Find a doctor — Vaše zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP a další)

Direct answer

GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with Vaše zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP a další) (952 222 222) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Krajský úřad — odbor zdravotnictví (mzcr.cz) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise (portal.gov.cz) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.

Call firstVaše zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP a další)

Report toKrajský úřad — odbor zdravotnictví

If that failsObecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise

🗣️ What to say

"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."

🪜 Step by step

Use the official finderKrajský úřad — odbor zdravotnictví lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
Ask the insurer: Vaše zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP a další)Many insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
Municipality: Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komiseLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.

📇 All contacts

Vaše zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP a další)Registration with a doctor, coverage, complaintsFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 952 222 222 🔗 www.vzp.cz

Krajský úřad — odbor zdravotnictvíInvestigates complaints about healthcare providersWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint🔗 www.mzcr.cz/stiznosti

Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komiseNuisances, roads, waste, registration, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 portal.gov.cz

Veřejný ochránce práv (ombudsman)Complaints about authorities, freeWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly📞 542 542 888 🔗 www.ochrance.cz

❓ Frequently asked

I am new to the country and not yet insured

Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.

Can a practice refuse me?

Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise or the equality body.

Can I see a specialist without a GP?

In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“find gp accepting new patients Czechia”
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