Czech Republic

Holidays by Destination Europe Czech Republic Health 

The country, like many in the old Eastern Bloc, suffers badly from pollution - an issue which is believed to affect the quality of not just the water but milk, meat and vegetables as well.

In addition there is air pollution affecting not just the regions of north Bohemia and industrial regions of north Moravia during the winter months (sulphur dioxide levels are reported to breach World Health Organisation safety levels on a regular basis). This used to be true of Prague as well, making it unsuitable for example for a child suffering from asthma. However, levels are now reported to have dropped.

The country has a reciprocal health arrangement covering free emergency medical care, with charges only for imported drugs and certain treatments. However, as usual, insurance is a better bet.

For lesser ailments a pharmacy (lekarna) may be able to help, though staff may not always be able to speak English.