How Does Health Insurance Work When Employed in Slovakia?
Health insurance is a vital part of the social security system in Slovakia. If you are employed in Slovakia, whether as a local or a foreign worker, you are legally required to have public health insurance. Understanding how the system works will help you know what to expect in terms of coverage, contributions, and rights.
This article covers how health insurance functions for employees in Slovakia, what it costs, and what it entitles you to.
1. Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Slovakia?
Yes. Health insurance is compulsory for all employees working in Slovakia. It is part of the broader social insurance system and is funded through regular monthly contributions paid by both the employer and the employee.
If you are legally employed in Slovakia, you are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system.
2. Who Provides Health Insurance in Slovakia?
There are three main public health insurance providers in Slovakia:
- Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP) – the largest, state-run insurer
- Dôvera zdravotná poisťovňa – private
- Union zdravotná poisťovňa – private
Employees have the right to choose any of these providers. The services and coverage are generally similar due to regulation, but some offer added benefits or bonus programs.
3. Who Pays for Health Insurance?
Health insurance is funded by contributions from both the employer and the employee, calculated as a percentage of the employee’s gross monthly salary.
Current (2025) Contribution Rates:
|
Contributor |
Rate |
Based On |
|
Employee |
4% |
Gross salary |
|
Employer |
10% |
Gross salary |
|
Total |
14% |
Combined |
Example: If your gross monthly salary is €1,200, then:
- You contribute €48 (4%)
- Your employer contributes €120 (10%)
- Total monthly health insurance contribution: €168
These payments are made directly to the selected health insurance company and are handled through payroll, so there’s no separate action required by employees.
4. What Does Public Health Insurance Cover?
Public health insurance in Slovakia provides access to a wide range of medical services, including:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Specialist consultations
- Emergency care
- Hospital treatment
- Surgeries
- Preventive check-ups
- Prescribed medications (partially or fully covered)
- Maternity care
- Vaccinations
- Rehabilitation services
Coverage is based on a “basic benefit package” defined by law, and providers are obligated to cover these services.
However, some services, medications, or treatments may only be partially reimbursed, and co-payments may apply. Non-essential or aesthetic procedures are usually not covered.
5. How to Register for Health Insurance
As an employee, your employer registers you with a health insurance provider upon the start of your employment. You should be informed about which company you are registered with and have the right to change your provider once a year (usually by the end of September for the following year).
You will be issued a health insurance card, which you must present when visiting doctors or medical facilities.
6. Changing Health Insurance Providers
Slovak law allows you to switch health insurance companies once per year. The deadline for submitting a request is typically September 30, and the change takes effect on January 1 of the following year.
All three insurers offer online registration and switching procedures.
7. What About Foreign Workers?
If you are a foreign employee legally working in Slovakia, you are subject to the same health insurance rules as Slovak citizens. That means:
- You are insured through your employer
- You have access to the same healthcare services
- You can choose your health insurance provider
EU/EEA citizens working temporarily may also use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but only for short-term stays. If you’re employed long-term, full Slovak insurance registration is required.
Third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) working legally are fully integrated into the Slovak public insurance system and receive the same benefits.
8. Additional Private Insurance
While the public system covers most basic healthcare needs, some individuals choose to purchase private health insurance for:
- Faster access to specialists
- English-speaking doctors
- Private clinics and services
- Additional comfort during hospitalization
Private insurance is optional and not required by law.
9. Health Insurance for Family Members
Public health insurance also covers certain non-working family members, including:
- Children under 18 (or students up to 26)
- Registered unemployed spouses
- Retired persons
These dependents must be registered with the health insurance company but are typically insured by the state, not through employment.
10. What Happens If You Lose Your Job?
If you become unemployed, your health insurance coverage depends on your status:
- If you register with the unemployment office, the state continues to pay your insurance.
- If you are not registered, you must pay the full contributions yourself as a voluntary payer.
It is important to avoid lapses in coverage, as uninsured individuals are not entitled to public healthcare services.
Summary
Health insurance in Slovakia is a mandatory and well-structured system for all employees. Contributions are shared between employers and employees and provide access to a broad range of healthcare services under regulated public insurers.
Key Takeaways:
- Mandatory for all employees
- Funded by 14% of gross salary (4% employee, 10% employer)
- Covers GP visits, specialists, hospital care, medications, and more
- Foreign workers are fully covered
- Option to switch providers once per year
- Private insurance is available but optional
For a smooth healthcare experience in Slovakia, make sure you are registered with a provider, understand your benefits, and carry your insurance card when accessing services.
