Insurance for a Slovak Residence Permit: Which One You Need and Where to Get It

When you apply for a residence permit, the foreign police require proof of health insurance. This is one of the documents that most often gets applicants turned away at the counter — not because they have no insurance, but because it is the wrong type. Here is which one you need and where to arrange it.

Two types of insurance and the difference between them

Public insurance (verejné zdravotné poistenie). This arises automatically if you work under an employment contract for a Slovak employer, run a živnosť, hold permanent residence or fall into certain protected categories. The state or your employer pays the contributions for you, and you get full access to the healthcare system.

Commercial insurance (komerčné zdravotné poistenie). This is for people who are not covered by public insurance: for example when applying for a first temporary residence permit, before any employment has started.

On the Slovak market there are essentially two companies offering insurance for foreigners tied to the purpose of residence — Union and AXA. The foreign police accept their policies for the purposes of temporary and permanent residence.

The main mistake people make when applying

An ordinary travel insurance policy is not good enough for residence purposes. The policy must be issued specifically as insurance for a foreigner tied to the purpose of residence, cover the entire period of residence you are applying for, and contain the wording the police expect. A one-month travel policy bought for a trip does not meet these conditions.

The second common mistake is a policy that runs for less time than the residence you are applying for. If you ask for two years of residence, a one-year policy will raise questions.

When public insurance is enough

If by the time you apply you are already working under an employment contract in Slovakia or running a živnosť, you are covered by public insurance, and a certificate from your insurance company serves as proof. In that case there is no need to take out a commercial policy.

People with temporary protection status (odídenec) are a separate case — they follow their own procedure, which differs from the general regime for foreigners.

What to check before buying a policy

  1. Purpose. The contract must state that the insurance is arranged for the purpose of residence on the territory of Slovakia.
  2. Duration. The policy must cover the entire period you are applying for.
  3. Coverage limit. For products aimed at foreigners this runs into tens of thousands of euros — check the exact amount in the contract.
  4. Waiting period (čakacia doba). With some products the first few weeks are covered only to a limited extent.
  5. Exclusions. Chronic conditions, pregnancy and dentistry are often excluded or limited.

What to do after you get your residence permit

As soon as you start a job or open a živnosť, public insurance will apply to you. At that point you can usually cancel the commercial policy and get back the unused part of the premium — but only if you ask for it yourself. Nobody will refund anything automatically.

Once public insurance applies to you, you must submit an application to the insurance company of your choice within the set deadline. You can pick any of the three: Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa, Dôvera or Union.

You can compare the terms and prices of policies for foreigners online: compare offers on Netfinancie.

Affiliate link: if you take out a policy, we receive a commission from the insurance company. This does not affect the price you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose any insurance company for public insurance?

Yes, all three operate under the same legal rules. They differ in service, apps and extra programmes, not in the scope of basic care.

Does a commercial policy cover childbirth?

Usually not, or only with substantial limits and a waiting period. This is one of the main reasons to read the exclusions carefully.

What if my policy expires while my residence permit is still valid?

You have to renew it yourself and in good time. Having no valid insurance is a breach of the conditions of your residence.

Does a child have to be insured as well?

Yes, every family member applying for residence must have their own proof of insurance.

See also

This information is for guidance only

This article describes the general rules in force in 2026 and is intended as orientation. The specific terms depend on the company you choose and on your situation, so read the conditions before signing a contract and consult a specialist if needed.

Still have questions? Write to us

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