Compare Czech Republic travel insurance

History, culture, tradition and great beer: it’s easy to see why the Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Before you start exploring this fascinating country, make sure you have the right travel insurance in place.

Written by

Anna McEntee

Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Last Updated

22 MARCH 2023

6 min read

Do I need travel insurance for the Czech Republic?

Travel insurance isn’t compulsory if you’re visiting the Czech Republic but it can come in very useful. The right policy can cover your baggage and personal belongings against loss, theft or damage. It can also cover you if you get ill or have an accident while you’re in the country.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

How much is travel insurance to the Czech Republic?

If you’re travelling to the Czech Republic, also sometimes known as Czechia, you’ll need European travel insurance. A travel policy can cost from as little as £6 for a week’s holiday in Europe ^[1].

But the cost of your insurance can depend on the level of cover you need, what activities you’ll be doing and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

^[1] Based on Comparethemarket data for a single trip travel policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2023.

What will Czech Republic travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance for the Czech Republic will typically cover:

Medical care – covers the cost of medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident during your Czech Republic holiday. Look for a policy that includes repatriation in case you need to be brought home for medical treatment.
Baggage loss – check how much you’ll be covered for if your luggage and personal possessions are lost, stolen or damaged. The limit might not be enough to cover expensive devices, like a top-of-the-range smartphone or a laptop, so you might want to consider insuring them separately with a gadget insurance policy.
Cancellation and delays – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for reasons stated in the policy. Some policies don’t cover missed connections, so check the Ts&Cs if you want this type of cover.
Repatriation if you need to be flown home because of a medical requirement.
COVID-19 – travel insurance with COVID-19 cover can protect you for cancellation, medical expenses, extended stays and repatriation because of coronavirus. Filter your results for levels of COVID-19 cover when comparing Czech Republic travel insurance with us.

What doesn’t Czech Republic travel insurance include?

While policies can vary, it’s unlikely travel insurance providers will cover:

Accidents or injuries that happen while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Accidents or injuries caused by sports and activities not covered by your policy.
Natural disasters, terrorism and civil unrest – although some providers may offer limited cover for terrorism-related incidents.
Pre-existing medical conditions – if you need cover for these, you’ll usually have to pay more for your premium. But you must tell the insurance provider about any pre-existing conditions when you apply for travel insurance. If you don’t, your policy could be invalidated, and you’ll have to pay for treatment yourself.

Find out more about things that travel insurance will cover, and things it won’t

Is my Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) valid in the Czech Republic?

The Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) entitles you to necessary medical treatment on the same terms as Czech nationals. It has now replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), although if you already have an EHIC you can use it until it expires.

But both the GHIC and EHIC only offer limited medical cover and are not a substitute for travel insurance. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office strongly advises visitors to Europe to have separate travel insurance in place.

You can apply for a UK GHIC free on the NHS website.

What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance for the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic not only offers a wealth of castles and cultural events, but also stunning landscapes with lakes, mountains, national parks and underground caves. There’s no shortage of things to do – just make sure your Czech Republic travel insurance covers you for everything you want to take part in.

Depending on the activities you’re planning, you may need extra cover. For example:

Winter sports insurance – the Krkonose mountains are an ideal location for skiing holidays, so you might want to consider cover that gives you extra protection on and off the slopes.
Extreme sports insurance – covers you for more adventurous activities like exploring the Koneprusy Caves or skydiving in Prague.

Personal liability is another type of cover to look out for. It can protect you against legal costs if you injure someone or damage their property while you’re on holiday.

Do I need a visa to visit the Czech Republic?

UK nationals can visit the Czech Republic or other countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Czech Republic.

As a tourist, you’ll need to register where you’re staying in the Czech Republic with the nearest Foreign Police Department or through your accommodation providers within the first three days after arrival.

The Czech Republic entry rules regarding Covid-19 could change with very little warning, so make sure you check the GOV UK website for the latest updates before you go.

Did you know?

You can’t take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries, including the Czech Republic. Exceptions include powdered baby milk and infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the latest rules for taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

What else should I think about when visiting the Czech Republic?

More than 300,000 British visitors enjoy the delights of the Czech Republic every year.

Here are some tips to make sure your Czech Republic holiday is as safe and enjoyable as possible:

Prague is a safe city and crime rates are low. But like all cities, pickpocketing and bag snatching is a possibility, so it’s best to remain vigilant, especially when using ATM machines.
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the koruna (CZK). Some larger restaurants and hotels in Prague accept euros but most places will only take Czech korunas. Never exchange currency on the street as this money is often forged – always use a bank or exchange office.
Check out the castles, there are thousands dotted around the country. The Czech Republic is home to some of the oldest castles in the world.
Try world-famous beers. The pubs and breweries offer an enormous range of local brews, some of which are considered the finest in the world. If you don’t feel like just drinking, head to a beer spa for a spot of beer-based pampering instead.
Tipping is generally expected in restaurants in Prague and the larger tourist areas, but it’s not that big a deal in smaller towns. If you’re happy with the service, it’s polite to tip around 10%.
Public transport is very good – the buses, trams and metro are cheap and efficient. The Czech Republic is a small country and easy to drive around, so if you want to explore further afield, consider renting a car.

Where can I compare travel insurance for the Czech Republic?

Our easy-to-use price comparison service will help you find the right level of cover for your trip to the Czech Republic. Just give us a few details and we’ll give you a list of suitable quotes to choose from.