Spa on Insurance 2026: Complete Guide to Getting an Insurance-Covered Spa Stay

Spa treatment is amongst the most effective forms of rehabilitation and prevention for a wide range of chronic conditions. The Czech Republic holds an exceptional position in Europe in this regard — the public health insurance system enables patients to receive insurance-covered spa stays either completely free or largely subsidised. However, many people miss out on this opportunity because they don’t know the exact procedure, conditions, or their rights. In this article, we bring you a current and comprehensive guide to spa on insurance for 2026, including practical steps you must take to secure a spa place.

We’ll focus primarily on spa care in Luhačovice — the specialist spa town for treating respiratory conditions in the Czech Republic, which helps thousands of patients annually thanks to its natural healing springs and favourable climate.

Types of Spa Care Covered by Health Insurance

The Czech health insurance system distinguishes between two basic types of spa treatment and rehabilitation care, which differ significantly in the extent of coverage and conditions of use. Understanding the differences between them is the first step to successfully obtaining a spa stay.

Comprehensive Spa Care (KLP)

Comprehensive spa care represents the most extensive form of spa treatment, where the health insurance company covers practically all costs associated with the stay. Specifically, the insurance covers:

• Medical examinations — initial, ongoing, and final examinations by the spa doctor
• Prescribed treatments — inhalations, baths, wraps, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, and others according to individual treatment plans
• Accommodation — in a standard twin room (category Standard A or B according to the insurance contract)
• Meals — full board according to the spa dietary system (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

The length of comprehensive spa care is 21 or 28 days depending on the specific diagnosis and indication list. For some serious conditions, the stay may be extended. KLP is indicated for conditions where spa treatment is a necessary part of the therapeutic process and where substantial improvement in health can be expected.

Important information is that comprehensive spa care is considered sick leave — employers are obliged to release you for the duration of your stay, and during spa treatment you receive wage compensation or sickness benefits.

Contributory Spa Care (PLP)

With contributory spa care, the health insurance company only covers the costs of treatment, i.e., medical examinations and prescribed procedures. Patients pay for accommodation and meals themselves. Contributory care has several specific characteristics:

• Stay length is usually 21 days, shorter for some diagnoses
• Patients take the stay during their holidays — it’s not considered sick leave
• The proposal is valid for 6 months from the date of issue by the recommending doctor
• Patients choose their own dates and type of accommodation, thus having greater flexibility
• Financial costs for accommodation and meals vary according to the chosen facility, room category, and season

Contributory spa care is usually indicated for less serious conditions or as a continuation after previous comprehensive care, or for diagnoses where the indication list doesn’t establish entitlement to comprehensive care.

Comparison of Both Types of Spa Care

Parameter	Comprehensive Spa Care (KLP)	Contributory Spa Care (PLP)
Treatment coverage	Fully covered by insurance	Fully covered by insurance
Accommodation	Covered by insurance (standard)	Patient pays
Meals	Covered by insurance (full board)	Patient pays
Stay length	21 or 28 days	Usually 21 days
Sick leave	Yes	No (holiday)
Proposal validity	1-3 months depending on urgency	6 months

Indication List for Spas 2026: Which Diagnoses Qualify for Spa Care

Whether you’re entitled to an insurance-covered spa stay is determined by the so-called indication list. This is Appendix 5 to Act No. 48/1997 Coll. on public health insurance, which is further elaborated by Decree No. 2/2015 Coll. as amended — most recently by Decree No. 586/2025 Coll. effective from January 2026.

The indication list distinguishes 11 indication groups (types of conditions) that can be treated in spas. For each diagnosis, it precisely specifies whether the patient is entitled to comprehensive or contributory care, the length of stay, whether and how often the stay can be repeated, and which spas treat the given diagnosis.

Respiratory System Diseases (Indication Group V)

Treatment of respiratory conditions is the main specialisation of Luhačovice spa. Among diagnoses that qualify for insurance-covered spa care are particularly:

• Bronchial asthma — chronic asthma, asthma with allergic component. For more severe forms, comprehensive care for 28 days is indicated.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — chronic obstructive bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema. Comprehensive care for 21-28 days.
• Chronic bronchitis — recurrent bronchial inflammation, chronic cough with expectoration.
• Bronchiectasis — bronchial dilation with chronic infection.
• Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis — chronic allergic inflammation of nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses.
• Voice and speech disorders — occupational vocal cord disorders, chronic laryngitis, post-operative states in the larynx area.
• Post-operative states of lungs and airways — post-operative rehabilitation.
• Cystic fibrosis — congenital disease affecting respiratory and digestive systems.

