With the arrival of the rainy season and the decrease in outdoor activities, Czech health insurance companies are encouraging physical fitness by offering financial support for physical and sports activities. These contributions are aimed at individuals of all ages and are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle while helping families access sports facilities.

The General Health Insurance Company (VZP) provides a one-time contribution of 500 Czech koruna for adults aged 18-65 for long-term physical and sports activities. This contribution can be used for gym and swimming pool subscriptions, membership fees, or courses. Seniors can also receive the same amount, and parents can claim 500 Czech koruna for infant swimming and bathing for children up to one year old. Additionally, parents can receive 1,000 Czech koruna for organized sports activities for children between the ages of one and eighteen, including gym memberships for teenagers aged 15-18.

According to VZP spokesperson Viktorie Plívová, these contributions are immensely popular, with around 180,000 parents applying for them last year, resulting in a payout of 140 million Czech koruna in contributions. This year, the number of applications for children’s physical activity contributions has increased by a third in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

Occupational Health Insurance (OZP) similarly offers contributions for sports activities, which have been highly sought after. However, this year’s high demand led to the budget being depleted by June, despite a budget increase of approximately six million Czech koruna compared to 2022. The program is set to reopen in January.

The Military Health Insurance of the Czech Republic (VOZP) provides parents with up to 1,000 Czech koruna per year for their children’s activities up to the age of eighteen. This covers a wide range of sports and youth activities, including swimming, athletics, soccer, gymnastics, martial arts, dance, and more. Adults can also receive contributions for swimming and regular physical and recreational activities.

The Czech Industrial Health Insurance Company (ČPZP) offers various contributions depending on age and activity type. Individuals under eighteen can receive 1,500 Czech koruna, while adults can access contributions for organized swimming courses, sports clubs, protective helmets, ski training, sports check-ups, and more. Adult policyholders who are blood and bone marrow donors can receive additional amounts, allowing them to accumulate up to 8,200 Czech koruna for sports activities.

These contributions are part of a broader effort by Czech health insurance companies to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among their policyholders. They aim to make sports and fitness more accessible to individuals and families, especially during seasons when outdoor activities may be limited.

Article by Prague Forum