Overview
The health system of the Czech Republic is based on a compulsory insurance model, with fee-for-service care funded by mandatory employment-related insurance plans since 1992. Every Czech citizen (or a foreigner with permanent residence) is obliged to have health insurance. The majority of the health insurance is covered by employers and the rest is paid by employees. Self – employed persons have to pay for themselves while the state pays for students, pensioners etc.
What happens if you need to see a doctor?
Citizens choose which doctor’s office they want to go to (whether it is a general practitioner or a specialist). People with health insurance will not have to pay and will not see a bill. Should you need any medication, which is only available on prescription, you will get a prescription from a doctor, go to a pharmacy of your choice and obtain the medication. Sometimes you have to pay for a part of this medication, depending on the type of medication and on the pharmacy. If the medication is available without prescription you have to pay the whole price out-of-pocket.
How often someone sees the diabetologist is decided between the patient and the doctor; usually patients tend to go and see the diabetologist every 3 months. The diabetologist will see your blood glucose values, test your HbA1c and talk to you about the therapy.
Who decides what doctors can prescribe?
The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, the National Health Institute and the National Institute for Medical and Drug Control are the medication regulators.
Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in Czech Republic?
For people with diabetes, insulin pumps (and supplies), syringes, medication, therapy and treatment are available for free and prescribed by a diabetologist. Insulin is fully covered by the National Health Institute and it is also prescribed by the diabetologist. Blood glucose test strips are allocated at 400 strips per year for patients over 18 years of age, but diabetes specialists in collaboration with an insurance company’s doctor are able to prescribe 600 extra, if it is necessary and helpful for your self-monitoring. Patients under 18 years of age and pregnant women can get 1800 strips per year. Patients over 18 years of age have to pay for ketone strips out-of-pocket, but patients under 18 years of age get ketone strips for free. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) devices are paid for by the statutory health insurances, but only 4 sets per year. Patients under 18 years of age have the option to get more CGMs.
What about getting admitted to hospital?
If you have an emergency, you have to go to the nearest hospital where they will help you immediately. You will pay 90 CZK. Ambulances are available when you dial 112 or 155. If it is not an emergency, the doctor refers the patient to a hospital. All treatment and medication provided by a hospital is free of charge for all patients. Any medication prescribed to you during a hospital stay is for free.
How does diabetes care vary throughout Czech Republic?
Standard of care is fairly equal across the Czech Republic. You can receive insulin for free all over the country, but you cannot get an insulin pump or CGM everywhere. Because of the density and availability of doctors, diabetes specialists and dedicated centres in rural areas are not as extensive as in bigger cities.
We appreciate Kamila Mikesková’s help with this information about life with diabetes in the Czech Republic!
Last updated 2016