Do I Need Travel Insurance To Travel To The Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic, or Czechia, is home to the beautiful and boisterous city of Prague, as well as picturesque castles and countryside. It is also the birthplace to some of the world’s best beer - which you can enjoy in between visiting its famous churches, and its fairytale castle. For a short trip, lasting fewer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. If you are traveling to Czech Republic, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection, as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Czech Republic and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Czech Republic cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Czech Republic?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa for Czech Republic. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you may need to make co-payments on items like prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. All issued electronic certificates purchased on the AXA Schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Czech Republic visa application?

AXA has long been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic form featuring the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number which is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Czech Republic visa?

To obtain a Schengen visa to Czech Republic your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons

I don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Czech Republic - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. As a result you are strongly advised to take out insurance - as for a small cost, you will have peace of mind during your holiday.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with  European requirements for Schengen visa - 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen visa application is denied

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Czech Republic?

AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Czech Republic?

Security: A state of emergency has been declared in the Czech Republic following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But this shouldn’t worry you too much as it is a technical move to allow the release of extra funds and prioritize refugee processing. Most visitors to the Czech Republic experience no difficulties but you should be aware of street crime and petty theft, particularly in Prague. Prague city police advise visitors to always exchange currency at a currency exchange office or bank, and to avoid contact with women and men acting as street prostitutes as they are often pickpockets.

Public transport: The Czech Republic has one of the most dense railway networks in Europe and a sophisticated system of bus transportation. Both trains and buses are reliable.

In Prague you can use trams, buses, metro, ferries and even cable cars. A comprehensive system of public transportation is also available in Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Liberec and other cities. With the modernization of the fleet, an increasing number of public transport vehicles are barrier-free. The timetables include information on stations that have lifts or special paths making them accessible to disabled people.

Opening hours: Shopping centers and department stores are open from early morning until evening - even as late as 10 p.m. Small shops open from 7-8 a.m. to 6-7 p.m., while many convenience stores stay open until 10-11 p.m. or even later. Banks in Prague are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Driving license: If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and your driving license does not meet the conditions of road traffic in the Czech Republic, you must either be the holder of an international driving license or you must have a driving license in the Czech Republic. Major countries like the U.K. have recognized licenses.

Restaurants: Some city center bars and restaurants don’t allow access to large stag party groups due to the city’s reputation as something of a party capital. Czechs tend to eat lunch at about 12 p.m. and dinner at about 6 p.m. In smaller towns, it may be hard to find a place to eat after 9 p.m.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with the Czech Republic and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Czech Republic you can find out more, here.