What’s the best Schengen travel Insurance for the Czech Republic (aka Czechia)?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 12/03/25

Why Every Traveler to Czechia Should Consider Schengen Travel Insurance

Nestled in the very heart of Europe, the Czech Republic’s popularity has only been growing in recent years. In fact, the country welcomes an average of over 6 million international visitors annually — i.e., more than half its entire population. Meanwhile, if you too have your heart set on Czechia, you might be wondering about the proper travel insurance. And that’s especially if a mandatory part of your heart’s desire is a Czech Schengen visa. Well, whatever the case, fear not — because AXA has all you need to know below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for the Czech Republic?
• What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Czech Schengen visa?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for the Czech Republic?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer for the Czech Republic?
• What to do if injured or ill while in the Czech Republic
• Practical tips for your trip to the Czech Republic

Is travel insurance mandatory for the Czech Republic?

Whether travel insurance for the Czech Republic is mandatory for you will mostly depend on your nationality.

Because along with being the birthplace of contact lenses, lithography, and sugar cubes, Czechia also happens to be one of Europe’s many Schengen countries. As such, it requires most non-European Union citizens to have a Schengen visa to enter its borders.

And one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements, in turn, is that you have the proper Schengen travel insurance coverage. Moreover, your plan must meet certain criteria (but don’t worry, more on that below!).

In the meantime, here’s the general idea regarding that visa:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to the Czech Republic (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You can visit the city of a hundred spires (aka Prague), the Czech Republic, and the rest of the Schengen/European Union visa-free, for up to three months, if you are:

• A citizen of one (or more) countries in the Schengen Zone and/or the European Union


• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member country


• A national of a non-Schengen EU member country (like Cyprus or Ireland)


• A national of a non-EU country/territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU. This includes passport-holders from 60+ nations, among them Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.

Who needs a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic?

However, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the European Union, then you will indeed need that visa.

This generally includes citizens of nearly a hundred countries — such as China, India, Russia, any African nation, and most Middle Eastern ones.

Fortunately, The European Commission lists all the countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the EU/Schengen Zone.

Meanwhile, AXA can also help you quickly answer one of the most asked questions for travelers to both Czechia and the rest of Europe:

How do I get a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic?

And if you do, you’re already in the right place! Because AXA has gone ahead and compiled a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on:

Not only that, but we can also help you answer all of the following:

• What type of Schengen visa do I need?


• How much does a Schengen visa cost?


• How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

…and more! So explore AXA to ensure you’ve got all your visa bases covered!

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic?

For your Czech Schengen visa application to even be considered, you’re first going to need the mandatory travel insurance plan. And not just any plan — but one that meets a certain set of criteria.

According to the European Commission, to be granted a Schengen visa, you must have a travel insurance plan that:

• is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries


• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation — including in case of death);


• covers you in all the Schengen member countries (that is, Czechia and beyond)


• is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

PRO-TIP: Fortunately, all of AXA’s plans meet the EU criteria above (and not only!). But we can also further enlighten you about all the specifics of travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa too!

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

But even if it’s not a requirement for your trip, quality travel insurance for Czechia is never a bad call. Because any trip abroad comes with a few surprises. And if they happen to be not so pleasant — your and your family’s health and safety should always be priority number one.

Foreign red tape, medical costs, wait times, the language barrier, limited accessibility — all this can turn even a minor mishap into a nightmare abroad in no time.

Furthermore, if you suddenly need to leave Czechia for emergency reasons — you’ll need to factor in the costs of medical repatriation. And these, unfortunately, can sometimes be upwards of a hundred thousand euros!

So visa or not, the best way to ensure all goes well is with some comprehensive, 24/7 travel insurance coverage. And that’s whether you’re climbing Snezka (aka the country’s highest peak), exploring the Punkva Caves, hiking up to Prague Castle, or just enjoying some of the finest beer on the planet.

In short, knowing that you have some top-quality support by your side will make your Czech adventure that much more enjoyable.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for the Czech Republic?

And when it comes to top-quality support by your side, no one does it better than AXA. And that’s whether you’re getting a Schengen insurance plan to secure a visa, whether you want to be sure you and your family are secure and protected 24/7 as you explore Czechia, or both. Among the countless reasons, here are just a few of AXA’s perks:

• We meet all the criteria required by the EU for being granted a Schengen visa


• We offer a fast and easy online subscription


• We provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate instantly (which, in turn, is accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide)


• And we offer a full refund in case your Czech Schengen visa application is denied

Furthermore, our plans:

• Have no age limit, zero deductibles, and require no medical exams


• Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 million


• Include civil liability and personal liability insurance


• Include death and disability coverage


• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional, depending on the plan)


• Are customizable, offering multiple upgrade (i.e., “add-on”) options


• Are available for one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription


• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (depending on the plan)


• Provide 24/7 emergency assistance


• Offer free remote medical consultation via our unique Doctor, Please! feature (in English, French, and a number of other languages)


• Can be purchased on behalf of someone else

And, finally, AXA offers you both the know-how and trusted expertise of the AXA brand itself. Meaning that — as you apply for that visa and/or board that plane — you have the added peace of mind of knowing you’re supported by a top-quality, world-renowned, decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand every step of the way!

