Slovak public health insurance policyholders can change their health insurance company once a year, the new contract commences always on the 1st of January the following year. There is free choice between the 3 insurance companies with no ties to profession, region or any other factor. Health insurance companies provide health care to the extent defined by law - in this they do not differ from each other in any way. They differ only in what benefits they offer - something that goes beyond public health insurance. 