- Public or commercial health insurance providers in Slovakia is applicable for different nationalities
- For EU/EEA citizens it is important to inquire S1 form for cross-border insurance
- For working foreigners, it is easier as employer handles most of the administrative tasks
- Unemployed foreigners coming from EU may explore voluntary option to join public healthcare system
- Slovakia allows to switch health insurance provider only once a year
Relocating to Slovakia brings with it many important considerations, and one of the most frequently asked questions concerns healthcare access and health insurance. Health insurance is also a key requirement for immigration purposes, particularly for certain groups of foreigners. Whether you’re just arriving in Slovakia or planning to move there soon, it’s essential to understand the basics of the health insurance system. Your country of citizenship, residence permit status, and employment status will all impact the type of health insurance available to you.
Types of Health Insurance in Slovakia
In Slovakia, there are two main types of health insurance available to foreigners: public and commercial health insurance. The public health insurance system is available to those who qualify, while commercial health insurance is often required for non-EU nationals and certain visa processes.
Public health insurance provides identical coverage to that received by Slovak citizens. If you’re employed in Slovakia, you’ll automatically be enrolled in this system by your employer. Expect that the contribution from your salary will represent 14% towards the healthcare.
On the other hand, commercial health insurance is generally required for non-EU citizens at specific stages of their immigration process or for family members applying under family reunification permits. This type of insurance is typically purchased from major international health insurance companies, though there are local providers in Slovakia offering similar policies.
Health Insurance for EU/EEA Citizens
For citizens of EU or EEA countries, access to the public health insurance system is relatively straightforward. If you are employed in Slovakia, your employer will handle the registration and automatically enroll you in the public health system, with contributions deducted directly from your salary.
For those living in Slovakia but working in another EU country, you may be insured in one country but eligible to receive healthcare services in both. In these cases, it’s important to inquire about the **S1 form**, which allows cross-border access to healthcare services. This form is vital if you reside in Slovakia but are insured elsewhere, such as in Austria or Germany.
Unemployed EU citizens residing in Slovakia can still voluntarily join the public health insurance system based on their residency status. This option allows for continued healthcare coverage even without formal employment. However, if you decide to leave Slovakia, it is crucial to deregister not only from residency but also from the public health insurance system. Slovak insurance companies will typically request proof that you are registered with a health insurance system in another EU country before they agree to deregister you.
Health Insurance for Non-EU Citizens
The process of obtaining health insurance can be more complex for non-EU citizens. From an immigration perspective, non-EU nationals are required to have adequate health insurance coverage throughout the duration of their residence . During the visa application process or when applying for a family reunification permit, commercial health insurance is required. This insurance must meet the needs of both the applicant and any family members applying under the same permit.
Once a non-EU citizen begins working in Slovakia, they will be automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system, just like their EU counterparts. This also applies to their children, provided the children are legal residents of Slovakia and attend school.
Choosing and Registering with an Insurance Company
Foreigners in Slovakia can choose from three public health insurance companies –
Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa – https://www.vszp.sk/
Dôvera – https://www.dovera.sk/
Union – https://www.union.sk/
While your employer will automatically begin paying contributions and register you for public health insurance when you start working, the initial registration may require action on your part. When registering for the first time, you’ll need to provide proof of your residence status, such as a copy of your residence card or visa. For children, additional documentation may be required, including confirmation of school attendance to ensure they meet the obligatory education requirements.
Changing Your Insurance Provider
Slovakia allows residents to switch health insurance providers once a year. If you decide to to change, the application must be submitted by September 30.
The new insurance will come into effect on January 1 of the following year, providing ample time to ensure a smooth transition between providers.
Maintaining Health Insurance When Unemployed
Once you are registered within the public health system, your insurance does not expire if you lose your job. Instead, you will be responsible for continuing the health insurance contributions yourself until you either find new employment or opt for a different form of coverage. This ensures that your access to healthcare services is not interrupted due to temporary unemployment.
Health Insurance Coverage for Children
Foreigners’ children can be covered under their parent’s health insurance plan as long as they are legal residents of Slovakia and meet the mandatory school attendance requirements. Parents may need to provide additional documentation during the registration process to prove school attendance and residency status.
Key Considerations
In summary, Slovakia’s health insurance system is accessible but comes with several important rules and regulations for foreigners. EU citizens benefit from easier integration into the public system, while non-EU nationals often need to navigate additional steps, particularly during the immigration process. Understanding when commercial insurance is required, how to register for public insurance, and what steps to take if your employment status changes are all critical to ensuring continuous healthcare access.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can confidently navigate Slovakia’s health insurance system, ensuring you remain compliant with immigration requirements and have access to the necessary healthcare services during your stay.
How can we help you?
Navigating the health insurance process in Slovakia can sometimes feel overwhelming, but our company is here to help. ProRelo is here to assist you with every step, whether it’s registering/deregistering with a public health insurance company, coordinating the appropriate commercial health insurance for your immigration process, or advising. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, our relocation team can provide tailored solutions to your specific needs. Check our scope of relocation and immigration services here.
