Who can access public health insurance, when private insurance is required, and how to find a doctor in Slovakia.
Health insurance determines how you access medical care in Slovakia. For third-country nationals, it is also connected with their residence obligations.
The Act on the Residence of Foreigners expressly requires you to:
„uzatvoriť zdravotné poistenie najneskôr do troch pracovných dní od prevzatia dokladu o pobyte“.
In other words, you must take out health insurance no later than three working days after receiving your residence document. This requirement is set out in Section 111 of Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the Residence of Foreigners.
In Slovakia, it is important to distinguish between public health insurance and private health insurance that covers medical expenses. The right option depends on your nationality, residence status, employment status, and whether you are insured in another EU, EEA, or Swiss state.
Types of health insurance in Slovakia
Public health insurance
Public health insurance (verejné zdravotné poistenie) is provided through one of three health insurers:
It is funded through contributions from employers, employees, self-employed persons, and the state, depending on the insured person's status.
Public health insurance generally covers treatment provided by doctors and facilities that have a contract with your health insurer, including:
- appointments with general practitioners and specialists;
- tests, examinations, hospital treatment, and surgery;
- emergency care;
- preventive check-ups and vaccinations where applicable;
- childbirth and postnatal care;
- full or partial reimbursement for prescription medicines.
The amount reimbursed depends on the medical service, medicine, and the conditions under which the care is provided.
The planned merger of Dôvera and Union
As of August 2026, Dôvera and Union remain separate health insurers. However, on 14 July 2026, an agreement was signed for Dôvera to acquire Union. The transaction will take effect once the necessary approvals have been obtained and the required conditions have been met.
For current Union policyholders, no action is required for now: there is no need to change your insurance card, bank details, or arrangements with your doctors. Further details are available in Union's information on the planned merger.
When choosing a public health insurer, consider not only the benefits offered but also the network of doctors and healthcare facilities in your area.
Private health insurance for foreigners
Private health insurance covers the cost of medical care in Slovakia. It is needed by people who are not included in the public health insurance system.
Your policy should match the purpose of your stay and cover the entire period of your residence permit. Before taking out a policy, check:
- whether it is valid in Slovakia;
- whether it covers outpatient treatment, hospitalisation, and emergency care;
- the coverage limits and exclusions;
- whether chronic conditions, pregnancy, and childbirth are covered;
- whether the Foreign Police will accept the insurance confirmation issued.
Private policies can vary significantly in scope. A low price does not always mean adequate protection: some policies limit planned treatment, treatment of chronic conditions, or pregnancy-related costs.
Who can be covered by public health insurance
Eligibility for public health insurance is determined by law, not solely by the type of residence permit you hold.
The public system may include, among others:
- foreigners with permanent residence in Slovakia;
- foreigners officially employed by a Slovak employer who meet the statutory conditions;
- certain self-employed persons and business owners;
- certain categories of people whose contributions are paid by the state;
- refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, where provided by law.
A temporary or long-term residence permit does not automatically place you in the public system. The status of students, business owners, and family members must be assessed separately.
If you are a citizen of an EU, EEA, or Swiss state and are insured in another country, EU social security coordination rules may apply. For temporary stays, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is generally used. However, it does not always replace the insurance required for residence registration or for a particular residence purpose.
When health insurance is required for a residence permit
For third-country nationals, health insurance is an obligation during their stay in Slovakia.
For certain temporary residence purposes, proof of insurance must be submitted to the Foreign Police within 30 days of receiving the residence document. This applies, in particular, to some cases of residence for business, special activity, research, family reunification, and residence of a person with long-term resident status in another EU Member State.
If you are already insured in Slovakia when you submit your residence application, you can attach the confirmation to the application immediately.
Do not wait until you are extending your residence permit to take out a policy. During a residence check, a foreigner must be able to prove that they have valid health insurance.
How to arrange health insurance
Public health insurance
- Choose a health insurer: VšZP, Dôvera, or Union.
- Submit an application and documents confirming your status.
- Provide your passport or ID card, residence document, and, where applicable, an employment contract, employer confirmation, or business documents.
- Receive your insurance card - preukaz poistenca.
For employees, the employer usually handles some of the formalities. However, it is best to confirm for yourself that the registration has been completed and that the insurer has issued confirmation.
Private health insurance
The private policy must not expire before the end of your authorised residence period.
- Choose an insurer and an appropriate level of cover.
- Provide your passport details, Slovak address, and insurance period.
- Pay for the policy.
- Receive personalised confirmation of insurance or coverage of medical expenses.
The Foreign Police require a document issued in the foreigner's name confirming insurance coverage in Slovakia. Keep the full policy wording as well: it sets out the limits, exclusions, and procedure for obtaining medical care.
How to find a doctor and book an appointment
General practitioner
The first step is to find a general practitioner:
- for adults - všeobecný lekár pre dospelých;
- for children - všeobecný lekár pre deti a dorast.
A general practitioner, dentist, and gynaecologist provide care on the basis of an agreement on the provision of healthcare - dohoda o poskytovaní zdravotnej starostlivosti.
The best way to find the doctor assigned to your area is by your home address. On the official e-VÚC portal, you can select the type of clinic, municipality, and street. The service will then show the relevant healthcare district and clinic. The Bratislava Region is used as an example; other Slovak regions can be selected from the main page.
You are still free to choose another doctor if they are accepting new patients. Before making an appointment, check whether the doctor has a contract with your insurer and accepts patients with private health insurance.
If you cannot find a doctor yourself, contact your public health insurer. It should help you secure access to healthcare.
Specialists
You can book directly with some specialists, while others require a referral from your general practitioner - výmenný lístok. The rules depend on the specialty and the healthcare facility.
If a referral is required, contact your general practitioner first. No referral is needed in an emergency.
Emergency care
Call the following numbers in a life-threatening or serious situation:
- 155 - emergency medical service;
- 112 - the European emergency number.
Emergency care is provided regardless of whether you have insurance. However, if you are uninsured or your policy does not cover the treatment, you may be charged for the costs.
What to do if your insurance has expired
Do not delay renewing your policy. A gap in insurance can mean that medical care becomes chargeable, while the lack of valid proof of insurance can create immigration-related risks.
- arrange new insurance as soon as possible;
- check the date on which it takes effect;
- keep your payment confirmation and insurance contract;
- if necessary, ask the Foreign Police whether you need to submit a new document.
Do not assume that a new policy will automatically cover expenses incurred during an uninsured period. This depends on the policy terms and its effective date.
Students, families, and pregnancy
International students
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can use their EHIC within its applicable rules. Students from third countries should determine whether their status gives them access to public health insurance or whether they need a private policy.
Some universities offer information support or group insurance arrangements. Before taking out such a policy, check that it meets immigration requirements and provides adequate cover.
Family members
A family member's insurance status does not always match that of the main applicant. It depends on nationality, the basis of residence, employment status, and EU social security coordination rules.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and children
Under public health insurance, pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care are part of the healthcare system to the extent provided by law.
With private health insurance, check in advance whether pregnancy and childbirth are included. Many policies contain exclusions, waiting periods, or limited cover. Children must also have appropriate insurance coverage.
Documents to keep with you
- your public insurance card or private insurance policy;
- proof of insurance issued in the insured person's name;
- your passport or residence card;
- your insurer's contact details;
- your general practitioner's details;
- copies of referrals and important medical records.
Official sources
- Act No. 580/2004 Coll. on Health Insurance
- Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the Residence of Foreigners
- Foreign Police guidance on proof of health insurance
- Find a doctor by your residential address
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