Overview
The health care sector is very active in the Czech Republic; although, domestic manufacturers are increasingly competitive. Most medical devices used in the Czech Republic are imported. Germany dominates the market and is followed by the United States. Other countries with notable healthcare imports to the Czech Republic in specific categories include Japan, China, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. American products, particularly high-tech equipment, have a good reputation for quality.
The Czech healthcare system is predominantly financed by the public sector through mandatory insurance contributions, private expenditures amount only around three percent. In 2022, Czech insurance companies spent $20.04 billion (CZK434.2bln). Most costs were covered by mandatory healthcare insurance and other public sources.
The Czech Republic spends around 7.5 percent of its GDP on healthcare each year. The use of health services is among the highest in the OECD. This may be due to patients perceiving medical services as being “free of charge” although everyone must pay for insurance (according to the Czech Constitution, everyone is entitled to the best available care).
There are 156 acute care hospitals, 37 after care hospitals, and 35 long term care facilities in the Czech Republic, ten of which are faculty hospitals directly managed by the Ministry of Health. Czech hospitals and clinics are eager to adopt new technologies and quality products to keep their services current. In this respect, the Czech Republic offers excellent opportunities for medical device companies. Moreover, eHealth and telemedicine have been discussed widely in the Czech Republic. The Czech government is looking to obtain EU funds to help introduce eHealth throughout the country. The Vysocina and Karlovy Vary regions have already introduced small-scale eHealth projects and ePrescription and eSicknote have been adopted countrywide.
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for medical tourism. It is known for reasonably priced, high-quality treatments. Aesthetic medicine procedures, IVD treatments, obesity treatment and gynecological procedures are in high demand.
Czech Trade Data (US$, thousands)
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (Estimated) |
|
Total Exports |
841,079 |
990,116 |
1,052,047 |
1,100,000 |
|
Total Imports |
1,048,270 |
1,251,711 |
1,319,173 |
1, 350,000 |
|
Imports from the US |
188,622 |
230,354 |
254,219 |
285,000 |
Units: $ thousands
Source: Unofficial estimates (products including HS 9018, 9019, 9021, 9022), Czech Statistical Office
Leading Sub-Sectors
The best market opportunities exist for cutting-edge, high quality and technically sophisticated medical equipment, especially equipment that increases efficiency and reduces occupancy rates in hospitals. The following products have potential in the Czech market:
- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technologies
- Patient monitoring systems
- Telemedicine & eHealth
- Home-care equipment
Opportunities
Czech institutions are interested in partnering with U.S. companies, hospitals, and universities to create medical research partnerships.
The Czech Republic plans to use European Union Recovery and Resilience Funds to finance some healthcare projects, with particular attention to oncology and eHealth.
Resources
- Association of Hospitals in the Czech Republic
- CzechMed (Czech Medical Device Association)
- Czech Medical Chamber
- Institute of Health Information and Statistics
- Ministry of Health
- State Health Institute
U.S. Commercial Service Contact: Veronika.Novakova@trade.gov.