Insurance Requirements Before Moving to Poland
Securing appropriate insurance is a fundamental step in the relocation process to Poland. It serves as a mandatory requirement for most visa applications and provides a financial safety net during the initial transition period before a newcomer becomes eligible for the Polish state healthcare system (NFZ). The type of insurance required depends on the individual's citizenship, the purpose of their stay, and the specific legal basis for their entry.
Mandatory Insurance for Visa Applicants
For individuals from non-EU/EFTA countries who require a visa to enter Poland, proof of travel medical insurance is a mandatory part of the application. The policy must meet specific criteria defined by the European Union and Polish national law to be accepted by consular offices.
| Requirement | Schengen Visa (C-type) | National Visa (D-type) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | €30,000 | €30,000 |
| Geographic Scope | Entire Schengen Area | Republic of Poland (at minimum) |
| Duration | Full period of intended stay | Full period of intended stay |
| Mandatory Clauses | Repatriation, Emergency Medical, Hospitalization | Repatriation, Emergency Medical, Hospitalization |
According to current regulations, the insurance provider must maintain a 24/7 assistance center and undertake to cover the costs of health services directly to the provider (e.g., the hospital) based on an invoice. If a policy requires the insured person to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later, it may not meet the requirements for a Polish national visa.
EU/EFTA Citizens and the EHIC
Citizens of European Union and EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are entitled to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows access to medically necessary treatment under the same conditions as Polish citizens insured with the National Health Fund (NFZ).
While the EHIC is sufficient for emergency and unplanned medical needs, it does not cover certain costs such as:
- Private healthcare services not contracted by the NFZ.
- Medical repatriation to the home country.
- Planned medical treatments (unless pre-authorized).
EU citizens planning a permanent relocation are typically covered by the EHIC only until they take up employment in Poland, at which point they must be registered with the NFZ through their employer.
Private Health Insurance and Subscriptions
Many foreigners opt for private health insurance or medical subscriptions (known as "medical packages") offered by private providers such as Medicover, Lux Med, or Enel-Med. These packages are often provided as a workplace benefit by Polish employers. While these subscriptions provide faster access to specialists and private clinics, they do not always fulfill the legal requirements for a "national visa" unless the policy specifically includes the mandatory emergency and repatriation clauses required by the Act on Foreigners.
Practical Handling and Preparation
Document Verification
When purchasing insurance for a visa application, the certificate must be provided in either Polish or English. It should clearly state the name of the insured, the period of validity, the sum insured, and the geographic scope. It is standard practice for consulates to require a printed copy of the insurance policy alongside the visa application form.
Transition to National Healthcare (NFZ)
Once a foreigner begins legal employment in Poland under a contract of employment (umowa o pracę) or certain civil law contracts (umowa zlecenie), they are automatically registered for public health insurance. The employer deducts the health insurance contribution from the salary. At this stage, the initial "entry insurance" or travel policy typically becomes redundant for medical care within Poland, though it may remain useful for travel outside the country.
Limitations and Exceptions
Individuals arriving on the basis of "visa-free travel" (e.g., citizens of the USA, Canada, or Australia for stays under 90 days) are still legally required to possess health insurance covering medical expenses in Poland, although it is not always checked at the border. However, border guards have the authority to request proof of insurance and sufficient financial means upon entry.
Specific insurance requirements for "Digital Nomad" situations or those on specific humanitarian visas may differ; in such cases, the requirement depends on individual situation and the specific guidelines of the issuing consulate.
Official Resources for Verification
For the most current list of accepted insurance providers and detailed technical requirements, travelers should consult official government platforms: