In-depth Analysis of Czech Systems of Sickness and Health Insurance

The paper examines the sickness and health insurance systems in the Czech Republic. The aim of the paper is to highlight and discuss the main features of these systems. The sickness insurance system was significantly reformed in 2009, when employers started to be involved in the system and began paying wage compensation in the first 14 calendar days of an employee's sickness. This led to a decrease of the average percentage of temporary incapacity for work; however, the average length of sickness grows. The structure of sickness insurance benefits has changed over the years as the ratio of sickness benefit decreases. The study further examines the revenues and expenses of the sickness insurance system, their values usually resulting in a surplus. The health system in the Czech Republic is described with emphasis on financing. The expenses on health as % of GDP are on a low level when compared to EU countries, reaching approximately 7 %. The Czech Republic is one of the leading countries in terms of utilizing public sources. In 2013, the ratio of public sources reached 85 % of all sources, from which the main part represents the collection of premium by the health insurance companies.