Health insurance for foreigners

Thinking about staying in Poland for longer?

    If you're looking to get health insurance in Poland or if you're a non-Polish citizen living in Poland and you need to acquire a residence card or visa, you may be wondering how to get health insurance. There are a few different options available to you depending on your situation. Here are a few potential routes you could take:

    Register with the National Health Fund (NFZ): If you're working in Poland and paying social security contributions, you should automatically be registered with the NFZ. This means you'll be covered under the national health insurance system, and you'll be able to access healthcare services at state-run facilities.

    Purchase private health insurance: If you're not eligible for the NFZ or you'd like additional coverage beyond what the national system provides, you could consider purchasing private health insurance. There are several insurance providers that offer plans in Poland.

    Take advantage of reciprocal agreements: If you're a citizen of another EU country and you're planning to live or work in Poland, you may be eligible to use your home country's health insurance while in Poland. Similarly, if you're a citizen of a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Poland, you may be able to access healthcare services in Poland for free or at a reduced cost. It's worth checking with your home country's health insurance provider or the Polish embassy to see if this is an option for you.

    Mandatory health insurance for residence card holders: If you hold a residence card in Poland, you are required by law to have health insurance. You can either join the National Health Fund (NFZ) or purchase private health insurance. If you choose to join the NFZ, you will pay a monthly contribution based on your income, and you will be entitled to free or discounted healthcare services at state-run facilities. If you prefer private health insurance, there are many providers in Poland that offer plans for residents.

    Health insurance for visa holders: If you are in Poland on a visa, you are not required to have health insurance by law, but it is highly recommended. Without insurance, you would be responsible for paying the full cost of any healthcare services you receive. If you are in Poland on a short-term visa, such as a tourist visa, you may be able to purchase travel health insurance from your home country. However, if you plan to stay in Poland for a longer period of time, you may want to consider purchasing private health insurance from a Polish provider.

    Accessing healthcare services: Once you have health insurance, you can access healthcare services in Poland. If you have joined the NFZ, you can visit state-run facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. If you have private health insurance, you can visit private healthcare facilities. In either case, it's important to have your insurance card or policy information with you when you seek treatment.

    Regardless of which route you choose, it's important to make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while in Poland. Healthcare costs can be high, so having insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an illness or injury.