I have heard that you must prove that you have health insurance of $35,000 to enter the Czech Republic. I happen to have health insurance. Is my little card adequate or do I need something else. Is it even true that you need to prove you are covered?
Posted by
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
290 posts
This question has been asked before here.
I'm a US citizen married to a Czech national & been going to Czech Republic every year for 10 yrs. My husband and I go through customs and immigration separately. Never have I been asked for proof of insurance. You can take your card with you, but its been my experience to pay out of pocket for care and be reimbursed by the insurance company after filing the claim when back in the USA.
You should check with your insurance company about what kind of coverage they give you while out of the country. If you have any medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure and not covered abroad by your insurance or just need extra peace of mind, it is always a good idea to get travel medical insurance and to wear a medical braclet indicating your condition.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
The law exists but there have been no reports of travelers being asked to prove they have coverage. But any time you travel outside the US, make sure the insurance you currently have covers you, and includes evacuation expenses. Evacuation fees start at 25,000USD!
(this post has been certified to be "negativity" free)
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
It might be one of those technical requirements that isn't checked. And because the Czech Republic is a participant of the Schengen Agreement, unless you come directly from a non-Schengen country, nobody will even inspect your passport when you arrive.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
By plane or train? We came into Prague from Germany by train and were not asked about this... In fact, until now I didn't know about this!
Posted by
OP
Littleton
4 posts
We're arriving by plane. The tour companies really highlight this legal requirement. After hearing that nobody has experienced an issue with it, I'm betting that the companies are just trying to sell their travel insurance.
Posted by
OP
Littleton
4 posts
Unfortunately, the travel insurance quote was nearly $1,000 for my wife and me. If it was $200, I might have considered it so I'll be taking my chances.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
368 posts
Count me in as another person who has visited the Czech Republic and not had to prove that I am covered for medical insurance.
They barely checked we had tickets for the train we were on from Germany to Prague!
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Personally, I would never travel without Travel Insurance that covers medical, medical evacuation, and the remains if it came to that.
Research and purchase your Travel Insurance when you purchase your ticket. It has only cost me $125 - $139 and well worth it.
On my last trip to Israel, one of the ladies died the day after arrival. The Travel Insurance reimbursed her husband for the full cost of their trip plus the cost (which is VERY expensive) of her remains to be prepared for shipment to the US.
I also covers a wide range possible things that can go wrong on a trip.
I would not leave home with out it.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
One thousand dollars is sounds like a comprehensive plan that includes coverage for things like trip cancellation/delay, and lost luggage. If you just need medical and evacuation coverage, you can easily get that for less than $5.00 a day (unless you have some sort of serious preexisting condition). I use this company:
www.travelinsure.com
Posted by
OP
Littleton
4 posts
Thanks guys, I'll definitely check out insuremytrip.com.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
A good note for our readers: if you join DAN (Diver's Action Network) for $30 a year (you do not have to be a diver, I've never dived in my life) your membership includes a full medical evacuation policy. It's cheap disaster protection!
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Here is another site:
We used it on our 1st trip to Europe. I believe it was $139.
I used this one for my trip to Israel:
Posted by
Hialeah, Florida, United States
13 posts
What OTHER countries in Europe have a [technecial] requirement for health insurrance?
I like to obey the rules and the fact that most people are not asked doesn't excuse noncompliance. (There are many customs regulations we are not asked about but are assumed to obey)
And, of course, travel health insurrance just makes sense. But, I am curious what other countries have some sorta of liability requirement in the health field. I cannot figure out their libiality laws which is why I am NOT renting a car. (Noone can tell me exactly for what I might be liable in an accident)
What are some of the most common exclutions that would invalidate health insurrance? ( I know some policies wont cover skiing, zip-lines, etc )