If you live in the Czech Republic and have commercial health insurance for foreign nationals, it is important to know how to respond correctly. Taking the right steps can save you not only time but also unnecessary complications when filing an insurance claim.
1. Put your health first
If the situation is serious or someone’s life is in danger, call immediately:
- 112 – the European emergency number,
- 155 – the Czech Emergency Medical Service.
If someone is unconscious, experiencing severe bleeding, has a suspected fracture, a head injury, or any other serious medical condition, never delay calling for emergency assistance while dealing with insurance matters.
2. Contact your insurance company’s assistance service as soon as possible
As soon as your medical condition allows, call the assistance hotline listed on your insurance card or in your insurance policy.
The assistance service can help you:
- recommend an appropriate medical facility,
- advise you on the next steps in your treatment,
- explain how to report an insurance claim,
- assist with communication if you do not speak Czech.
We recommend saving your insurance company’s assistance hotline in your mobile phone before going on a trip or holiday.
3. Keep all documents
After receiving medical treatment, always keep:
- medical reports,
- hospital discharge summaries,
- prescriptions,
- receipts for medications,
- invoices for medical treatment if you paid any expenses yourself,
- reports or confirmations issued by the emergency medical service or other emergency responders.
Your insurance company will need these documents when processing your insurance claim.
4. Take photos
If the situation allows, take photos of:
- the accident scene,
- any damaged sports equipment,
- the circumstances that led to the injury.
Photos may help support your insurance claim.
5. Follow your doctor’s instructions
If your doctor recommends a follow-up appointment, rehabilitation, or additional examinations, follow their advice carefully.
Failing to complete your treatment or ignoring medical instructions may complicate the claims process.
The most common summer situations
You may need to file an insurance claim after situations such as:
- falling off a bicycle,
- a hiking accident,
- slipping at a swimming pool or water park,
- heat exhaustion or heatstroke,
- an insect sting causing an allergic reaction,
- an injury during recreational sports,
- an injury while spending time outdoors.
What you should pay attention to
Every commercial health insurance policy has its own terms and conditions. The scope of coverage depends on the insurance product you have purchased.
Before the summer season, we recommend checking:
- which activities are covered by your insurance,
- whether certain sports are excluded or require additional coverage,
- the policy limits,
- how to report an insurance claim correctly.
If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance advisor before your trip.
How to remember the process
In an emergency, remember these five simple steps:
- Stay calm.
- Call for emergency assistance if necessary.
- Contact your insurance company’s assistance service.
- Keep all medical documents and receipts.
- Report your insurance claim according to your insurer’s instructions.
Being prepared is the best protection
No one expects to get injured during the summer. However, knowing what to do in an emergency can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
By being prepared, you can resolve the situation more quickly, avoid unnecessary complications, and focus on what matters most—your health and safety.
