Czech Health Care
Czech health care is provided by the State via payroll taxes and ‘medical insurance’. There are a number of insurers who are basically representing the Czech State as opposed to private insurers. Of course, there is also private medicine and that too is reasonable but out of the range of many Czechs. The quality of the Doctors is highly variable and surprisingly few speak English. Doctors here don’t get paid very much so perhaps that variability in quality is a result of poor salaries (and I mean poor salaries – I was told by a female Doctor here that she made more money as a Nanny in LA than she makes as a Doctor here….).
The problem with the system is that you have to show up at the GP’s office and wait….. wait, wait, wait, until its your turn. The GP invariably then refers you to a specialist and so you need a written referral and an appointment…. yes, wait again…. It can take months to get some medical condition diagnosed and treated. However, if I had an accident I would be rushed to hospital and treated – no fees, no requests for insurance. Far superior to the USA. Health care is a right NOT a benefit.
The hospitals are often in older buildings but they appear well maintained internally and reasonably well equipped. I did go to a private clinic for some work and it was pretty much the same to be honest as the state facilities except better coffee!
Overall, the health system here is fairly good. It just involves a degree of patience…..
