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As the next academic year approaches, international students planning to study in Prague (or anywhere in Czechia) are sorting out everything from housing to course registration. But there’s one requirement that can’t be skipped: health insurance.
While you don’t need to show proof of health insurance when submitting your visa application, you will need it before the visa is issued. And not just any insurance will do—it must be a comprehensive plan from an authorized provider in Czechia.
You need Czech-approved health insurance for your visa
Since the end of the government-backed insurance monopoly in 2023, non-EU students have more choices when it comes to providers. Among them, Colonnade has quickly become the go-to option for many, thanks to its ease of use, fast processing, and digital-first tools that are ideal for a generation used to handling everything online.
Students can apply for coverage directly through Colonnade’s website or app, from anywhere in the world. “Your contract gets emailed straight to your inbox,” says Martin Blecha, head of accident and health at Colonnade. Processing usually takes just a few days—though students should apply early in case delays arise, depending on their home country.
Colonnade’s insurance meets all Czech legal requirements, whether you’re coming for a semester, a full degree, or an exchange program. And for longer stays (90+ days), you can choose a plan that doubles as a valid travel health insurance certificate—perfect for Schengen-area travel while you study.
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Streamline the student insurance experience
You can’t just walk into a clinic
Once you’re here, what happens if you need a doctor? “You can’t just walk into a clinic,” says Blecha. Instead of scrambling to find a clinic or calling around, Colonnade’s 24/7 assistance service will help assess your situation and recommend the right doctor or specialist, whether a general practitioner, gynecologist, or psychologist.
You need to go through our assistance line to book an appointment. But it’s easy—and our team handles everything in English.”
With Colonnade, students get fast-track access to private clinics, preventive care, dental visits, and more. The specific packages even cover pregnancy care, urgent treatment while traveling in Europe, and accident insurance. In fact, Colonnade recently added Unicare Medical Center, a well-known expat-friendly clinic in Prague, to its referral network.
Public healthcare can be slow
Public-sector doctors in Czechia are often overbooked, with months-long wait times for specialist appointments. Whether you’re feeling sick during exam season or need advice while traveling, Colonnade’s online clinic lets you connect with a doctor by phone or video, often within an hour. The service runs daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is available in English and Czech, with support in Russian and Vietnamese.
Blecha says half of all medical queries are resolved online without needing a follow-up appointment.
Coverage can be limited
Studying in Czechia means you must have health insurance to secure your visa. Colonnade Insurance provides an easy, affordable, and fully digital solution designed specifically for international students, with the added benefit of broad coverage when it matters most.
With a generous care limit of CZK 25 million, the highest available on the Czech market, Colonnade’s plans are well-suited for students, their families, and partners who aren’t Czech citizens, whether staying short- or long-term.
Get ahead by securing your coverage early and let Colonnade take care of the details—so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience.
