Health & Insurance
The healthcare system in Poland is based on the principles of equal treatment and equal access to medical services
Public healthcare services are managed by the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ), which is responsible for administering public funds allocated for healthcare.
In Poland, medical treatment can be obtained through the NFZ or through private healthcare providers, which require payment.
Free public healthcare services are available only to individuals who are insured through the National Health Fund (NFZ).
International students and academic staff are encouraged to obtain additional third-party liability and accident insurance in their home countries before coming to Poland.
EU Citizens
Students from EU countries are entitled to receive free public healthcare services in Poland if they present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If you are an EU citizen but do not have health insurance in your country of residence, you may sign a health insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) or obtain insurance from a private provider in Poland
Where and how to insure yourself?
International students who wish to obtain public health insurance in Poland can sign a voluntary agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia). Below you will find step-by-step instructions.
Step 1. Prepare the required documents
Before visiting the NFZ office, make sure you have the following documents:
- two completed NFZ health insurance application forms (PDF)
- a valid passport with a current visa or residence permit
- your Student ID Card
- confirmation of student status issued by the dean’s office
- a document confirming your residence in Poland (e.g. dormitory certificate, rental agreement, residence card, etc.)
Step 2. Visit the NFZ Office
Take your documents to the National Health Fund (NFZ) office and sign the voluntary health insurance agreement.
For students in Gdańsk, the relevant office is:
Pomorskie Voivodeship Branch of the National Health Fund (NFZ)
ul. Podwale Staromiejskie 69
80-844 Gdańsk
Email: kancelaria@nfz-gdansk.pl
The cost of voluntary health insurance for international students who are not EU citizens is approximately 55.80 PLN per month (about 11 EUR).
Paying Insurance Contributions
It is possible to pay the insurance contribution for up to three months in advance. If you do this, remember to submit the ZUS DRA declarations for the corresponding months to the nearest ZUS office.
This option is often recommended for students applying for a temporary residence permit, as insurance must be valid during the entire stay in Poland and at the time of submitting documents for legalisation procedures.
Declarations can be submitted:
- in person at a ZUS office, or
- online via the ePUAP platform
Please note that submitting documents online requires a PESEL number.
Do I Need a PESEL Number
You do not need a PESEL number to obtain NFZ insurance. However, it can be very useful, as it is a unique identification number used for many administrative matters in Poland. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying for one.
Additional Information
Detailed instructions on voluntary health insurance and the full list of required documents are available on the NFZ website:
http://www.nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/zalatw-sprawe-krok-po-kroku/jak-ubezpieczyc-sie-dobrowolnie
Private Health Care
If you do not have public health insurance in Poland, you may use private healthcare services. You can either purchase a private medical subscription with a healthcare provider or visit private clinics and doctors whenever needed.
There are many private healthcare providers in Poland offering medical services to international patients. The easiest way to find a doctor or clinic is by searching online.
To find a specialist, you can use the following websites:
These platforms allow you to search for doctors by specialty and location, as well as check patient reviews and available appointment dates.
The average cost of a private medical consultation in Poland is approximately 200 PLN, although prices may vary depending on the doctor’s specialization and clinic.
It is important to note that private insurance policies usually do not provide the same level of equal access to healthcare services as public insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ).
The scope of services covered by private insurance depends on the policy you select. For example:
- basic plans may include access only to general practitioners and selected specialists,
- more comprehensive plans may cover additional services such as hospitalisation, surgical procedures, or maternity care.
We strongly recommend that students obtain public health insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ) during their stay in Poland.
When can you obtain health insurance?
If you are an employee and you are employed under a contract of employment and/or mandate. Your spouse – if you are an employee – is entitled to health insurance. This does not happen automatically. You must report your spouse for insurance with your employer. If your spouse takes up employment, you must report this to your employer so that the insurance does not overlap.
If you have a PESEL number, then the information about your health insurance will be recorded in the EWUŚ system. If you do not have a PESEL number or if you have to confirm your entitlement, you should ask your employer to print out the ZUS RMUA form. In case you want to insure yourself, the confirmation of your entitlement to free treatment will be a copy of the contract with the National Health Fund and a copy of the ZUS ZZA form. Students must additionally present their identity card.
IMPORTANT!
You can insure yourself voluntarily. Remember that it makes sense if you do not have the insurance within your employment contract.
Rights of the insured person
If you have health insurance, you have the right to use the help of an internist, specialists or the right to buy cheaper medicines and stay in hospital.
If you have the health insurance you are entitled to:
- internist assistance – this is your GP, and you can contact them if you have health problems, if you need a prescription or a referral to a specialist;
- night and holiday care, hospital care, hospital emergency department;
- partial financing of medicines, or prescriptions for reimbursed drugs;
- rehabilitation;
- entitlement to diagnostic tests for which you will receive a referral from a doctor who has a contract with the National Health Fund. The doctor will give you the address where the prescribed tests are carried out;
- visits to a specialist doctor ordered by your GP. The specialist should have a contract with the National Health Fund.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
Before your first visit, you should go to the clinic of your choice – preferably close to where you live, fill in and submit a declaration of choice for the primary care doctor, community nurse and, for women, also a declaration of choice for the community midwife.
Sudden illness?
Clinics are usually open from 7.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday. However, if you or your relative falls seriously ill at night, on the weekend or on a day off, you can get free help at night and holiday health care facilities.
IMPORTANT!
If your life or the lives of your loved ones are in danger call an ambulance, 999 or 112.
In Poland, every child is subject to compulsory preventive vaccinations, regardless of whether he or she is insured or not. All vaccinations are free of charge.
You can use the patient’s telephone information by calling 800 190 590 – this is one number for the whole Poland. Here you will get information about night and holiday medical care, the nearest SOR and the pharmacy where you will find your medicine.