Why Liability Insurance for Healthcare Facilities is Mandatory in the Czech Republic

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 18655

Published:1/23/2026Updated:7/7/2026

Operating any healthcare facility entails specific risks. Medical care involves complex procedures where even minor errors can lead to personal injury. This is precisely why, in the Czech Republic, professional liability insurance for healthcare providers is mandatory under the Act on Healthcare Services. Ensuring the correct scope of coverage is not merely a formal obligation, but essential protection against significant financial impacts.

Key takeaways

Risk of Underinsurance: A limit of CZK 1–5 million is insufficient for most facilities; we recommend a professional review under Czech insurance standards.

Personal Liability: Statutory bodies are liable for ensuring the correct insurance coverage is set for the company under the Czech Business Corporations Act.

Exclusions: Pay close attention to informed consent requirements and the scope of authorization to provide medical services in the Czech Republic.

Processes: A correct response to an incident and timely reporting to the insurer is decisive for the payout of claims under Czech law.

Complexity: Insurance is not just about the premium price, but about ensuring legal certainty within the Czech legal system.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Article Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate scope of insurance coverage for a healthcare facility is a strategic decision. You must consider many factors, such as the medical field, legal form, number of external contractors, and actual risks. An error in this decision can jeopardize the very existence of your practice in the Czech Republic.

If you are unsure whether your healthcare facility is correctly insured, contact our Prague-based attorneys at consultation@arws.cz. We will be happy to assist you with a legal audit of your situation. ARROWS law firm is insured for damages up to CZK 400,000,000, which guarantees the security of our legal consultancy.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Legal Questions Regarding Healthcare Facility Liability Insurance

1. What is the minimum indemnity limit a healthcare facility must have?

The Czech Health Services Act does not set a specific numerical threshold; it only states the obligation to have insurance contracted to an extent corresponding to the risks of the services provided. Determining an "adequate" limit is therefore the responsibility of the provider.

2. What happens if an insured event occurs during a period when I have no insurance?

If you do not have valid insurance or it does not cover the given period according to the contract principles, you must cover all damages and litigation costs in Czech courts from your own resources. The insurer will not provide indemnity in such cases.

3. Can I choose whether to have insurance, or is it mandatory?

It is mandatory. Failure to maintain insurance is an administrative offense punishable by a fine of up to CZK 1,000,000 under Act No. 372/2011 Coll. (the Health Services Act).

4. What is the difference between claims-made and loss occurrence insurance, and which is better?

Loss occurrence covers damages occurring during the insurance period, which is often clearer for providers, while claims-made requires the claim to be filed during the insurance period. There is no single "better" option; it depends on the continuity of your practice and the specific contract terms.

5. Can I take out insurance with a very low price and a very low limit?

Technically yes, you will fulfill the statutory obligation, but in fact, you expose yourself to the risk that in the event of serious damage, the insurance will not cover the costs and you will pay the remainder yourself. This is a false saving.

6. What should a healthcare facility do if it receives a lawsuit from a patient?

Immediately inform the insurer and hand the matter over to your legal representative. Do not take any steps, such as acknowledging debt or apologizing with an admission of guilt, without consulting experts. Contact our Czech legal team at consultation@arws.cz.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

About the author

Mgr. Dita Zbožínková, LL.M.

Associate

Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 18655

Dita Zbožínková is an attorney at ARROWS, specializing primarily in healthcare law. She provides comprehensive legal support to her clients—primarily doctors, healthcare facilities, and outpatient providers—in all phases of their activities.

zbozinkova@arws.cz 245 007 742

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Disclaimer:

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and serves as a basic guide to the issue as of 2026. Although we strive for maximum accuracy, laws and their interpretation evolve over time. We are ARROWS Law Firm, a member of the Czech Bar Association (our supervisory authority), and for the maximum security of our clients, we are insured for professional liability with a limit of CZK 400,000,000. To verify the current wording of the regulations and their application to your specific situation, it is necessary to contact ARROWS Law Firm directly (consultation@arws.cz). We are not liable for any damages arising from the independent use of the information in this article without prior individual legal consultation.