Health insurance

Whether you're relocating for work, studies or a longer stay, having valid health insurance is essential. It not only gives you access to medical care but may also be required when applying for a visa or temporary residence permit.

In this guide, you'll learn how the Polish healthcare system works, who is covered by public health insurance (NFZ), when private insurance is worth considering, and what options are available for foreigners living in Poland.

Is health insurance mandatory in Poland?

In most cases, yes.

Anyone living and working in Poland should have access to health insurance. The type of insurance depends on your employment status, nationality and legal basis for staying in the country.

If you're employed under an employment contract, you'll usually be covered automatically through contributions paid by your employer.

If you're not covered by compulsory insurance, you may need to arrange private health insurance or voluntarily join the public healthcare system.

How does the Polish healthcare system work?

Healthcare in Poland consists of two main systems:

• Public healthcare, financed through the National Health Fund (NFZ)
• Private healthcare, offered by commercial insurance companies and medical providers

Many residents use both systems at the same time — public healthcare for hospital treatment and specialist care, while using private medical services for faster appointments.

What is NFZ?

The National Health Fund (NFZ) is Poland's public healthcare system.

Healthcare is financed through mandatory health insurance contributions, which are usually deducted automatically from employees' salaries.

If you're insured under NFZ, you can access:

• GP appointments,
• specialist consultations,
• hospital treatment,
• emergency care,
• maternity care,
• many diagnostic tests,
• selected prescription medicines.

Some services require a referral from your GP, and waiting times may vary depending on the type of treatment.

What's the difference between ZUS and NFZ?

Many foreigners confuse these two institutions.

Here's an easy way to understand it:

• ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) collects your social insurance contributions.
• Part of these contributions finances NFZ, which provides access to public healthcare.
• Private health insurance operates independently from both ZUS and NFZ and offers access to private clinics and hospitals.

Who is automatically covered by public health insurance?

You are usually covered by NFZ if you:

• work under an employment contract,
• run your own business and pay social insurance contributions,
• work under certain civil-law contracts that include health insurance contributions,
• are registered as a family member of an insured person,
• fall within other categories specified under Polish law.

If you're employed, your employer is responsible for registering you with ZUS, which gives you access to public healthcare through NFZ.

Does my employer provide health insurance?

If you're employed under an employment contract, your employer generally registers you for mandatory public health insurance.

Many employers also offer additional private medical packages as an employee benefit.

Popular providers include:

• Medicover
• Lux Med
• Enel-Med
• PZU Zdrowie

These private healthcare packages usually provide quicker access to doctors and specialists, but they do not replace public health insurance in situations where mandatory contributions apply.

Do I need health insurance for a visa or residence permit?

In many cases, yes.

Foreign nationals applying for a visa or temporary residence permit in Poland generally need to demonstrate that they have valid health insurance covering medical treatment during their stay.

Depending on your circumstances, this requirement may be fulfilled through:

• public health insurance (NFZ), or
• qualifying private health insurance.

Always check the current requirements applicable to your immigration procedure.

Can I have both NFZ and private insurance?

Absolutely. Many residents use both systems simultaneously.

Can I add my spouse or children?

In many cases, yes. Eligible family members may be registered under the public healthcare system if the applicable conditions are met.