Healthcare

The Public Healthcare System (NFZ)

Public healthcare is financed through mandatory contributions collected by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and transferred to the NFZ. Insurance coverage under the NFZ entitles individuals and their registered dependents to free or subsidized medical services, including hospital care, primary care, and certain dental procedures.

Mandatory and Voluntary Coverage

Foreigners are categorized into different groups regarding their eligibility for NFZ insurance:

Dependents, such as spouses and children who do not have their own insurance title, must be officially registered under the main insured person's policy at no additional cost.

Accessing Medical Services

The entry point into the Polish public healthcare system is the Primary Care Physician (Lekarz POZ), also known as a family doctor. To access non-emergency services, an individual must first register at a local clinic (Przychodnia) and declare their chosen physician.

The Referral System (Skierowanie)

In the public system, a referral from a POZ doctor is required to see most medical specialists or to receive hospital treatment. However, there are specific specialists that do not require a referral. These include:

• Oncologists
• Gynecologists and Obstetricians
• Psychiatrists
• Venereologists
• Dentists

Emergency Care

In life-threatening situations, medical assistance is provided by the Emergency Medical Services (Pogotowie Ratunkowe). The emergency numbers in Poland are 999 (Ambulance) and 112 (European Emergency Number). Hospital Emergency Rooms (SOR) and First Aid Stations (IP) provide immediate care without a referral in emergency cases.

Private Healthcare Options

Private healthcare is highly prevalent in Poland and is often used by foreigners and Polish citizens alike. Many employers offer private medical subscriptions (e.g., Lux Med, Medicover, Enel-Med) as part of their benefits package. Private healthcare is preferred for faster access to specialists and often provides services in English.

While private packages cover outpatient consultations and basic diagnostics, complex surgeries and high-cost long-term treatments (such as oncology) are frequently still handled by the specialized public NFZ facilities. Therefore, private insurance is usually considered a supplement to, rather than a total replacement for, the public system.

Practical Handling and Documentation

Identity Verification (PESEL)

Accessing the NFZ system requires proof of identity and insurance. The most efficient way is providing a PESEL number. As of 2026, the electronic system (eWUŚ) automatically verifies insurance status using the PESEL number. If an individual does not have a PESEL, they must present their passport and proof of insurance (such as a ZUS RMUA form or a recent payslip).

Prescriptions and Pharmacies

Poland uses an e-prescription (e-recepta) system. Patients receive a 4-digit code via SMS or email, which they present along with their PESEL number at any pharmacy. Medications can be fully paid, partially subsidized, or free, depending on the drug's classification on the Ministry of Health's reimbursement list.

Limitations and Exceptions

• Language: In the public system, medical documentation and staff communication are primarily in Polish. English-speaking services are significantly more common in private clinics.
• Wait Times: Wait times for specialized procedures in the public system can range from several weeks to months, leading many to use private providers for outpatient diagnostics.
• Dental Care: Public dental coverage is limited. Many procedures, specifically those involving high-quality materials or orthodontics, are not covered by the NFZ and must be paid for out-of-pocket.

Official Resources

For more details on healthcare entitlements and to find contracted medical providers, consult the following official sources:

• National Health Fund (NFZ) - Information for Foreigners
• Integrated Patient Portal (Pacjent.gov.pl) - English version
• ZUS Guide for Foreigners (Social Insurance)