Luhačovice is ideal for treating respiratory conditions due to the combination of natural healing springs rich in mineral salts (especially Vincentka spring), clean air in the foothills of the White Carpathians, and a modern inhalation centre.

Digestive System Diseases (Indication Group IV)

The second significant group of diagnoses treated in Luhačovice are digestive tract conditions:

• Peptic ulcer disease of stomach and duodenum — functional and organic stomach diseases.
• Chronic inflammation of stomach and intestines — gastritis, duodenitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.
• Post-operative states of the digestive system — after gastric resection, intestinal, gallbladder operations, etc.
• Liver and bile duct diseases — chronic hepatitis, post-jaundice states, gallbladder function disorders.
• Chronic pancreatic diseases — chronic pancreatitis.
• Functional digestive disorders — irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.

Vincentka mineral water, thanks to its composition — containing sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and other ions — is used in drinking cures precisely for digestive system diseases. It helps dissolve mucus in the stomach and intestines and has a beneficial effect on digestive processes.

Metabolic Disorders and Endocrine Gland Diseases (Indication Group III)

The third important indication group for Luhačovice are metabolic diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus — type 1 and 2 diabetes, especially with emerging complications. The goal of spa treatment is to improve diabetes compensation, reduce glycated haemoglobin, cholesterol, and fat levels.
• Metabolic syndrome — combination of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia.
• Obesity — severe obesity with associated health complications (BMI over 40, or over 35 with comorbidities).
• Gout (arthritis urica) — uric acid metabolism disorder.
• Thyroid disorders — some forms of thyroiditis and thyroid function disorders.

Luhačovice spa treatment for metabolic diseases combines diet therapy, physical activity, mineral water drinking cures, and patient education. The main goal for diabetics is diabetes compensation, slowing the onset of complications, reducing elevated cholesterol levels, and body weight reduction.

Other Indication Groups Treated in Luhačovice

Besides the three main groups mentioned above, Luhačovice also treats:

• Oncological diseases — rehabilitation after oncological treatment
• Cardiovascular diseases — post-myocardial infarction states, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease
• Nervous system diseases — post-stroke states, polyneuropathy
• Musculoskeletal diseases — chronic degenerative and inflammatory joint and spine diseases

Step by Step: How to Obtain an Insurance-Covered Spa Stay

The process of obtaining an insurance-covered spa stay follows a clear procedure. The following guide will help you navigate the entire process without unnecessary complications.

Step 1: Visit Your GP

The first step is visiting your registered GP. Describe your health problems and ask whether your diagnosis falls under the spa care indication list. Your GP will assess your overall health and decide whether spa treatment is appropriate in your case.

If your GP considers spa care justified, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist, whose recommendation is mandatory for most diagnoses.

Step 2: Specialist Examination

For patients over 18, spa care must (with exceptions for some specific indications) always be recommended by a specialist doctor in the relevant field. Depending on the type of condition, this could be:

• Pulmonologist — for respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis)
• Allergologist — for allergic respiratory diseases
• Gastroenterologist — for digestive system diseases
• Diabetologist or endocrinologist — for metabolic diseases and diabetes
• ENT specialist — for voice disorders and upper respiratory tract diseases

The specialist will confirm the diagnosis, assess the indication for spa care, and issue a written recommendation, which is a necessary attachment to the proposal.

Step 3: Issuing the Spa Care Proposal

Based on the specialist’s recommendation, the proposal for spa treatment and rehabilitation care will be issued by either your GP, the specialist directly, or the attending physician during hospitalisation. Since September 2025, a simplified one-page A4 form has been used.

The proposal includes:

• Your personal and insurance details
• Diagnosis according to ICD (International Classification of Diseases)
• Specialist’s recommendation
• Type of proposed care (comprehensive or contributory)
• Name of spa facility — if you have a specific spa chosen, include it in the proposal (for example “Lázně Luhačovice, a.s.”)

