Czech (čeština) is the language of healthcare across Czechia. In Prague and at major university hospitals, English is widely understood — especially at Bulovka's HIV Centrum and at Dům Světla. Outside Prague, more Czech is needed.
The Health System
Zdravotní pojišťovna (Health Insurance Company)
Czechia has a multi-payer health insurance system — every resident chooses a pojišťovna (insurance company) from state-regulated providers. The largest is VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna). Others include ČPZP, OZP, ZP MV, and Revírní bratrská pokladna (RBP). All are required to cover the standard benefits package.
Průkaz pojištěnce (Health Insurance Card)
Your insurance card — presented at every healthcare encounter. Equivalent to an e-card or NHS number card. Keep it on you.
Praktický lékař (GP / Family Doctor)
Your registered family doctor. Can refer you to specialists and order basic tests. Cannot initiate PrEP reimbursement — that requires an HIV Centrum specialist.
HIV Centrum
Specialist HIV and sexual health centres attached to university hospitals. The key institution for PrEP and complex STI care. Prague's main centres are at Bulovka Hospital and ÚVN.
Infekční klinika / Infekční oddělení
Infectious disease clinic / department. Where PEP and HIV management happen at the hospital.
Dermatovenerologie
Dermatovenereology — the hospital specialty that handles STIs, complex skin and mucous membrane infections. More treatment-focused than Dům Světla's community service.
Doplatek
Copayment — the portion of a covered medication or service that you pay out of pocket after insurance contributes. For PrEP via an HIV Centrum: typically 500–1,000 CZK/month.
Pohotovost
On-call / emergency service. Used to refer to both the A&E and out-of-hours GP services. At the hospital context: the emergency department or the infectious disease on-call.
Key Phrases
Getting Tested
| Purpose | Czech |
|---|---|
| Full STI screen | "Chtěl bych úplné vyšetření na pohlavně přenosné nemoci." |
| Three-site swabs | "Chtěl bych výtěr z krku a konečníku, prosím." |
| Anonymous HIV test | "Chci anonymní test na HIV." |
| PrEP monitoring | "Jsem na PrEP a potřebuji tříměsíční kontrolu." |
Starting PrEP
| Purpose | Czech |
|---|---|
| I want to start PrEP | "Chtěl bych začít užívat PrEP." |
| Referral to HIV Centrum | "Potřebuji doporučení do HIV Centra." |
PEP Emergency
| Purpose | Czech |
|---|---|
| I need PEP | "Potřebuji postexpoziční profylaxi (PEP)." |
| I had risky contact | "Měl jsem rizikový sexuální kontakt." |
| Hours ago | "Před [X] hodinami." |
| Partner status | "Partner byl HIV pozitivní / neznámý status." |
Emergency Numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | Pan-European emergency (ambulance, fire, police) |
| 155 | Czech ambulance direct |
| 116 123 | Linka bezpečí / Linka důvěry — crisis support (check current provider for adult crisis line) |
Quick Reference
| Czech | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nemocnice | Hospital |
| Pohotovost | Emergency / on-call |
| Infekční klinika | Infectious disease clinic |
| Dermatovenerologie | STI clinic |
| Praktický lékař | GP |
| Pojišťovna | Health insurance company |
| Průkaz pojištěnce | Insurance card |
| Doplatek | Copayment |
| Výtěr | Swab |
| Pohlavně přenosné nemoci (PPN) | Sexually transmitted infections |
| HIV | HIV |
| PrEP | Pre-exposure prophylaxis |
| PEP | Post-exposure prophylaxis |
Related:
- > Testing in Czechia: Dům Světla & HIV Centres — using the phrases
- > PrEP in Czechia: HIV Centres — insurance and specialist care
- > PEP in Czechia: Bulovka — emergency phrases
- > Czechia: The Lighthouse — the full Czechia guide map