VZP CR cards / EHIC

Only plastic cards of persons insured by VZP CR / EHIC are valid as of 1. 1. 2006.

Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna CR (General Health Insurance Provider) began as one of the first health insurance providers in the European Union issuing European health insurance cards (European Health Insurance Card – EHIC) in the second half of 2004. The European Health Insurance Card is the first common identity card for EU citizens and each VZP CR insured person thus has a “piece of Europe in their pocket.” This document simplifies the use of healthcare in relation to the legislature of the respective state.

EHIC cards are issued in the language of the respective state. All EU countries make the face side the same and present the same data – for example, you always find the insured person’s surname stated in field no. 3 and the health insurance provider’s code in field no. 7. The appearance and contents of the rear was in the power of the issuing institutes. In the competence of individual states, it was also decided whether or not the EHIC will be issued as an independent card, or if it will also bear the effectiveness of a national identity card.   

Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna decided to issue EHIC cards to all of its insured persons and thereby substitute the previously utilised pink laminated paper cards. The exchange was completed during the first half of 2005.  The effectiveness of paper cards of VZP CR insured persons expired on 31 December, 2005.

The effectiveness of the new VZP CR / EHIC card is 5 years. The effectiveness of cards issued by VZP CR to foreigners working in the Czech Republic may be restricted to a shorter period. New cards will be issued by VZP CR once they have expired.

The European Health Insurance Card with the effectiveness of a national card of a VZP insured person is also issued to certain foreigners of EU member states in accordance with European directives. In some cases of the given EU directives (e.g. regarding family members, so-called “pendlers”) the VZP CR insured person’s card differs in text on the face side, where there is a warning: “This card only entitles the use of urgent healthcare in the CR.” Healthcare facilities should thus pay increased attention to the rear of the card and the date of effectiveness stated on the face side. These insured persons are entitled to healthcare, which is provided urgently during their stay in the Czech Republic with consideration to the character of the illness and expected length of stay in the Czech Republic, i.e. they must be provided such care, which does not demand their stay be shortened or put their lives and health in danger.

Healthcare facilities can still encounter another type of card of VZP CR insured persons. According to the law, even citizens of countries, which are not EU or EHP members can become participants in public health insurance. For example, this concerns a foreigner from a country outside of the EU, who is insured via employment in the Czech Republic. These insured persons from so-called third-world countries are clearly not entitled to a European Health Insurance Card. However, as VZP CR insured persons, a plastic card is also issued to them (with similar data arrangement as the EHIC), but in a different colour – green, effective only within the Czech Republic, and for a maximum of one year. These insured persons are entitled to the same healthcare as provided to our other insured persons.

Examples of health insurance card here.

If the VZP CR insured person does not have an EHIC for any reason whatsoever, they can apply for it at any VZP CR branch and receive it within two to three weeks. 

Healthcare facilities please note that if there is any doubt about the effectiveness of a card, it can easily be verified by calling 221 752 121, which is available 24-hours a day, or at www.vzp.cz/EHIC. This contact information is stated on the rear of each card.

How to proceed in the event of loss

If you lose your health card, you must notify your health insurance provider immediately, within eight days according to the law. You will need proof of identity for your new card to be issued. VZP CR issues their insured persons cards free of charge, even in the case of duplicates.

You can request the issue of a card at any VZP CR branch. The insurance provider will issue a new VZP/EHIC within approximately two weeks. However, a substitute paper document may be issued immediately with restricted effectiveness, but also applicable when travelling abroad (confirmation temporarily takes the place of the European Health Insurance Card). 

The new card is usually sent by post to the permanent address.  The insured person may also pick it up in person at the VZP CR branch, where he/she applied for it. Provided e.g. your permanent address is in Kolin and you are studying or working in Prague, you can report the loss of your card in Prague and then pick your card up here.

Provided the VZP/EHIC card is lost abroad and you need to use healthcare, you can contact VZP CR by telephone and request a copy of the substitute document to be sent to the healthcare facility by fax. In this case, you should contact the branch you are registered at – a list of them and their telephone numbers are available on our website here. Even the Centre for Foreign Settlement can help you, which is a place of contact for the health insurance sector and its founders and members are all of the Czech health insurance providers.

If you have any questions about the European Health Insurance Card, our employees will be glad to assist you, either in person at all of our branches or 844 117 777.