Slovakia has updated the rules for issuing European Health Insurance Cards (EPZP). Now, a significant number of foreigners living in the country will lose their right to receive this document.
According to the update to the Health Insurance Act (§10a (5)), Slovak insurance companies (Dôvera, VšZP, Union) will stop issuing EPZP to people who:
Do not have a permanent residence permit (trvalý pobyt) or long-term residence permit (dlhodobý pobyt) in Slovakia.
Are not citizens of EU member countries.
This means if you only have a temporary residence permit (prechodný pobyt), you will no longer be able to get this card. Your public health insurance will now only be valid within Slovakia.
What does this mean for travel within the EU?
The EPZP card previously allowed access to necessary medical care in other EU/EEA countries during short trips (holidays, visits to relatives, business trips).
Without this card, in case of injury or sudden illness in another EU country, you will have to pay for treatment yourself. You also will not be able to use the public rates of the country you are visiting for foreigners.
Important: Chronic conditions (dialysis, oxygen therapy) or emergency surgeries (appendicitis, childbirth) abroad will now not be covered by your Slovak insurance without an EPZP.
How to protect yourself?
Since public health insurance for foreigners with temporary residence is now limited to the borders of Slovakia, experts recommend getting additional travel insurance before every trip outside Slovakia.
Even with an EPZP card, many EU countries have a fairly high "co-payment" for dental care, hospitalization, or some medicines. A commercial insurance policy often covers these costs, which can be hundreds of euros.
Therefore, we recommend always getting travel insurance before your trip, or if you travel often and do not want to buy it before every trip, we recommend contacting an insurance agent who can advise you and suggest the best insurance options in the EU and worldwide. The price for such comprehensive insurance starts from around €20/month.
⭐️ If you want to get a free consultation from a trusted insurance agent — who will help you choose the best insurance for your situation — write to us at @kompas_support.
