Once you become subject to Slovakia’s public health insurance system, you must submit an application to a health insurance company. The process is separate from arranging commercial insurance for a residence application. This guide explains how to choose an insurer, document your eligibility and obtain proof of insurance.
First confirm that Slovak public insurance applies to you
Moving to Slovakia does not automatically place every foreign resident in the public system. Eligibility depends on circumstances such as permanent residence, employment, self-employment, family status or a qualifying study arrangement.
For example, a person with permanent residence in Slovakia is generally covered unless legislation assigns that person to another country’s system because of work, self-employment or a long-term stay abroad. A person without Slovak permanent residence may qualify through specified circumstances, including eligible employment or self-employment in Slovakia. The applicable rules are set out in Slovakia’s Health Insurance Act.
EU coordination rules can change which country is responsible for your insurance. If you work in another EU or EEA country, Switzerland, or in more than one country, do not assume that residence alone determines the answer. Ask an insurer to assess your circumstances before applying.
This checklist is for people whose Slovak public insurance has already arisen. For a broader comparison of public and commercial cover, see LovinSK’s guide to health insurance in Slovakia.
Choose one of Slovakia’s three public insurers
The Health Care Surveillance Authority lists three companies operating public health insurance:
- Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP), insurer code 25
- DÔVERA zdravotná poisťovňa, insurer code 24
- Union zdravotná poisťovňa, insurer code 27
You may normally choose among them when your Slovak insurance first arises. However, if your Slovak public insurance ends and begins again within the same calendar year, the statutory rules generally require you to return to your most recent insurer.
Submit the application to one insurer only. An application filed with several insurers does not provide multiple coverage. The first valid submission determines the responsible insurer under the rules described by VšZP’s insurance-registration guidance.
Before choosing, compare practical matters rather than introductory bonuses alone:
- whether your preferred general practitioner, specialists and nearby facilities have contracts with the insurer;
- the insurer’s branch and online-service options;
- communication channels and available languages;
- how the insurer handles electronic cards, applications and reimbursements.
Prepare the application and supporting documents
The exact evidence depends on why your insurance arose. Insurers must verify the legal basis before confirming your application, so request a case-specific document list when your situation involves work in several countries, family-member status or a recent end to foreign insurance.
Basic application file
- the chosen insurer’s application for the start of public health insurance;
- a passport, identity card or other identification document requested on the form;
- your Slovak residence document, if relevant to the basis of insurance;
- your Slovak and foreign addresses, including a reliable correspondence address;
- evidence showing the date and reason your Slovak insurance arose;
- contact details and any Slovak personal identification number already assigned to you.
The application forms request identifying information such as name, date of birth, nationality, document number and address. Use the spelling shown on your official documents.
Evidence of why you are insured
| Reason for entering the system | Evidence commonly relevant |
|---|---|
| Qualifying employment in Slovakia | Employment contract or employer confirmation showing the employment and its start date |
| Self-employment in Slovakia | Documents establishing the Slovak activity and any residence evidence required for your category |
| Obtaining Slovak permanent residence | Permanent residence document and evidence addressing any continuing insurance or economic activity abroad |
| Return from foreign insurance | Evidence that the foreign insurance, employment, self-employment or qualifying stay ended |
| Qualifying study status | School confirmation and, where applicable, evidence that the study is covered by an international agreement |
| Child or represented person | Birth certificate or another document proving the representative’s authority and the child’s eligibility |
These are categories rather than a universal list. VšZP, for example, states that applications based on the start of insurance must include copies of documents proving the relevant circumstances, such as an employment or school confirmation. Ask your chosen insurer whether foreign documents require translation or additional authentication.
Submit the application within eight days
Under the Health Insurance Act, an insured person must apply within eight days from the event that created public health insurance. The starting event is not necessarily the day you moved into your apartment. It may instead be the start of qualifying employment, acquisition of permanent residence or another legally relevant event.
- Identify the correct start date. Match it to the document proving why your insurance arose.
- Select one insurer. Use the insurer’s application specifically intended for the start of public insurance, not merely a form for changing insurers.
- Complete all identification, address and payer sections. Ask your employer which employer details belong on the form if you are registering through employment.
- Attach supporting evidence. Keep complete copies of everything submitted.
- Submit through an accepted channel. Applications may be delivered at an insurer’s workplace, by post or electronically, subject to identification and signature requirements.
- Keep proof of submission. Retain a stamped copy, postal tracking record or electronic confirmation showing the date.
For a non-personal submission, additional identity verification is important. The official guidance states that an application not submitted personally at an insurer’s workplace must generally include a copy of the identification document named in the application, or carry a qualified electronic signature or officially certified signature. A representative also needs proof of authority.
Insurer-specific channels differ. VšZP provides a dedicated online process for foreigners employed in Slovakia, while DÔVERA publishes online and downloadable applications. Union provides public-insurance information for foreigners separately from its commercial products. Check the current instructions on your selected insurer’s website before sending sensitive documents.
Wait for confirmation and resolve requests promptly
The insurer checks the application and verifies the insurance relationship with the Health Care Surveillance Authority. Submission alone does not mean that every document has been accepted.
Monitor the email address, telephone number and correspondence address supplied on the form. If the insurer requests missing evidence or clarification, respond promptly and keep a record of the reply.
Filing late does not by itself move the legal start of insurance to a later date: VšZP’s explanation of the statutory process says that, once confirmed, the insurer is responsible from the date of the event that created insurance. Nevertheless, the eight-day filing duty still applies, so do not delay registration.
Receive and check your insurance card
After the application has been verified and confirmed, the insurer issues proof of insurance. Delivery and digital-card arrangements vary by insurer, so confirm whether the physical card will be posted, collected or supplemented by a mobile application.
When you receive the card or electronic record, check:
- your name and date of birth;
- your personal identification number, if shown;
- the correct insurance company;
- the start or validity information;
- whether your correspondence address is correct in the insurer’s records.
Report an error immediately. Until the card arrives, ask the insurer what confirmation you can present to a healthcare provider. When arranging care, you can also consult LovinSK’s guides to essential Slovak for a doctor’s visit and pharmacies and over-the-counter medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer register me instead?
An employer has its own reporting duties, but you should not assume that these replace your application as the insured person. Confirm who will prepare and submit each document, sign the application where required and obtain your own proof of filing.
Is a temporary residence permit enough to enter public insurance?
Not by itself. A temporary residence permit and public health insurance are separate legal matters. You need a qualifying basis under the health-insurance rules, such as eligible employment or self-employment. People outside the public system may require commercial coverage instead.
Can I change insurer immediately after registering?
Do not confuse initial registration with the annual process for changing insurers. When insurance first arises, you choose an insurer for that relationship. Later changes follow separate statutory deadlines and effective-date rules.
What should I do if I am still insured abroad?
Ask the Slovak insurer to assess your case before declaring a start date. EU coordination rules generally prevent simultaneous compulsory coverage in multiple member states for the same situation. Documents confirming where you work and where your foreign coverage ended may be required.
