Senate approves bill ending VZP monopoly on foreigners' health insurance

The upper house of the Czech parliament approved an amendment to the law dealing with health insurance for foreigners on Wednesday. The change will allow people from non-EU countries who have residence in Czechia to take out health insurance with any insurance company they like, rather than being mandated to have it with the largest health insurance company in Czechia, VZP, as is the case at present.

The bill will now go to the president to be signed, following which it is expected to come into effect in September. Non-EU citizens who already have insurance with VZP will be able to terminate their contract with the company within three months of the law coming into effect.