As a foreigner living in Ceske Budejovice, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"As a foreigner living in Ceske Budejoviceublic, you will have access to public healthcare, provided you have a valid residence permit and are paying into the Czech social security system. The healthcare system in the Czech Republic is universal, meaning that all residents have access to the same level of care, regardless of their nationality. The quality of healthcare in the Czech Republic is generally high, with well-trained medical staff and modern facilities. The country has a high standard of medical care, with a wide range of services available, from general practitioners to specialists in various fields. Hospitals in the Czech Republic are equipped with the latest technology and follow European standards of care. However, it's important to note that while emergency care is provided to everyone, regardless of their insurance status, non-emergency care is only available to those who are insured. This means that as a foreigner, you will need to have health insurance to access non-emergency healthcare services. The public healthcare system in the Czech Republic is funded by compulsory health insurance, which is paid by all employees and employers in the country. As a foreigner, you will also be required to pay into this system if you are working in the Czech Republic. If you are not working, you will need to purchase private health insurance. While the healthcare system in the Czech Republic is generally efficient, it can be bureaucratic, and there may be long waiting times for certain procedures. Additionally, while many doctors and nurses speak English, especially in larger cities, this may not always be the case in smaller towns like Ceske Budejovice. In conclusion, as a foreigner living in Ceske Budejovice, you will have access to public healthcare, but you will need to have health insurance, either through your employer or privately. The quality of care is high, but you may encounter language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles," explained one expat living in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.