Navigating Health Insurance in Health Insurance in Slovakia: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

If you’re planning to live, work, or study in Slovakia, health insurance isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a legal requirement, a financial safety net, and your gateway to quality medical care. Without it, even a simple doctor’s visit can be expensive, and in some cases, you might not even be able to stay in the country legally.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about health insurance in Slovakia — whether you qualify for public coverage, need commercial insurance, how much it costs, what’s included, and what paperwork you’ll need.

1. How Healthcare Works in Slovakia

Slovakia operates a paid service model:

• You either pay directly for care, or
• You have health insurance that covers all or part of the cost.

For most residents, care appears “free” at the point of use because they make mandatory insurance contributions — either directly, through an employer, or via state support.

Unlike tax-funded systems such as the UK’s NHS, Slovakia follows the Bismarck model. This means:

• Everyone is legally required to have health insurance.
• Contributions are tied to income, not general taxation.
• Non-payers must rely on commercial (private) coverage or pay full price for care.

Why this matters to foreigners:

• Without valid insurance, even emergencies can lead to hefty bills.
• For most residence permits, proof of insurance is part of the application process.
• For longer stays, not having insurance can get you into legal trouble.

The Three Public Health Insurance Companies

If you’re eligible for the state system, you can choose one of three licensed insurers:

1. Všeobecná Zdravotná Poisťovňa (VšZP) – state-owned, largest provider.
2. Dôvera – private, widely used.
3. Union – private, also offers commercial health insurance for those not eligible for public coverage.

Each offers the same basic benefits (set by law), but may differ in customer service, online tools, or bonus programs.

Tip: Public health insurance is not “free.” You pay monthly contributions unless you belong to a category covered by the state (e.g., children, students, unemployed).

2. Public (Mandatory) Health Insurance

Public health insurance is the backbone of Slovakia’s healthcare system. It covers most routine, emergency, and hospital care — and if you’re eligible, it’s usually the most affordable option.

Who Can Get It?

Eligibility depends on your residence status and employment situation:

• Permanent Residents – must register with an insurer within 8 days of getting status.
• Employees in Slovakia – if your salary meets the legal minimum and your employer is based in Slovakia.
• Self-Employed Persons – if you have legal residence and a registered trade license.
• Students under International Agreements – register within 8 days of arrival.
• Asylum Seekers & Temporary Protection Holders – covered fully, with some limits (spa treatment often excluded).
• Children – insured if at least one parent is covered.
• Other Special Cases – minors without guardians, detainees, professional athletes.

📌 Important: Being a foreigner in Slovakia doesn’t automatically mean you qualify for public insurance. You must meet these specific criteria.

What’s Covered Under Public Insurance?

Public health insurance provides:

• General practitioner visits (GPs)
• Specialist consultations (with GP referral)
• Hospital stays
• Surgery and post-operative care
• Maternity care
• Emergency care (though non-residents may be billed if uninsured)

It also includes some preventive services — but coverage for dental work, spa treatment, and certain medicines is limited.

Co-Payments and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Even with public insurance, you’ll pay small fees for certain services:

Contribution Rates

If you’re eligible, here’s what you’ll pay:

• Employees: 4% of income (2% if disabled) — employer pays another 10% (5% if disabled)
• Self-Employed: 14% of income (7% if disabled)
• State-covered groups: 4.9% of average wage (paid by the state)

3. Commercial (Private) Health Insurance

If you don’t qualify for public coverage — for example, as a non-EU student, a newly arrived expat without permanent residence, or a tourist — you’ll need commercial insurance.

Commercial insurance is also popular with people who want:

• Faster access to doctors
• Private clinics or hospitals
• International coverage (outside Slovakia)

Who Needs It?

• Foreigners not meeting public insurance criteria
• Schengen visa applicants (insurance is mandatory)
• People awaiting residence permits
• Family reunion applicants without work contracts
• High-income expats wanting private care

Providers and Plan Types

Union (the only public insurer offering commercial plans) has two main products:

• SAFETY – full coverage including chronic conditions, pregnancy, sports injuries, urgent care in the Schengen area
• SIMPLE – basic coverage for short stays; excludes pregnancy, chronic illness, sports injuries

Other private providers include:

• Bupa Global
• Cigna Global
• Allianz International
• Swisscare (popular with students)
• Axa Assistance (emergency-only plans)

Typical Coverage Limits (Example: Union)

• General medical care: up to €70,000
• Repatriation: up to €20,000
• Pregnancy: up to €17,000 (SAFETY only)
• Dental (injury/acute pain): up to €300 (€100 per claim)

Estimated Annual Costs

• Union SIMPLE/SAFETY: Varies by age and health status
• Axa Assistance emergency plan: €348/year (~€35/month)
• Student emergency plan: ~€300/year
• Pregnancy & newborn package: from €6,924/year
• General international expat insurance: around US$3,423/year in Slovakia

📌 Note: Many commercial policies require you to pay upfront for treatment and then submit a reimbursement claim.

4. Applying for Health Insurance

For Public Insurance

• Apply within 8 days of becoming eligible (employment, residence status, etc.)
• Choose one of the three public insurers
• Provide proof to the Foreign Police within 30 days of collecting your residence card

Documents needed:

• Passport or residence permit
• Birth registration number (if issued)
• Proof of eligibility (job contract, school confirmation, asylum decision, etc.)
• Completed application form

For Commercial Insurance

• Apply before you travel (if for visa purposes) or within Slovakia if eligible
• Some coverage types (pregnancy, sports injuries) require a medical examination
• Proof of insurance is needed for visa/residence permit applications

Documents needed:

• Application form
• Passport copy
• Medical history form (sometimes)
• Payment proof

5. Legal Deadlines and Health Requirements

Once your residence permit is issued:

1. Within 3 days – arrange health insurance (if not already done)
2. Within 30 days – submit a medical report (not older than 30 days) to the Foreign Police confirming you’re free from diseases that pose a public health risk

Failing these steps can put your residence permit — and therefore your child’s school enrollment or your right to stay — at risk.

6. Practical Tips for Foreigners

• Start early: Apply for insurance before you arrive if you’ll need it for a visa.
• Understand your eligibility: Don’t assume you can get public coverage — check the rules.
• Budget for co-payments: Even with public insurance, small fees add up.
• Keep documents fresh: Many official papers must be less than 90 days old.
• Consider upgrade plans: Private add-ons can shorten wait times.
• Ask about English-speaking doctors: Not all medical staff speak fluent English.

Final Word

Slovakia’s healthcare system offers solid, affordable care — but only if you’re properly insured. For foreigners, the path to coverage depends on your residence status and why you’re here.

If you’re eligible for public insurance, it’s your cheapest and most comprehensive option. If not, commercial plans fill the gap — and in some cases, offer perks like private hospitals and international coverage.

Either way, the key is preparation: know your eligibility, gather the right documents, and meet your legal deadlines. Get it right, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you settle into life in Slovakia.