Preliminary Proceedings of the 69th International Academic Conference, Prague

FINANCING UNIVERSAL AND VOLUNTARY HEALTH CARE IN CZECHIA

JAN MERTL

Abstract:

The contribution will focus on relationships between universal and voluntary care and their financing in Czechia. Empirical examples from the public health insurance system will be utilized. The findings contribute to the broader debate on the coexistence of universalism and market elements in European healthcare systems. By examining the Czech case, the paper provides insight into how voluntary healthcare practices can enhance universal entitlements while preserving universal access to health care, and it highlights the need for transparent governance mechanisms to preserve equity while accommodating controlled forms of patient choice.

Keywords: healthcare, financing, health insurance

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2026.069.003

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