How to Get Reimbursed by VZP for Medical Care in the EU

 

How to Get Reimbursed by VZP for Medical Care in the EU

If you are a Czech resident insured with VZP and find yourself needing medical attention while traveling in the EU (like Estonia), you might have to pay out of pocket. Here is the step-by-step guide on how I successfully navigated the reimbursement process.

1. The "Blue Card" (EHIC) is Essential but Not a Blank Check

Your standard VZP card is also your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In the EU, this entitles you to necessary care under the same conditions as local citizens. However, "necessary" is decided by the treating doctor based on the length of your stay.

2. Documents You MUST Collect on the Spot

To get your money back later, you cannot leave the clinic empty-handed. I had to provide:

• Original invoices for the medical consultations (e.g., dermatology or ophthalmology).

• Medical reports detailing the diagnosis and treatment.

• Original pharmacy receipts for any prescribed drugs.

3. The Application Process in Czechia

Once back in the Czech Republic, you cannot just email VZP. You must initiate a formal administrative procedure.

• Form: Fill out the "Request for reimbursement of costs incurred for health care during a temporary stay abroad.", you can download from here.

• Translations: You must provide Czech translations of all foreign medical reports and invoices. Note: These do notneed to be officially certified; a standard translation is usually enough.

• Submission: Because VZP requires original payment receipts, you must deliver the application in person at a branch or by physical mail.

4. How Much Money Will You Get Back?

This is the most important part to understand: Refunds are almost never 100% of what you paid. VZP calculates the refund based on Czech rates, not foreign prices.

• Example: If a specialist visit in Estonia costs 100 EUR, but the Czech health system only pays 500 CZK for that same type of exam, VZP will only refund you the 500 CZK.

• Exclusions: Not all medications are covered. If a drug is not on the "covered list" in the Czech Republic, VZP will not reimburse it.

5. Timeline

• Decision: VZP usually issues a decision within 30 days of receiving your application.

• Payment: Once the decision is final, the money is transferred to your bank account by the last day of the following month.

Final Tip: Always have travel insurance in addition to your VZP. Since VZP only pays "Czech rates," travel insurance can cover the remaining gap and any additional "co-pay" fees that VZP does not handle.