Czech Republic Travel Forum

Hello,

While planning a trip to Prague via train, I discovered that the Czech Republic requires proof of medical insurance upon entry. My travel companion has taken notice, as she does not have medical insurance.

My question is, have you ever heard of anyone having to provide proof of medical insurance to enter the Czech Republic; that is, do they enforce this entry requirement?

Thanks!

I flew into the Czech Republic last year from the US and was not required to show anything but a passport. When we reentered the Czech Republic via train from Austria, we didn't go through any kind of passport control at all.

However, the US State Dept says they can ask for proof of insurance, all I can tell you is that they didn't ask us. If you are traveling by train within Europe you shouldn't have to go through any passport control at all.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1099.html

We arrived in Prague by train from Munich in 2003 and we were not asked for any insurance then.

I travelled from Munich to Prague by train in 2007 and did not get asked to show any medical insurance (although I did have it). I did have to show my passport to some inspectors who boarded the train as we went through the border, but I have since been told that this doesn't happen any more. How true that is, I don't know. They just took the passport opened it for a second or two and gave it back to me. No problems.

Now taking photos in some places, like inside the beautiful post office - no no no!

When we went via train in 2007, we never encountered this requirement either. Possibly they might use it to restrict certain tourists, but I would think with a US Passport would not be a problem.

I traveled by train from Nurnburg to Prague last September and was not approached for passport or proof of medical insurance. On the return trip to Nurnburg, several Czech Republic officials in uniform boarded the train and walked through it and departed after a couple of stops. I did not see them ask anyone for any documents. Enjoy the Praque!

This is not a requirement of the Czech Republic, but of all of Schengen. Anyone who needs a Schengen visa must have proof of medical insurance (up to 30 000 Euro). If your friend is from the USA or from any other country whose citizens don't need a visa for up to 90 days in Schengen, then she is supposed to have medical insurance, but usually won't be asked.
However, if she needs a doctor or has an accident, she will have to pay for her treatment and may get into trouble with the local authorities for not having the insurance.
As there are no border controls within Schengen, she will be asked this question at the first point of entry, if at all.

Yes, it is a Schengen requirement rather than something specific to the Czech Republic.

Even if your friend is not asked, she would be extremely foolish vist Europe (or anywhere else) without medical/health travel insurance. The costs of treatment and repatriation in the case of a bad accident could bankrupt her/her family.

It is not a risk worth taking. Accidents can, and do, happen and illnesses occur. Treatment would be given, of course....but payment will definitely be sought, and that could mean a huge debt for many years.

Even a broken ankle can require the purchase of 2 or 3 extra seats on the plane home.

Wheter required or not, imo travel medical insurance is essential (apart, perhaps, for those of us in the EU who have reciprocal arrangements with other EU countries and, in the case of the UK, some countries elsewhere).