Health insurance in Poland is a requirement for foreign citizens to enter and reside in the country. Without it, staying legally in Poland for an extended period is nearly impossible, as it is essential for obtaining a work or residence permit. Additionally, health insurance ensures access to medical services in case of illness or injury.
Types of Health Insurance in Poland
There are several types of health insurance in Poland, tailored to different statuses and needs: compulsory, voluntary, and private. But how do you choose the right option, what documents are needed for registration, what services are covered by each type, and what rights and obligations do the insured have? We answer these questions in this article.
Compulsory Health Insurance (NFZ)
Compulsory health insurance through the NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia or National Health Fund) is a state health insurance system that provides citizens and foreigners with access to most medical services. It is funded by contributions paid by employers, self-employed individuals, and the state budget.
Compulsory insurance covers most types of medical care, such as:
- Ambulance calls and emergency medical care
- Diagnostics and tests
- Specialist treatment
- Sick leave registration
- Inpatient treatment
- Pregnancy monitoring and childbirth
- Dentistry
The mandatory health insurance contribution is 9% of income. Additionally, some services may be partially or fully paid for, such as dental care, rehabilitation, or plastic surgery.
Those eligible for compulsory insurance include:
- Officially employed workers
- Entrepreneurs
- Unemployed persons officially registered with the employment service
- Family members of the insured (children and grandchildren up to 18 years old, up to 26 if studying, and indefinitely in cases of severe disability; spouses, parents, and grandparents if they share a household with the insured)
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students from EU or European Economic Area countries
- Refugees, as well as individuals granted additional or temporary protection in Poland
To obtain compulsory health insurance through the NFZ, registration with ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych, or Social Insurance Institute) is required. Employed persons are registered by their employer, entrepreneurs register independently, students register through their educational institution, and all others register through the social security authorities.
Medical treatment is available at any public medical institution and at private clinics with an NFZ agreement. Before visiting a private clinic, ensure that services can be accessed through the NFZ.
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NFZ Voluntary Health Insurance
NFZ voluntary health insurance provides an opportunity for individuals who are not eligible for compulsory insurance, or who cannot enroll in compulsory insurance, to access health services. Voluntary insurance with NFZ grants the same rights as compulsory insurance.
To apply, you must sign a contract with your regional NFZ office. The following documents are required:
- Application for a voluntary insurance contract (ZUA form)
- A copy of your passport or other identity document
- A copy of the document proving your reason for staying in Poland
The voluntary insurance contract becomes effective upon signing and remains valid until the end of the current month. To extend the contract, monthly premiums must be paid by the 15th day of each month. The premium amount for 2023 is 540 PLN per month, paid to the NFZ account using your PESEL or NIP number.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance in Poland is an additional option for those who want fast, high-quality medical services in private clinics and centers without waiting in queues or needing referrals. Private insurance allows you to choose doctors, specialties, appointment times, and locations, and offers discounts on medications and procedures. It does not replace compulsory NFZ insurance but works alongside it.
To take out private insurance, apply to an insurance company offering such services, such as PZU, Allianz, Signal Iduna, Medicover, and others. Each company has different rates, terms, conditions, and insurance packages. Typically, the cost depends on age, health condition, the selected package, and the contract term, ranging from 50 to 300 PLN per month on average.
To use private medical services, you must have an insurance card (karta ubezpieczenia), issued by the insurance company after signing the contract. This card must be presented at each doctor’s visit. Additionally, it’s important to check which private clinics and centers are partnered with your insurance provider and what services are covered. Some services may require additional payment or prior agreement with the insurance company.
Read also: Public Transport in Poland – How to Get Around the Country
Obligations of Individuals with Health Insurance in Poland
People who have health insurance in Poland are responsible for the following:
- Renewing their insurance policy on time and paying the required premiums.
- Informing the insurance company of any changes in their status, such as address, employment, or marital status.
- Providing accurate information about their health and treatment to the insurance company and healthcare providers.
- Paying their own share for certain types of medical services, such as dental care, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What types of health insurance are available in Poland?
There are three main types of health insurance in Poland: compulsory health insurance NFZ, voluntary health insurance NFZ and private health insurance.
Is healthcare free in Poland for foreigners?
Healthcare is accessible to foreigners in Poland through either public health insurance contributions or private insurance, but it is not automatically free. Emergency treatment, however, will be provided regardless of insurance, but uninsured foreigners may need to pay for services out of pocket.
Is health insurance mandatory in Poland?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Poland, either through compulsory or voluntary NFZ contributions or private insurance, to ensure access to healthcare services.
How long is health insurance valid?
The validity of health insurance depends on the type of insurance. Compulsory insurance is valid indefinitely if premiums are paid on time, while voluntary and private insurance usually have a limited validity period.
How do I get medical care in an emergency?
If you need emergency medical attention, you should call 999 or 112 and answer any questions the dispatcher may have. Do not call an ambulance for illnesses and incidents that do not pose an immediate threat to health and life.
