Prague clinic run by expats eases medical challenges for foreigners in Czechia

For many expats in Prague, healthcare can feel like an obstacle course. A system plagued by long wait times, complex administrative processes, and language and cultural barriers means that accessing care often requires more time and effort than anticipated.

While these frustrations are widespread, some healthcare providers in Prague are stepping up to offer solutions. One such provider, Unicare Medical Center, has been serving the international community for over 30 years. The approach of this family-focused clinic aims to tackle several key issues that have long plagued the healthcare experience for expats—accessibility, language support, and personalized care.

“The vast majority of Unicare's staff have lived in a foreign country at some point in their lives or are themselves foreigners living in the Czech Republic. We know what it is like to be somewhere new and feel misunderstood. At Unicare, we work to make everyone feel that they've come to a place that reminds them of home,” says Jan Hlaváč, owner of Unicare Medical Center.  

A major pain point for expats in Prague is the wait time for medical consultations, which can extend for weeks or even months. Many expats find that public clinics struggle to meet demand, whether for a general check-up, a specialist appointment, or ongoing care. Long delays are not just inconvenient—they can lead to worsening health conditions, especially for those who don’t speak Czech and might have a harder time advocating for themselves in a system they don’t fully understand.

This issue is compounded by the language barrier. Though English is widely spoken in Prague, it’s not always the language of choice in Czech medical facilities. For expats who aren’t fluent in Czech, this can create additional stress when seeking care.

“We recognize that access to care is a real issue for expats,” says Hlaváč. “Our goal is to provide timely, individualized care and ensure patients have their health concerns addressed without long delays.”

Private clinics like Unicare Medical Center offer greater convenience and flexibility for those who need quicker and more accessible healthcare.

The clinic offers shorter wait times and a multilingual team that provides care in 16 different languages in a broad range of specialties, including general medicine, pediatrics, mental health, and specialized care such as gynecology, dermatology, and dentistry.

By offering extended weekday hours—8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—patients can often book an appointment within a few days or, in some cases, the same or very next day. This is especially beneficial for time-strapped patients who need to see a doctor quickly, whether for routine check-ups or sudden health issues.

Unicare also offers a holistic approach to care. Rather than just treating symptoms, the clinic’s medical professionals focus on long-term wellness by identifying the root causes of health problems. This focus on prevention helps address health issues early on before they become more serious—and more costly—down the line.

“We don’t just work with patients towards treating the symptoms of a disease. Rather, our doctors take a holistic approach, look for the causes of the disease, and ultimately try to set the patient towards a healthy lifestyle,” says Hlaváč.

Czechia’s shortage of mental health practitioners isn’t just affecting the Czech-born population: foreigners also face long wait times for therapy and psychiatric services. As expats face unique challenges—cultural adjustment, isolation, work-life balance issues—that can take a toll on their well-being, finding mental health professionals who speak English is essential.

Unicare has responded to this gap with Psymed, a dedicated mental health facility that offers both therapy and psychiatric services.

“Finding quality mental healthcare as an expat can be difficult, with long wait times, limited English-speaking professionals, and challenges accessing proper diagnoses for children,” says Ondrej Masner, the chief doctor of Psymed.

Psymed provides support for common expat struggles like stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression, as well as specialized services for children and families. With multilingual psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in adult and pediatric care, Psymed ensures that expats have access to culturally sensitive care when they need it most.

Understanding the options available is crucial for expats seeking healthcare in Prague. While public healthcare can seem more affordable, it can be difficult to navigate due to long wait times and limited access to specialists. Private clinics like Unicare offer a faster, more personalized experience.

Patients at Unicare Medical Center can access care through three distinct models: direct billing, self-payment, and membership plans. Direct billing is available for clients whose international insurance is contracted with Unicare (including PVZP Exclusive), allowing them to receive care without the need for upfront payment — a significant advantage for expats. Self-paying patients are equally welcome and benefit from transparent, clearly communicated pricing with no hidden fees or obligations.

For those seeking a more personalized and premium experience, membership plans offer the highest level of service. Available to patients registered with Czech public health insurance, these plans include unlimited care and a range of exclusive benefits — such as guaranteed earlier access to appointments, a dedicated care coordinator, and 24/7 doctor availability through the Unicare mobile app. While optional, the membership ensures faster access, greater continuity, and enhanced support throughout the patient’s healthcare journey.

Unicare also ensures that patients see the same doctor whenever possible, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship. This is especially helpful for expats who may feel disconnected or anxious about healthcare in a new country.

“Our track record sets us apart as the most trusted choice for expats looking for high-quality, no-hassle healthcare,” says Hlaváč.