Finding a Doctor Who Speaks English in Prague

Knowing how the Czech healthcare system is organised makes it much easier to find the right English speaking doctor.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 155 (ambulance) or 112.

Your general practitioner

In the Czech system, your general practitioner (praktický lékař, often shortened to obvoďák) is usually your first point of contact. You register with a GP, who then refers you to specialists when needed. Children are registered with a paediatrician (pediatr).

When you contact a practice, ask:

• Are you accepting new registered patients?
• Do you have a contract with my health insurer?
• Can consultations be in English?

Specialists

For many specialists you will need a referral (doporučení) from your GP; some, such as gynaecologists (gynekolog) and dentists, you can usually contact directly. Ask the specialist's practice when you book.

Private clinics

Some clinics in Prague focus on international patients and work mainly with private or commercial insurance, or ask you to pay directly. They can be convenient, especially when you first arrive, but ask in advance how payment works and whether you will receive an invoice for your insurer.

What to bring

• Your health insurance card
• ID or passport
• A list of medication you take (with active ingredient names)
• Previous medical reports — translated, if possible

When it can't wait

• Life-threatening emergency: call 155 or 112.
• Urgent but not life-threatening, out of hours: Prague has emergency outpatient services (pohotovost). Check the current locations and hours on an official source before you need them.
• Pharmacies (lékárna) can advise on minor problems, and some are open late.

Checking a doctor

Doctors practising in the Czech Republic are members of the Czech Medical Chamber (Česká lékařská komora).