Foreigners are flocking to Czechia for better healthcare

Foreigners are increasingly traveling to Czechia for its high-quality medical services, with thousands seeking care annually for everything from childbirth to specialized surgeries.

Slovak women form a significant part of this group, often crossing the border to deliver their babies in Czech hospitals renowned for modern facilities, respectful staff, and personalized care unavailable in many Slovak state hospitals.

While Slovak women prioritize Czech maternity care due to subpar conditions at home, others, including British and Irish patients, opt for dental and plastic surgery clinics in Prague and Brno.

"The number of Slovak women who want to give birth at our gynecological and obstetrics clinic is increasing," said Pavel Žára, spokesman for the Brno University Hospital, speaking to Novinky.cz.

"Patients from around the world are drawn to Czechia for its combination of modern facilities, shorter wait times, and highly trained specialists," said Linda Yamaguchi, marketing specialist at Praga Medica, a medical tourism agency, speaking to Novinky.cz.

Dr. Pavel Žára, spokesperson for Brno University Hospital, emphasized the trust foreign patients place in Czech healthcare. "The growing number of international clients reflects not only the quality of care we provide but also the confidence patients have in our expertise and standards."

In 2023, Czech hospitals treated over 130,000 foreigners, according to the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS). Beyond Slovaks—who account for the largest group—patients from Ukraine, Poland, and even distant countries like the U.S. and Australia choose Czechia for procedures such as IVF, dental care, and eye surgeries.

Agencies like Praga Medica facilitate medical tourism by coordinating records, appointments, accommodations, and even translation services.

Meanwhile, an uptick in patients from non-EU countries, including Japan and the UK, reflects Czechia’s growing reputation as a global hub for medical tourism.

The Czech Republic is renowned for high-quality dental care, plastic surgery, eye procedures, and IVF services, attracting patients worldwide, including from the U.S. and Australia.

Agencies collaborate with clinics and handle medical records, scheduling, travel, accommodation, and communication, even accompanying clients to appointments. Their services are particularly popular among British, Irish, and German patients.