Important: For patients over 70, examination by an internist or geriatrician with a clear statement on ability to undergo spa treatment is required. For patients over 40, ECG examination is required.

Step 4: Health Insurance Approval

The completed proposal is sent by the doctor to your health insurance company. The insurance company assesses whether all indication list conditions are met and either approves or rejects the proposal. The insurance company has a statutory deadline:

• Within 15 days a response should be issued in routine cases
• No later than 30 days a decision must be issued
• In complex cases the deadline can be extended to 60 days

If the insurance company rejects the proposal, it must justify its decision. You have the right to appeal against rejection.

Step 5: Date Assignment and Spa Admission

After approval of the proposal for comprehensive spa care, the insurance company usually sends the approved proposal directly to the spa facility. The spa registers the proposal and contacts you with a date offer.

Admission dates differ according to urgency category:

• Category I urgency — admission within 1 month of proposal approval. This applies to acute conditions, post-operative states, and cases where treatment is urgent.
• Category II urgency — admission within 3 months of proposal approval. This applies to most chronic conditions.

For contributory spa care, you receive the approved proposal back and contact the spa facility yourself to arrange dates. Proposal validity is 6 months.

Step 6: Preparing for Your Stay

Before admission to the spa, prepare:

• Approved spa care proposal (if not sent directly to the spa)
• Health insurance card
• Identity card
• Current medical reports and examination results
• List of medications used
• Sick leave certificate (for KLP, issued by your doctor)

Waiting Times and Required Documents

The entire process from first doctor visit to spa admission can take varying lengths depending on the urgency of your condition and spa facility capacity.

Indicative Timeline

Phase	Indicative Duration
GP visit and referral to specialist	1-2 weeks
Specialist examination	2-6 weeks (depending on specialist waiting times)
Issuing and sending proposal to insurance	1-2 weeks
Insurance approval	15-30 days (exceptionally 60 days)
Date assignment (KLP Category I)	Within 1 month
Date assignment (KLP Category II)	Within 3 months

Overall, expect approximately 2 to 5 months from the first doctor consultation to actual spa admission. If you’re interested in a specific season (e.g., summer), we recommend starting the process with sufficient advance notice.

Complete List of Required Documents

• Specialist recommendation from the relevant field
• ECG examination (for persons over 40, not older than 3 months)
• Internist or geriatrician examination (for persons over 70)
• Completed “Proposal for spa treatment and rehabilitation care” form
• Health insurance card
• Current medical record extract
• Relevant specialist findings (X-ray, spirometry, laboratory, etc.)

What Insurance Covers and What You Pay Yourself

The financial aspect of spa stays is one of patients’ most frequent questions. We provide a detailed overview of what you can expect.

For Comprehensive Spa Care

Insurance covers almost everything, but there are still costs borne by the patient:

• Regulatory fee for date reservation — in Luhačovice this amounts to 3,000 CZK per person from 1 March to 31 October 2026. In off-season (November–February) it’s usually lower or not charged.
• Local tourist tax — 50 CZK per person per day, according to Luhačovice town ordinance. Exempt are blind persons, holders of ZTP/P cards and their guides, and persons under 18.
• Surcharge for superior room — insurance covers accommodation in a standard twin room. If you want a single room, higher category room, or room with balcony, you pay the price difference. Surcharge amount depends on room category and dates.
• Fee for specific room — if you want to choose a specific room number, it can be reserved for a fee (typically 1,000 CZK in Luhačovice).
• Non-standard procedures — procedures not part of the treatment plan that you wish to have additionally are paid by you.

For Contributory Spa Care

Insurance only covers treatment (examinations and procedures). Patients pay for:

• Accommodation — price depends on chosen facility, room category, and season. In Luhačovice, prices per night range from hundreds of crowns for basic rooms to higher amounts for superior accommodation.
• Meals — full board, half board, or individual dining according to your choice.
• Local tourist tax — same as for KLP.

Financial expenses for contributory patients can therefore vary significantly, depending on treatment stay length, accommodation quality, and season. In high season (June–September), prices are traditionally higher than in off-season.

Why Choose Luhačovice: Specialist Spa Town for Respiratory Conditions

Luhačovice holds a completely exceptional position in Czech spa culture. It is the largest spa town in Moravia and has a unique combination of natural healing sources, making it an ideal place especially for treating respiratory diseases, digestive system conditions, and metabolic disorders.

