Health Insurance System in Poland

Relocating to Poland involves numerous practical considerations, with health insurance being one of the most important ones. Access to healthcare is crucial for personal well-being and a key requirement for immigration purposes. Understanding the medical insurance in Poland is essential for foreigners, as your nationality, employment status, and residency will all determine the type of health insurance available to you.

1. Types of Health Insurance in Poland

Foreigners in Poland can choose from the two main types of health insurance: public health insurance and private health insurance.

Public Health Insurance: Administered by the National Health Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia), this system provides access to a wide range of healthcare services for individuals who qualify.
Private Health Insurance: Often required for certain visa categories or as an additional option for those not covered under the public system, commercial health insurance is available through private providers.

2. Health Insurance for EU/EEA Citizens

For EU/EEA citizens, access to the public health insurance system is relatively straightforward.

EU Citizens with work visa: If you are employed in Poland, your employer will register you with NFZ, and contributions will be automatically deducted from your salary. This enrollment grants you full access to the public healthcare system.
Students in Poland: All foreign students are required to have health insurance for the entire duration of their studies. The health insurance possession can be proven with various documents, including an insurance policy, ZUS ZZA form, EHIC, or employer certification of contributions. EU students with an EHIC are covered for emergency treatment, but those needing ongoing care must register additional documents with the NFZ, while non-EU students can either purchase private insurance or enroll in the NFZ system by signing an agreement and paying contributions. Non-EU students with a Karta Polaka can receive free health insurance through their University.
Cross-Border Workers: If you live in Poland but work in another EU country, you may be insured in that country but still have the right to receive healthcare services in Poland. The S1 form is crucial in these situations, ensuring access to healthcare services across borders.
Unemployed EU Citizens: EU citizens who are not employed can voluntarily join the public health insurance system based on their residency. However, should they leave Poland, it is necessary to deregister from both their residency and public insurance.

3. Health Insurance for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU nationals must have valid health insurance throughout their stay in Poland.

Visa and Immigration Requirements: Commercial health insurance is often mandatory during the visa application process. It must provide comprehensive coverage, including emergency care and hospitalization.
A list of insurers and the types of insurance they offer, accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland for the visa process, can be found here.
Health Insurance for Residency Permit Applications: It must cover medical treatment costs in Poland and enables you to access care from your GP (family doctor) or hospitals.
Public Health Insurance for Employees: Non-EU citizens who secure employment in Poland are automatically enrolled in public health insurance (NFZ) by their employer. Family members accompanying them may also be added to NFZ coverage, but this is not automatic. An employed family member can add other family members to their NFZ coverage.

4. Choosing Health Insurance Providers in Poland

Public health insurance is managed by NFZ, but private health insurance in Poland can be chosen from variety of providers. Major international companies and local Polish insurers offer health policies tailored to foreigners’ needs, particularly during the visa and family reunification processes. For those registered with NFZ, it’s important to carry an EKUZ (European Health Insurance Card) when traveling within the EU, ensuring access to healthcare services abroad.

5. Switching Health Insurance Providers in Poland

Poland does not allow switching public health insurance providers, as NFZ is the sole public healthcare provider. However, for private health insurance, you can change providers at any time, depending on the terms of your insurance agreement.

6. Maintaining Health Insurance in Poland During Unemployment

If you lose your job in Poland but remain a resident, you can continue contributing to NFZ on a voluntary basis to maintain access to healthcare services. This ensures uninterrupted healthcare coverage during periods of unemployment.