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for the Czech Republic?

As for the coverage options themselves, here’s a general overview to introduce you to a plan that works best for you and your loved ones.

PRO-TIP: However, since it’s a general overview — make sure you also take a few minutes to click around, learn more about, and compare each option!

• - AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our standard coverage that meets all EU Schengen visa requirements and covers you in all Schengen countries + 4 European microstates (San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).


• - AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: offers affordable, complete, reliable coverage that also meets all EU Schengen visa requirements and covers you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above+ the UK.


• - AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: premium, all-inclusive, zero-worry coverage that also meets all necessary EU Schengen visa requirements, and also covers you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK.


• - AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and our unique, year-long plan — designed specifically (and therefore best suited) for frequent travelers to Europe and applicants for/holders of multiple-entry visas. ANNUAL, too, meets all EU Schengen visa requirements and is valid across all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the microstates + the UK. However, it offers you a single contract for a full year of European travel!

As you explore the options above, we can also help you decide by letting you both

With AXA, Czechia (aka the Czech Republic) is sure to be saying “Vítejte!” (aka “Welcome!”) to you and your loved ones in no time — safe, secure, and with open arms!

What to do if injured or ill while in the Czech Republic

In case there is an unpleasant surprise, AXA is there for you. Our medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest medical facility — 24/7, seven days a week.

Just contact the AXA 24/7 call center via the number provided with your insurance policy.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");


• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);


• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

PRO-TIP: Keep these on hand and in a safe/accessible place (and, of course, try to have your phone charged).

List of Emergency Numbers in the Czech Republic

Meanwhile, here are the other essential numbers to keep on hand too:

• 112 – Universal European Emergency (Police, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Service, etc.) - including for Czechia


• 158 – Police


• 156 – Municipal Police


• 150 – Fire and Rescue Service


• 155 – Emergency Medical Service

Practical tips for prepping your trip to the Czech Republic

And here are some final safety (and other) pointers for your Czech Republic checklist:

Safety in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is, again, considered quite safe. But like any tourist spot, exercise caution — especially in Prague’s busy areas like Old Town. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are not uncommon.

Public Transport in the Czech Republic

Public transport is very reliable. Prague, for example, has an excellent metro, tram, and bus system. And for intercity travel, check České dráhy.

Driving License for the Czech Republic

EU/EEA licenses are valid, but non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.

PRO ROAD-TIP: And before you hit the road in Czechia or anywhere else in the Schengen, make sure you know which driving licenses are accepted in Europe!

Weather in Czechia

The winters are cold and snowy (making it great for winter sports), while summers are mild — with temperatures reaching around 25°C. So pack accordingly.

Business opening hours in Czechia

- Shops are typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Many are closed on Sundays (except, of course, in tourist-heavy areas — where the hours are later too).

- Restaurants: Czech cuisine is simple but hearty (PRO-TIP: Try the Svíčková, the goulash, and, of course, the beer). Lunch is usually between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and dinner from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or later. A 5-10% tip is customary.

Czech Republic Currency

IMPORTANT: Unlike most of the EU, the Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) and not the Euro (EUR).

Credit cards, however, are widely accepted (as are Euros in some tourist spots). But it's best to have some local cash at least. ATMs are also widely available, and currency exchange services are common. But be careful with both of the above — as some are tourist traps.

→ FINAL PRO-TIPS:
For further travel advice, visit the Czech Republic's official tourism website VisitCzechia (as well as its Ministry of the Interior). As for the best travel insurance for your Czech journey? Well, just double-check above. And safe travels!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?


• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance


• How to apply for a Schengen visa

FAQ

Does a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover the Czech Republic?

Yes. But while the EHIC covers necessary healthcare in the CR (for EU/EEA and Swiss residents), it only covers care received through public Czech healthcare services. That is, it may not cover all costs involved, does not apply to private services, and doesn’t cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death. In other words, additional travel insurance is still highly recommended.

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes. With AXA, you can purchase a plan for guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just need to provide their personal info — such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.

Can I work or study in the Czech Republic on a tourist Schengen visa?

No. A tourist (aka Type C, aka “short-stay”) visa allows you to visit the CR (and Schengen Area) for vacation, family, or a short business trip. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.