Natural Healing Springs

Luhačovice boasts several natural mineral springs, the most significant being the renowned Vincentka. This is a natural healing mineral water of residual marine origin that springs in the town centre in the middle of the spa colonnade. Vincentka is hypotonic, moderately mineralised water with increased content of lithium, barium, fluorides, and boric acid.

Vincentka’s composition includes ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and iron. Thanks to this unique composition and high carbonation, it ranks among the most effective healing springs in Europe.

Vincentka is used particularly for:

• Inhalation cures — helps dissolve mucus in airways, moisturises mucous membranes, and facilitates expectoration
• Drinking cures — beneficially influences digestive processes, helps with stomach, intestinal, and metabolic disorders
• Nasal irrigation and gargling — for upper respiratory tract and sinus diseases

Besides Vincentka, other healing springs flow in Luhačovice — Aloiska, Ottovka, Dr. Šťastný spring, and others, each with slightly different composition and therapeutic effects.

Favourable Climatic Conditions

Luhačovice lies in a protected valley in the northwestern foothills of the White Carpathians at 256 metres above sea level. The town is surrounded by extensive forest complexes that ensure clean, humid, and stable air with minimal allergen and dust particle content. This climatic environment alone contributes to respiratory disease treatment and is why Luhačovice was chosen as a specialist spa town for respiratory conditions.

Modern Treatment Facilities

Lázně Luhačovice has a modern inhalation centre where individual and group inhalations with mineral water are performed. It also offers a wide range of procedures including:

• Inhalations and gas injections
• Mineral and carbon dioxide baths
• Paraffin wraps
• Electrotherapy and magnetotherapy
• Individual and group physiotherapy
• Respiratory rehabilitation
• Diet therapy and educational programmes (especially for diabetics)
• Climatotherapy — guided nature walks

Tradition and Experience

Luhačovice’s spa tradition dates back to the 17th century, and over that time unrivalled experience has been accumulated in treating respiratory and other conditions. Thousands of patients annually experience significant improvement in their health condition, reduced frequency and severity of breathlessness attacks, reduced medication use, and overall improved quality of life.

Hotel Vincent: Comfortable Luhačovice Accommodation for Families and Discerning Guests

If you’re facing an insurance-covered spa stay in Luhačovice, you’ll probably be accommodated in one of the spa houses assigned by the insurance company. Standard accommodation as part of comprehensive spa care is functional and clean but may not always meet your comfort expectations — especially if you’re used to higher standards or if family members are travelling with you.

For precisely these situations, Hotel Vincent Luhačovice offers pleasant accommodation in a quiet part of town, not far from the centre and spa colonnade.

Who Is Hotel Vincent the Ideal Choice For

• Accompanying family members — spouse, children, or other relatives who want to visit you in the spa or accompany you throughout your stay. There’s no room for them in the spa facility, but Hotel Vincent provides comfortable accommodation within walking distance.
• Patients with contributory spa care — if you have approved contributory care and are looking for quality, affordable accommodation in Luhačovice, Hotel Vincent offers excellent value for money.
• Guests wanting higher comfort — if standard spa accommodation doesn’t suit you and you want to make your stay more pleasant, you can use accommodation at Hotel Vincent and walk to the spa facility for procedures.
• Families with children — the hotel has spacious loft apartments for groups and families up to 6 people, a children’s club, and garden where children can play.

What Hotel Vincent Offers

Hotel Vincent is a cosy three-star hotel with 13 comfortable rooms in a quiet part of Luhačovice near the Radostova sports hall. Guests can enjoy:

• Single, double, and multi-bed rooms
• Spacious loft apartments for families and groups
• Infrared sauna for relaxation
• Spacious outdoor terrace and seating in the shade of mature trees
• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Free secure parking
• Bicycle rental
• Shared kitchenette for preparing light meals

The hotel is popular for its location within walking distance of the centre, cleanliness, modern equipment, and friendly staff approach. More information and current rates can be found at vincentluhacovice.cz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is entitled to spa on insurance?

Every person insured under Czech public health insurance whose diagnosis is listed in the indication list (Appendix 5 to Act No. 48/1997 Coll.) and whose health condition meets the established professional criteria is entitled to insurance-covered spa care. The specific entitlement is decided by the attending physician and subsequently by the health insurance company based on the submitted proposal.

