Do you like shopping online? In that case, it is worth considering internet risk insurance. How does it work, what situations does it cover and who might find it worthwhile?
Protection against unauthorised use of your payment card
Entering your payment card details into various online payment gateways to pay for an order is common practice today. Besides trustworthy shops, however, there are also some that try to trick people into giving away their details. A problem can also arise when data is stolen or a system is hacked. And what should you do if money simply disappears from your card? If you do not have internet risk insurance, dealing with such a situation is very difficult. If you have taken out this service, you can receive not only financial compensation but also help in the form of IT assistance.
Help with problems when buying from e-shops
Internet risk insurance also helps when goods from an e-shop arrive damaged or your order does not arrive at all. In such a case, the maximum insurance limit is around 50,000 CZK (about 2,300 USD), but it depends on the specific terms of the insurer and the particular product you choose.
Did you know that internet risk insurance covers the whole world? It does not matter whether you are shopping from e-shops on holiday or an attack on your personal data comes from the other side of the world.
Protection against misuse of your data online
Your data can be misused online very easily. All it takes is a password that is too simple, not using two-factor authentication on social networks, outdated antivirus software and so on. Once something like this happens, sorting it out is very complicated if you do not know who to turn to. If your sensitive data is misused in this way and someone gains access to your internet banking, for example, you may be entitled to insurance cover of up to 100,000 CZK (about 4,600 USD). Again, this depends on the specific insurance policy. The contract may also include an excess, so find out in advance how much it is.
Help with damage to your online reputation
Another situation covered by internet risk insurance is help when your online reputation is damaged. If someone steals your data and damages your reputation, you will again receive help. Another area is online defamation, when someone keeps attacking you. With the insurance, you have legal and technical IT protection available.
This may include, for example, a situation where information is unlawfully published online, such as on your social media accounts. Defamation, insults or other problematic posts can be criminal offences and without insurance it may be difficult to prove that you were not the one responsible.
Tip: You never know what might happen. Read our article Personal emergency fund: How much should you save?
How much does internet risk insurance cost?
Because internet risk insurance is not yet one of the well-known insurance products, some insurers offer attractive discounts or let you use the service free of charge for one year. During this time, you can see how much you pay for things online, and the insurance may help you straight away if needed.
Internet risk insurance costs from roughly 25 CZK (about 1.1 USD) a month. You cannot buy much for that amount these days, but if you have problems with an online purchase, it can help you a lot. With ČSOB pojišťovna, you can take out internet risk insurance for individuals or as part of the Family package, where the insurance also covers other family members.
Besides internet risk insurance, also look at how to set up life insurance.
How do you report an insured event that happened online?
Many people have insurance but do not know exactly what to do when a problem occurs. Each insurer has its own special contact for reporting claims under internet risk insurance. This is typically a phone number and an email address. You will find this information in the insurance terms and conditions and in your insurance policy.
Which insurers offer internet risk insurance?
Internet risk insurance is offered, for example, by ČSOB pojišťovna and Poštovní spořitelna. Some banks offer an alternative to this insurance in the form of payment card insurance.
Tip: Also read our article: How to get professional liability insurance.
How do you cancel internet risk insurance?
If you feel you do not need internet risk insurance because everything is well secured, or you rarely shop online, the monthly fee for this service may seem unnecessary. Internet risk insurance can be cancelled in writing. In some cases, you can also do this in the online client portal.
The insurance also ends if you do not pay the premium, when the period for which it was taken out expires, or if the insured person dies.
USD amounts are approximate, converted at the Czech National Bank rate of 21.80 CZK per USD on 2 October 2026.