked about health insurance.

Posted by
10344 posts

Perhaps it's easier to just buy traveler's health insurance online, can be done in 10 minutes at www.insuremytrip.com, a $100,000 health insurance policy might cost you $100?

Posted by
290 posts

I travel through Czech Republic at least once a year -every year - most times by plane and a few times by train. Never have I ever been asked about health insurance or my finances, so I wouldn't worry about it. Going through immigration & customs is a snap. Way less painful than arriving back in the USA. Just get in line at the immigration, then after braving the stoney looks of the military type agent on steriods getting your passport stamped and handed back, walk through the gate to the carrosels get your luggage and walk through the green signed "Nothing to declare" corridor. You'll now be in the main part of the airport - either terminal 1 or 2. I suggest getting the maximum amount of koruna at the ATMs there, before heading out of the airport.

Posted by
6 posts

Debbie and everyone else - Thank you so much for the advice! It's very helpful and we're really excited about our first trip to Europe!

Posted by
65 posts

It seems like this question has been sufficiently covered, but I'd like to reiterate that never once was I checked for health insurance entering CZ via the Prague airport.

Protocol: You will line up in the non-EU line at customs, have a bored official flip through & scan your passport, then wave you through to the luggage pick-up area.

Rest assured, only those applying for a residency visa will have to show proof of insurance & a credit card/ bank statement.

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