If I have read that which is on-line correctly as a US citizen entering the CZ Reublic I do not need a Visa if my stay is less than 90 days (and is as a tourist). I've seen some refernces indicating I may need proof of health insurance. Is that true? Is a regular insurance ID card enough? If it is not what is expected?

no to both questions.

There is always a chance the immigration official of ANY country may ask if you have sufficient funds for your stay. That's usually asked of some people from third world countries or young people that seem like they may just be existing on a $1 a day, but if you look like a normal tourist you will be waved through.

It's always a good idea to buy some travel medical insurance, especially if you have some medical problems or are an older traveler. It's not that expensive and it may give you a piece of mind. Most medical travel insurance will also cover medical airlift once you are stabilized and want to be in a US hospital. That part can get very expensive.

Your US based insurance card probably will not work but you can still call your insurance provider and ask if they cover out of country emergencies.

For a US citizen you can stay for 90 days with no visa.

As for health insurance - they just want to make sure you have coverge - and won't try to use their gov't system for free. I have never been asked to show an insurance card (though I am covered by my policy anywhere).

If US based- policies cover you usually depends on if it is an HMO or not. If not - they generay cover you anywhere. If it is an HMO they may be restrictive. Medicare does NOT cover you outside the US. You need to check with your carrier.

Every official Czech website (just Google for their embassy in your country) makes the position clear: non-EU/EEA citizens arriving at a Czech airport may be asked for proof of adequate health insurance.

This is different from most other EU countries, which are often concerned about ensuring arriving foreigners have adequate means of support and a ticket home, but rarely worry too much about health insurance. Czech border officials are instructedto be concerned about arriving foreigners' insurance- though I'e no idea whether they actually bother.

Go to the Czech embassy website for your country, which explains what you need to demonstrate to be allowed in

The ESSENTIAL thing is that you insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area AND THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THIS. If your insurance works only in your own country, you'll be refused admission if they check.

I've flown in Prague 3 times in the recent years and not once have been asked to produce proof of medical insurance. That said, as I already posted in my first post, if somebody has an ongoing medical problem or is an older person, a travel medical insurance should be considered.

Thanks - sound slike this is one of those policies that is rarely followed and when done it is targeted. That said though, I'll carry my ID card and if I can get a letter from my insurance company I'll carry that too. thanks

Well I always carry my insurance card anyway - since I want to have it if any problem arises. Usually providers in europe don;t take it-= you have to pay, then your insurance company reimburse you. If something serious happens and you need to be hospitalized, they may wait until after you get home (and can collect) for payment.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: The Czech Republic is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our fact sheet . . Visas are required for U.S. citizens for longer stays and in order to work in the Czech Republic. In such cases, it is recommended that travelers obtain a visa in advance of entering the Czech Republic. The Embassy of the Czech Republic’s web site at http://www.mzv.cz/washington provides for the most current visa information. The Czech Government requires travelers to the Czech Republic to have proof of finances to pay for their stay and proof of travel/health insurance. Minimum coverage of the insurance has to be at least $35,000.

According to the Czech Government, a health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the Republic. The health insurance requirement does not apply to those who have visas permitting them to work.

This is from the US State Dept site

The Czech Republic does have that official requirement about medical insurance. It was started a couple years ago. It says so on their Embassy website and as I was going there that year, I also talked to them in person to ask about it and what they want. They don't really know that well and couldn't explain it; as I told them my regular insurance did cover me abroad but I can't imagine that the passport control people are going to read every person's medical policy nor understand it. They also seemed surprised when I said my insurance card wouldn't really prove anything as they have no expiration dates on them and no coverage terms.

I just bought a travel insurance policy to be on the safe side for that trip as I wanted no problems. When I arrived, they never asked me to show anything. I do think it's a bureacratic rule that isn't very well-defined and probably used just to keep out people they don't want.