Health advice and insurance
Health advice
Insurance – why is it essential?
In Poland, it’s the law that everyone has to have medical insurance. It applies to all individuals, including employees, students, children and retirees. This insurance gives you access to basic healthcare services. You can use it to get medical consultations, hospital care and physiotherapy. It also covers both treatment and preventive healthcare, including medical check-ups and vital laboratory tests.
If you get sick or need to see a doctor while you’re in Poland, it’s important to make sure you’re covered by the
NFZ, Polish National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia)
.
This affiliation gives you access to a wide range of medical services provided by healthcare professionals who have contracts with the NFZ.
You’ll need to send a registration form to your regional NFZ office.
You’ll need to send a registration form to your regional NFZ office.
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need to bring a passport and one of the following documents:
A visa allowing you to work in Poland;
A residence permit for a fixed period;
Evidence of refugee status granted in Poland.
Once you get a confirmation issued by the NFZ, you’ll need to fill in another form – for the National Insurance Service and deliver it personally or by post to one of its offices.
You’ll need to pay the monthly contribution (by the 15th of each month) to the National Insurance Service account. You’ll get this information when you complete the registration process. You’ll always pay for the previous month. You can get the exact amount of the contribution at the National Insurance Service Office.
A visa allowing you to work in Poland;
A residence permit for a fixed period;
Evidence of refugee status granted in Poland.
Once you get a confirmation issued by the NFZ, you’ll need to fill in another form – for the National Insurance Service and deliver it personally or by post to one of its offices.
You’ll need to pay the monthly contribution (by the 15th of each month) to the National Insurance Service account. You’ll get this information when you complete the registration process. You’ll always pay for the previous month. You can get the exact amount of the contribution at the National Insurance Service Office.
Insurance
When you arrive in Poland, you need to have insurance. While you’re here, you can also buy it. Here are your options:
Obligatory: All students are required to have health insurance for the duration of their stay.
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free basic healthcare services.
Non-EU/EEA students have got two options:
National Health Fund (NFZ): Sign up for the public health system. This gives you access to basic healthcare, but it might involve longer wait times.
Private health insurance: It gives you more flexibility, shorter wait times and potentially wider coverage.
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free basic healthcare services.
Non-EU/EEA students have got two options:
National Health Fund (NFZ): Sign up for the public health system. This gives you access to basic healthcare, but it might involve longer wait times.
Private health insurance: It gives you more flexibility, shorter wait times and potentially wider coverage.
Obligatory: All students are required to have health insurance for the duration of their stay.
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free basic healthcare services.
Non-EU/EEA students have got two options:
National Health Fund (NFZ): Sign up for the public health system. This gives you access to basic healthcare, but it might involve longer wait times.
Private health insurance: It gives you more flexibility, shorter wait times and potentially wider coverage.
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free basic healthcare services.
Non-EU/EEA students have got two options:
National Health Fund (NFZ): Sign up for the public health system. This gives you access to basic healthcare, but it might involve longer wait times.
Private health insurance: It gives you more flexibility, shorter wait times and potentially wider coverage.
Accident insurance (optional):
- This provides financial support and compensation in case of accidents, injuries or medical emergencies.
- An example is the PZU NNW student insurance, which covers a lot more than basic health insurance.
- This type of insurance is optional but gives you peace of mind by covering costs associated with accidents, even beyond medical expenses.