Information in English

If you find yourself in quarantine in the Czech Republic, cannot leave the country and are running out of antiretroviral therapy, or if you have problems receiving delivery of medication due to COVID-19, please contact ROBERT, robert.hejzak@aids-pomoc.cz, 00420 724 032 678. We will help you to find a solution.

HIV, Foreigners and Health Insurance in the Czech Republic

All Czech citizens and legal employees living in Czechia have Czech health insurance, which covers all HIV care. According to the law, this is obligatory.

If a self-employed person wants to have Czech health insurance, he or she has to request a copy of the agreement made with the health insurance company and ask for the same coverage that is given to all Czech citizens (even though it is more expensive). Some health insurance companies may then ask for HIV test. Usually, health insurance companies will then offer him/her the agreement covering only emergency cases (which may already be covered by his/her personal health insurance almost or at the same level).

An EU Citizen cannot have an insurance policy in more than one EU country. This means that they either will have one in his/her own country (that country would also provide all HIV care in this case) or in the Czech Republic (HIV care is provided by the Czech Republic).

An uninsured person in need of emergency care will of course be treated, but only procedures classified as emergency/life-saving care will be done. Anything else must be paid for at the time of service, and the person can submit a claim for reimbursement of the costs to the insurance provider in their country. When covered by Czech insurance, the amount of care provided will match the amounts listed in the policy and costs in the Czech Republic. This is something to take note of due to higher healthcare costs in other countries.

There are only a few differences between Czech health insurance companies. For example, some of them ask for an HIV test before making an agreement. If this is an issue, we can recommend a company which does not require this information. Inpatient and outpatient care for PLWHA is centralized in the "HIV" treatment center at the infectious disease clinic of Prague’s Bulovka hospital.

The range of anti-retroviral medications are very similar to other developed countries. Shortages, which rarely occur, are short-lived and never too serious. One should also note that the use of generic medication is not permitted in the Czech Republic.

Criminalization of HIV transmission (risk behaviour)

If you are HIV positive and have anal, vaginal and oral sex without condom (even you have not had transmitted the virus and even you have undetectable viral load), you may be charged by police with criminal act of endangering by infectious disease.

In practice it is not very common and it is not easy to prove it, but this threat exists and some people (no foreigner) were convicted.

A Short Guide to The History of The Czech AIDS Help Society

Czech AIDS Help Society was established in 1989 as a self-support initiative of PLWHIV, their friends and families with the aim to support PLWHIV in their daily lives. During its existence the NGO extended its goals and is currently also very active in the field of HIV prevention and awareness, and policy advocacy - many of these new services are provided directly or with support of PLWHIV. In the late 90's the NGO opened a social center Dum svetla (the Lighthouse) that provides anonymous and free of charge HIV testing and shelter accommodation services to PLWHIV. We run on-site HIV/AIDS counseling service in Prague and Ostrava, a national toll-free HIV/AIDS hotline and organize topical awareness campaigns. Recently, the NGO started providing also legal assistance to PLWHIV that were discriminated in relation to their diagnosis and we run anti-stigmatization campaigns. Our activities are financed from grants, donations, fees and our own activities.

The Lighthouse

The ceremonial opening of the "Lighthouse" took place on August 11, 1999. The house is open for all people affected by HIV/AIDS, their friends, and their families. The Lighthouse is a safe center for anyone affected in any way by this malicious disease and offers a wide range of services. Attention is paid also to problems related to all levels of discrimination, prejudices, and lack of information. The tranquil premises of the house provide privacy for all of its visitors and the group of the society's members is ready to provide help, information and support. This refuge of peace can be visited by anyone, whether coming with questions, looking for general information, or just coming to have a talk.

Residential premises housing 15 beds are located on the first floor of the building. In this part of the building, a temporary recovery care and long-term and short-term accommodation is available for HIV/AIDS infected individuals and their close ones. The accommodation is also available for people living outside Prague who come to Prague to visit a doctor. Single and double bed rooms and a family room are available. The house also contains a smoking room, non-smoking room, social room, TV room, patio, winter garden, laundry, kitchen in which guests can cook their own meals, and a dining room. Guests, including children, are always welcome and can stay overnight if agreed.

A number of therapy programmes under the leadership of experienced assistants is available. Apart from individual therapy consisting mainly of relaxation massage and electrotherapy, you can also participate in group recovery exercises combined with music therapy, or let yourself be introduced to the world of yoga. The most popular recovery facility is the bubble bath. The psychosocial advisory room is available where you can get professional advice. You can receive information on new treatments and on the importance of adhering to the treatment program and attending regular meetings with a physician. Healers from the Association of Healers are ready to offer alternative treatments. For believers, meetings with representatives of various churches can be arranged.

Our Services

• HIV TESTING - ANONYMOUS AND FREE OF CHARGE (also available for foreigners) The test are provided in the surgery of the Lighthouse subsequently: Monday 4pm - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 12am For a map, our address and telephone numbers see contacts. There is a requisite time of two months to be kept from your last sexual risk (or from the risk you get tested for).
• CERTIFICATION If you need a certificate that you are HIV- for a travel abroad (some countries claim it) the service isn´t anonymous and it is defrayable, the fee is 500 CZK. The certificate will be accomplished in a two days´ time.