TELL US: Have you ever had to pay an extra fee at a Czech doctor's office?

Have you ever been met with a surprise, extra fee when visiting a doctor – of which there had been no mention when making your appointment?

The Czech Health Ministry has announced that it is cracking down on “hidden” doctors’ fees that are in the gray area of legality – or even simply against the law. In a recent interview, Health Minister Vlastimil Válek said the government will draw up a clear, defined list of extra fees that are and are not allowed.

Patients in Czechia – both locals and foreigners – have repeatedly complained of unexpected fees when making appointments, or even when visiting the doctor. Examples include charges just to make an appointment, fees for the use of a plastic mirror during gynecological examinations, and extra costs for seeing an English-speaking doctor.

Many women also need to, unfairly, pay annual fees just to register with a gynecologist – Expats.cz investigated this type of “pink discrimination” in 2022.

According to the Ministry of Health, doctors can, legally, collect payments beyond the scope of care covered by insurance companies for almost anything, but "only with the full agreement of the patient.”

"Doctors must publish paid services in their price lists and must not refuse care to patients who do not want them," adds Health Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob when speaking with Czech media outlet iDnes.

We want to hear from you on whether you’ve ever faced any unexpected, extra fees when seeing a doctor in Czechia – be it for registration, making an appointment, speaking English, using any type of equipment, scans, or anything else.