Emergency Numbers, Ambulance and After-Hours Doctors (Pohotovost) in Czechia: A Guide for Foreigners
Updated: 14 November 2026
Save this page now: under stress it is hard to remember a number, let alone explain in Czech what happened. Here is who to call, what to say and where to go if you need a doctor at night or at the weekend.
- 112 — the European emergency number, always available, and you can speak English.
- 155 — ambulance, 150 — fire brigade, 158 — police, 156 — municipal police. Calls are free.
- Pohotovost — the after-hours doctor in the evening, at night and at weekends; CZK 90 fee with public insurance.
- Life-threatening emergencies are always treated, whatever your insurance.
- Bring your passport or residence card and your insurance card.
Who to call
- 155 — ambulance (záchranná služba): loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke.
- 112 — if you are not sure whom to call, do not speak Czech or need several services at once.
- 158 — police: theft, assault, a traffic accident with injuries.
- 150 — fire brigade: fire, gas leak, a person trapped.
- 156 — municipal police: public order, illegal parking, noise.
Install the Záchranka app: when you call through it, it sends your location to the dispatcher.
What to tell the dispatcher
- What happened and how many people are hurt.
- The exact address: town, street, house number, entrance, floor. Outside towns, landmarks.
- Your phone number.
- Do not hang up first — the dispatcher may give instructions until help arrives.
Useful phrases: Potřebuji záchranku (I need an ambulance), Nedýchá (not breathing), Je v bezvědomí (unconscious), Moje adresa je… (my address is…).
Pohotovost: a doctor in the evening and at weekends
- Lékařská pohotovostní služba — on-call doctors for adults and, separately, for children, usually at hospitals. Go there if it is not life-threatening but cannot wait until morning: high fever, sharp pain, an injury without heavy bleeding.
- Zubní pohotovost — the on-call dentist for acute toothache.
- Fee: CZK 90 for people in public health insurance. If the doctor admits you to hospital, the fee is not charged.
- Urgentní příjem (hospital emergency department) — for serious conditions.
- Larger towns have night pharmacies (pohotovostní lékárna).
Foreigners and insurance
- Public insurance (permanent residence, a job at a Czech company, temporary protection) — the same rules as for Czechs. More in our article VZP or PVZP.
- Commercial insurance — call the assistance number on your insurance card. The clinic may ask you to pay on the spot; keep the invoice and medical report for your insurer.
- Without insurance you still get emergency care, but you will have to pay the bill.
- Register yourself and your children with a GP in advance — many issues can be solved without pohotovost.
Poisoning
If you suspect poisoning (medicines, chemicals, mushrooms), the Toxicological Information Centre answers 24/7: +420 224 919 293 or +420 224 915 402. If the condition is serious, call 155 straight away.
We find a doctor and translate for you
We book appointments, accompany you and interpret at the doctor, and help with insurance and medical certificates.
Sources
- Portál veřejné správy — tísňové volání 112, 150, 155, 158
- VZP — regulační poplatek 90 Kč za pohotovost
- HZS ČR — jak volat na tísňovou linku
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.