Do I need Travel Insurance to go to the Czech Republic?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 29/01/2025

Nestled in the very heart of Europe, the Czech Republic’s popularity has only been growing in recent years. In fact, the country welcomes an average of over 6 million international visitors annually — i.e., more than half its entire population. Meanwhile, if you too have your heart set on Czechia, you might be wondering about the proper travel insurance. Well, fear not — because AXA has all you need to know below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for the Czech Republic?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for the Czech Republic?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer for the Czech Republic?
• What to do if injured or ill while in the Czech Republic
• Practical tips for your trip to the Czech Republic

Is travel insurance mandatory for the Czech Republic?

Whether travel insurance for the Czech Republic is mandatory for you will mostly depend on your nationality.

Because along with being the birthplace of contact lenses, lithography, and sugar cubes, Czechia also happens to be one of Europe’s many Schengen countries. As such, it requires most non-European Union citizens to have a Schengen visa to enter its borders.

And one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements, in turn, is that you have the proper Schengen travel insurance coverage. Moreover, your plan must meet certain criteria (but don’t worry, more on that below!).

In the meantime, here’s the general idea regarding that visa:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to the Czech Republic (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You can visit the city of a hundred spires (aka Prague, its capital), the Czech Republic, and the rest of the Schengen/EU* visa-free, for up to three months, if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area and/or the European Union;
• A national of one of the countries that don’t need a Schengen visa (thanks to their visa-exemption agreements with the EU). Out of these 60+ nations, the more popular ones are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.

Who needs a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic?

However, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the European Union, then you will indeed need that visa.

This generally includes citizens of nearly a hundred countries — such as China, India, Russia, most of the Middle East, any African nation, and so on.

The European Commission lists all the countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen.

How do I get a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic?

Fortunately, AXA’s can also tell you all about getting a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic in no time (along with what types of Schengen visa you have to choose from, Schengen visa extension, and more). So click around!

PRO-TIP: Oh, and in case you plan to venture beyond Czechia, we can also tell which European countries are not in the Schengen.

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

But even if it’s not a requirement for your trip, quality travel insurance for Czechia is never a bad call. Because any trip abroad comes with a few surprises. And if they happen to be not so pleasant — your and your family’s health and safety should always be priority number one.

Foreign red tape, medical costs, wait times, the language barrier, limited accessibility — all this can turn even a minor mishap into a nightmare abroad in no time.

So — visa or not — the best way to ensure all goes well is with some comprehensive, 24/7 travel insurance coverage. And that’s whether you’re climbing Snezka (aka the country’s highest peak), exploring the Punkva Caves, hiking up to Prague Castle, or just enjoying some of the finest beer on the planet.

In short, knowing that you have some top-quality support by your side will make your Czech adventure that much more enjoyable.
 

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for the Czech Republic?

Well, firstly — if you do need that Schengen visa — we meet all the requirements for being granted one. They state that your plan:

• is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;
• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);
• is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;
• is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Moreover, if your visa is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

We also provide:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
• Medical repatriation & transport (including in case of death);
• Up to 180 days of coverage;
• Coverage in all Schengen and European Union countries + the U.K. — depending on the chosen plan;
• 24/7 assistance;
• And free Video and Phone Medical Consultations in English, French, and a number of other languages;

Furthermore, our plans require no medical exam, have no age limit, and have zero deductibles.

And — last but not least — purchasing one online is easy and only takes a few minutes. Once you do, AXA’s travel insurance certificate can be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online too. And it’s accepted by all Czech consulates and embassies worldwide.

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for the Czech Republic?

So here’s are the three ways AXA can help make your Czech trip worry-free:

-Our Low-Cost travel insurance — ideal for the more budget-conscious traveler — meets Schengen visa requirements, covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses (along with hospitalization and repatriation, including in case of death), and covers you throughout Czechia, across all other Schengen Zone countries, and in the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

-Europe Travel insurance best suits the more adventurous types, families, and anyone looking to explore more of Europe. It also meets all the Czech (and other Schengen) visa requirements but covers medical expenses of up to €100,000.
Moreover, ‘Europe Travel’ offers additional benefits like protection for lost documents and/or valuables. Additionally, it covers you in all Schengen countries, the European microstates above, all EU member states, and the U.K.

-And our Multi-Trip plan is perfect for frequent and/or business travelers to Europe, as well as anyone applying for a multi-entry Schengen visa — as it covers you for an entire year (while providing all the benefits mentioned above).

So before you book that ticket (or visa appointment), make sure to
compare AXA’s different options and get a free quote.

What to do if injured or ill while in the Czech Republic

In case there is an unpleasant surprise, AXA is there for you. Our medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest medical facility — 24/7, seven days a week.

Just contact our AXA call center via the number provided with your insurance policy.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

PRO-TIP: Keep these on hand and in a safe/accessible place (and, of course, try to have your phone charged).

List of Emergency Numbers in the Czech Republic

Meanwhile, here are the other essential numbers to keep on hand too:

112 – Universal European Emergency (Police, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Service, etc.)

158 – Police

156 – Municipal Police

150 – Fire and Rescue Service

155 – Emergency Medical Service

Practical tips for prepping your trip to the Czech Republic

And here are some final safety (and other) pointers for your Czech Republic checklist:

Safety in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is, again, considered quite safe. But like any tourist spot, exercise caution — especially in Prague’s busy areas like Old Town. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are not uncommon.

Public Transport in the Czech Republic

Public transport is very reliable. Prague, for example, has an excellent metro, tram, and bus system. And for intercity travel, check České dráhy .

Driving License for the Czech Republic

EU/EEA licenses are valid, but non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.

Weather in Czechia

The winters are cold and snowy (making it great for winter sports), while summers are mild — with temperatures reaching around 25°C. So pack accordingly.

Business opening hours in Czechia

• Shops are typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Many are closed on Sundays (except, of course, in tourist-heavy areas — where the hours are later too).
• Restaurants: Czech cuisine is simple but hearty (PRO-TIP: Try the Svíčková, the goulash, and, of course, the beer). Lunch is usually between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and dinner from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or later. A 5-10% tip is customary.

Czech Republic Currency

IMPORTANT: Unlike most of the EU, the Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) and not the Euro (EUR).
Credit cards, however, are widely accepted (as are Euros in some tourist spots). But it's best to have some local cash at least. ATMs are also widely available, and currency exchange services are common. But be careful with both of the above — as some are tourist traps.

→ FINAL PRO-TIPS:
For further travel advice, visit the Czech Republic's official tourism website VisitCzechia (as well as its Ministry of the Interior). As for the best travel insurance for your Czech journey? Well, just double-check above. And safe travels!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• What is a Schengen visa?

FAQ

Does a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover the Czech Republic?

Yes. But while the EHIC covers necessary healthcare in the CR (for EU/EEA and Swiss residents), it only covers care received through public Czech healthcare services. That is, it may not cover all costs involved, does not apply to private services, and doesn’t cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death. In other words, additional travel insurance is still highly recommended.

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes. With AXA, you can purchase a plan for guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just need to provide their personal info — such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.

Can I work or study in the Czech Republic on a tourist Schengen visa?

No. A tourist (aka Type C, aka “short-stay”) visa allows you to visit the CR (and Schengen Area) for vacation, family, or a short business trip. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.