How often can I go to spa on insurance?

The frequency of spa care repetition depends on the specific diagnosis and is specified in the indication list. For most chronic conditions, spa care can be repeated once every 1-2 years. For some serious conditions (e.g., post-operative states), the interval may be shorter. Your attending physician will provide precise information.

Can I choose which spa I go to?

Yes, you can choose a specific spa facility, but it must meet two conditions: it must have indication specialisation corresponding to your diagnosis and must have a valid contract with your health insurance company. The chosen spa name is entered directly in the spa care proposal. If you wish treatment in Luhačovice, enter “Lázně Luhačovice, a.s.” in the proposal.

What if the insurance company rejects the proposal?

If the insurance company rejects the proposal, you’ll receive a written decision with justification. You have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals are submitted to your health insurance company within the deadline stated in the decision. We recommend consulting with your doctor whether an appeal is meaningful and whether additional medical documentation can be provided that might reverse the decision.

Must I stay in the spa for the full 21 or 28 days?

For comprehensive spa care, the specified stay length is mandatory and its compliance is a condition for insurance coverage. Early termination is only possible for serious health reasons or at your own request, but in such cases the insurance company may require return of a proportional part of the coverage. For contributory care, the situation is more flexible.

Can I have an accompanist in the spa?

For children under 6, accompaniment by a legal guardian is automatically covered by insurance. For adult patients, insurance doesn’t cover accompaniment. If a family member wants to stay with you in Luhačovice, they can use accommodation in one of the local hotels or guesthouses — for example at Hotel Vincent, which offers comfortable accommodation in a quiet part of town.

What should I take to the spa?

Besides the documents mentioned above, bring comfortable clothing for exercise and walks, swimwear (if water therapy procedures are indicated), comfortable walking shoes, personal hygiene items, and possibly books or other leisure items. The spa provides bed linen and towels.

Is there any regulatory fee charged in spas?

The regulatory fee for spa care of 100 CZK per day was abolished in 2008. However, spa facilities may charge a fee for date reservation (up to 3,000 CZK in Luhačovice during high season) and patients pay a local tourist tax to the town (50 CZK per day in Luhačovice). Some categories of people are exempt from local tax (children under 18, holders of ZTP/P cards).

Can my GP write a spa proposal alone, without a specialist?

For adult patients (over 18), specialist recommendation is required for the vast majority of diagnoses. Although the GP completes and sends the proposal, without specialist recommendation the insurance company will probably not approve it. Exceptions are some specific indications where GP recommendation suffices — specific cases are determined by decree.

Does insurance-covered spa care apply to children too?

Yes, children and adolescents are also entitled to insurance-covered spa care, often under even more favourable conditions. The indication list contains a special section devoted to paediatric patients. Luhačovice is a popular destination for spa treatment of children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, recurrent respiratory tract inflammation, and atopic eczema. For children under 6, insurance also covers the stay of an accompanying person.

How long does it take to get into the spa?

From first doctor visit to actual spa admission usually takes 2 to 5 months. The longest waiting is usually for specialist examination and spa facility date assignment. In high season (summer), spas are busier, so if you want a specific period, start the process with sufficient advance notice — ideally 4 to 6 months ahead.

Summary: How to Get Insurance-Covered Spa Stay in 2026

Insurance-covered spa treatment is a valuable benefit of the Czech healthcare system that can significantly improve your health and quality of life. To utilise it, you must follow the established procedure:

1. Visit your GP and discuss your health problems
2. Have an examination with a specialist doctor in the relevant field
3. Get a spa care proposal issued — state your preferred spa facility
4. Wait for insurance approval (15-30 days)
5. Arrange dates with the spa facility and prepare required documents
6. Complete your spa stay and follow the treatment regimen

If you suffer from respiratory diseases, digestive system conditions, or metabolic disorders, Luhačovice is the ideal choice for you. The combination of unique natural healing springs, favourable climate, and professional care makes this Moravian spa town one of the best places for treating these conditions in the entire Czech Republic.

And if your family is also heading to Luhačovice with you, or if you’re looking for more comfortable accommodation than standard spa rooms offer, Hotel Vincent will provide pleasant accommodation in a quiet part of town, just a few minutes’ walk from the spa centre.