From January 2026, self-employed persons (OSVČ) in Czechia will face an increase in health insurance contributions. It’s essential to understand the new minimum payments to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Minimum Health Insurance Prepayment in 2026
Starting January 1st, 2026, the minimum health insurance monthly prepayment for self-employed persons will be:
👉 CZK 3,306 per month
(previously CZK 3,143 in 2025)
This increase is based on the minimum wage growth, which is used as the base for calculating health insurance minimums. In 2026, the minimum wage will rise to CZK 22,400, which influences the 13.5% contribution rate for health insurance.
Who Has to Pay the Minimum?
✅ Freelancers with main self-employment (hlavní činnost)
must pay this minimum amount regardless of their actual income, unless their real calculated contribution based on their annual report would be higher.
❌ Freelancers with side self-employment (vedlejší činnost)
are not required to pay the minimum unless their actual income requires higher payments.
Side activity includes:
Being employed full-time
Receiving parental leave
Being a student under 26
Receiving a pension
When Do You Start Paying the New Minimum?
The new amount applies from your January 2026 prepayment, which is paid by February 8th, 2026.
If you’re just starting your business in 2026, your first monthly payment will also follow the new minimum.
What If You Earn More?
If your annual insurance report shows higher income = your monthly calculated prepayments are higher than the above mentioned minimum, your contributions stay as calculated in your annual report. The next adjustment for you will take place based on the annual report for 2025 submitted in 2026.
Want to keep track of all important payments and deadlines?
Download the Czech Freelancer Starter Kit – a complete guide that includes:
✅ How to register your business
✅ Where to report (health insurance, social, trade license)
✅ Monthly/quarterly/yearly checklist
✅ BONUS: Invoice and income tracker template (Excel)
✅ Comparison of standard vs flat tax for 5 different income levels