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Praktický lékař

family doctor (general practitioner)

What does “Praktický lékař” mean in Czechia?

Praktický lékař — general practitioner, your main contact in the Czech healthcare system.

🔑 Finding a doctor is the insurance company's duty

According to § 40 of Act No. 48/1997 Coll., your zdravotní pojišťovna (health insurance company) must ensure the local and timely availability of services. This is not your personal problem.

When a doctor can refuse

full capacity
staffing or technical reasons
distance

Refusal must be confirmed in writing. Verbal "we are closed, we are not taking new patients" is not a refusal.

What to do if refused

get a written refusal
go to your insurance company for a list of contracted doctors
if all refuse — the insurance company must provide a specific doctor

Important. 🔑 Ask for a written refusal — this is your main tool. Without it, the insurance company does not see a problem; with it, they must find you a doctor personally.

Examples of use

The doctor must confirm the refusal in writing.

The insurance company must ensure local and timely access to care.

The insurer must ensure local and timely availability of assistance.

Articles on this topic

Life

Czech Healthcare Through the Eyes of a Migrant — Insurance, Doctors, and DocumentsArticle

Frequently asked questions

All doctors are refusing — what should I do?

Get written refusals and go to the insurance company: according to § 40 of Act No. 48/1997 Coll., it is obliged to provide you with a specific doctor.

For what reason can a doctor refuse?

Only due to full capacity, staff and technical reasons, or distance — and in writing.