When you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your health insurance will cover therapy. In the Czech Republic, příspěvek zdravotní pojišťovny, finanční příspěvek od zdravotní pojišťovny na psychoterapeutické služby exists—but it’s not what most people think. It doesn’t mean free therapy. It doesn’t mean unlimited sessions. And it definitely doesn’t mean you can walk into any therapist’s office and get covered. This is about partial reimbursement under strict rules, and if you don’t know them, you’re paying more than you should—or worse, skipping help altogether.
Most people assume that if they have public health insurance, therapy is included. But the truth is, only a small group of therapists are officially contracted with health insurance companies, and even then, coverage is limited to specific diagnoses and treatment models. For example, krytí psychoterapie, finanční podpora zdravotní pojišťovny pro vybrané metody psychoterapie typically applies only to cognitive behavioral therapy (KBT), systemic therapy, or psychodynamic approaches—when prescribed by a psychiatrist. Gestalt, EMDR, or Imago therapy? Usually not covered. And even if your therapist is on the list, the state pays only a fraction of the actual cost. You’ll still pay hundreds or even thousands of crowns per session out of pocket. That’s why many people either give up or end up choosing private therapists who offer better quality—but no reimbursement.
It’s not just about the method. It’s about who you see. Only therapists with a state-recognized qualification and a contract with your specific insurance (like VZP, ČSZP, or OZP) can bill directly. Many excellent practitioners work privately because the reimbursement rates are so low they can’t afford to stay in the system. And even if you find a contracted therapist, you need a referral from a psychiatrist. No referral? No coverage. No diagnosis? No coverage. This system was designed for medical treatment, not emotional healing. It treats therapy like a pill prescription, not a process. That’s why so many people feel stuck—between a broken system and their real needs.
But here’s the good part: you’re not powerless. You can still get help, even without full coverage. Some insurance companies offer small subsidies for self-pay sessions if you submit receipts. Others have wellness programs that include mental health credits. And if you know what to ask for, you can often negotiate payment plans with private therapists. The key is knowing your rights, understanding what’s actually covered, and not letting the bureaucracy stop you from getting support.
In the posts below, you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions: Can I get reimbursed for online therapy? What if my therapist isn’t on the list? How much do I actually pay per session? Which diagnoses qualify? What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist in this system? You’ll also learn how to check your insurance’s official list of approved providers, how to appeal a denied claim, and why some therapists refuse to work with insurance at all—and what that means for you. This isn’t about paperwork. It’s about making sure you get the help you need without being crushed by cost.
Zjistěte, jak snížit cenu psychoterapie v ČR podle příjmu. Víte, že příspěvky z pojišťoven fungují jako sliding scale? Naučte se, jak je získat, kde hledat terapeuty a co dělat, když vám žádost zamítnou.
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