Emergency Medical Care in Czechia: After-Hours Guide

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Call 155 or 112 for a serious medical emergency

• Call 155 for an ambulance in Czechia. Call 112, the EU-wide emergency number, if you need coordinated emergency assistance or are unsure which service to request. Calls are free and available 24/7.
• Call immediately for serious warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding or a major injury. Do not wait to contact your insurer.
• Tell the dispatcher your exact location, what happened, symptoms and a callback number. Follow the dispatcher's instructions. Do not drive yourself if you may be seriously ill.

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After hours but not immediately life-threatening: find a pohotovost

• A medical out-of-hours service is called lékařská pohotovostní služba (LPS), often shortened to pohotovost. Separate services may cover adults, children and dental emergencies.
• Find current providers and opening hours at https://pohotovosti.vzp.cz/ . The directory is maintained for VZP public-insurance clients; foreigners with commercial insurance should also confirm their insurer's assistance arrangements and provider eligibility.
• Opening hours differ by provider. Czech minimum schedules in 2026 do not mean every clinic stays open all evening or overnight. Check the specific hospital/clinic before travelling.
• For mild problems that can safely wait, arrange an appointment with a GP or appropriate outpatient clinician during normal hours rather than using the emergency department.

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Fees and costs for international visitors

• For patients in Czech public health insurance, the standard out-of-hours regulatory fee is CZK 90, with exceptions including care resulting in hospitalization. This does not represent the full cost of care for uninsured patients.
• Commercial foreigner health insurance is governed by the actual policy conditions. Your coverage, direct billing, deductibles and any out-of-network or reimbursement charges depend on the product and treatment.
• If it is safe to do so, call the assistance number stated on your insurance card or policy before a non-life-threatening visit. Never delay urgent treatment to obtain approval.

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What to take to hospital or out-of-hours care

• Take your passport or ID, insurance card/certificate, policy or assistance contact, and available information about allergies, medicines and relevant medical history.
• Ask for the clinical report (lékařská zpráva), an itemized invoice and proof of payment if any costs are charged. Keep copies for your records and any claim.
• After treatment, follow discharge instructions, contact your insurer when required and retain prescriptions and documentation for possible reimbursement.

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Useful Czech phrases for an urgent visit

• Potřebuji lékařskou pomoc. — I need medical help.
• Kde je nejbližší pohotovost? — Where is the nearest out-of-hours clinic?
• Mám bolesti na hrudi. — I have chest pain. (Call 155 for serious chest pain.)
• Mám zdravotní pojištění. — I have health insurance.

Get help now — useful official links

Medical emergency? Call 155 (ambulance) or 112 (EU emergency). Never wait for insurance approval.

Find a current medical or dental out-of-hours service . This official VZP directory is primarily for its publicly insured clients; if you hold a commercial policy, also contact your insurer's assistance number shown on your insurance documents.

For a non-urgent appointment, see our English-speaking doctor guide. For reimbursement questions, read insurance claims and refunds.

Questions about insurance for your future stay?

Already unwell? Seek appropriate care first. Planning a longer stay in Czechia? Check whether you need commercial comprehensive insurance before applying for a visa.

Explore insurance options View indicative prices

Sources: Czech public administration – emergency numbers, VZP – out-of-hours care guidance, and 2026 arrangements. Verify local provider hours before travelling.