Poland

Introduction

Poland provides a public healthcare system managed by the National Health Fund (NFZ). Health insurance is either mandatory for those meeting specific criteria or voluntary for individuals who do not automatically qualify.

The system is primarily funded through mandatory contributions deducted from salaries or paid by self-employed individuals. Those covered by NFZ insurance can access a broad range of services, including hospital care, specialist treatment, medication, and emergency care.

Private health insurance is also available for those seeking additional coverage or faster access to services.

Medical Emergencies While Traveling in Poland

EU citizens can access emergency treatment with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), allowing them to receive necessary medical services under the same conditions as Polish residents. For planned medical treatment, an S2 form is required from their home country’s health insurance institutions.

If an individual does not have an EHIC, they may have to pay for treatment and seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. Non-EU citizens that do not reside in the EU/EEA typically require private travel insurance to cover medical costs while travelling in Poland.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Health Insurance in Poland

In Poland, certain groups of people are automatically covered by mandatory health insurance — for example, individuals employed in the country.

If you’re not covered automatically, you can still apply for voluntary health insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ).

To qualify for the voluntary health insurance, you must:

• Reside in Poland;
• Not have other insurance (for example, through employment);
• Submit an application to the NFZ;
• Pay monthly contributions (9% of declared income, subject to a minimum).

You can sign the voluntary health insurance contract in person at an NFZ office or by post.

Covering Family Members when Taking Voluntary Insurance

If you take out voluntary health insurance, you’ll need to also register your family members — unless they’re already covered by mandatory insurance. This includes:

• Children (until they turn 18, or 26 if they’re still studying);
• Spouse;
• Parents if they maintain the same household with you.

However, some exceptions apply. For example, students in Poland (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral) generally cannot register their family members.

Gaps in Insurance & Additional Fees

If there’s been a break in your health insurance coverage for more than 3 months, you may have to pay additional fees. These can range from 20% to 200% of your contribution, depending on how long you were uninsured.

For full details on voluntary health insurance in Poland — including required documents, where to apply, and the exact fees — visit the NFZ website.

Healthcare Services When Living in Poland

Navigating health insurance in Poland can feel complicated, but we’re here to break it down for you. Whether you’re working, studying, or traveling, here’s how coverage works for different groups.

1. Employed Individuals

EU Citizens:

• If you’re working in Poland, you’re automatically covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ).
• Your employer will register you with NFZ and deduct health insurance contributions from your salary.
• If you work remotely for a company in another EU/EEA country, you may still be covered under your home country’s social security system instead.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Your coverage depends on your work permit type:
  
  • If your permit includes social security, you’ll be covered by NFZ just like Polish employees.
  • If not, you’ll need either private health insurance or voluntary NFZ insurance.

2. Self-Employed & Freelancers

EU Citizens:

• You must register with NFZ and pay monthly contributions to access public healthcare. To learn more about registering yourself for the NFZ insurance, visit the Business in Poland website (see info under “Registering the entrepreneur for insurance” section).
• If your earnings are below a certain threshold, you may need to apply for voluntary insurance instead.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Your eligibility depends on your residency status and income. You might qualify for NFZ insurance if you have a temporary residence permit in Poland and your income exceeds certain limits established by the Polish government.
• If you’re not eligible, you’ll need to purchase private health insurance.

3. Pensioners

EU Citizens:

• If you contributed to Poland’s social security system (for example, you worked there before retiring), you’ll stay covered by NFZ in retirement.
• If you receive a pension from another EU/EEA country but live in Poland, you’ll need an S1 form to keep healthcare coverage from your home country.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Coverage depends on past employment and pension agreements. For example, if your previous employer’s pension plan included healthcare benefits, you will still be entitled to them after retirement.
• In other cases, you’ll need private health insurance.

In any case, in order to make sure that you stay covered in Poland as a pensioner, it is important to check in with NFZ and your home country public health institution (if you are moving to Poland) from another EU/EEA country.

4. Students

EU Citizens:

• For short-term studies in Poland, students can get medically necessary care on the same terms as Polish residents by presenting their European Health Insurance card (EHIC).
• If you study in Poland on a longer basis, and your parent or spouse is insured under NFZ, you can be covered by NFZ as their family member.
• Some universities offer student health plans.
• If neither option applies, you’ll need private health insurance.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Some exchange programs include health insurance.
• If not, you will likely need to get private insurance. In certain cases, you may be eligible for voluntary health insurance, but you need to check in with NFZ to confirm your eligibility.
• Students over 30 usually need private health insurance, though there are some exceptions.

5. Family Members (Dependents)

EU Citizens:

• Spouses and children can be covered under family insurance if the primary insured person is registered with NFZ either through the mandatory or the voluntary insurance.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Your eligibility depends on your spouse’s insurance status and residency.
• If you’re not covered under NFZ, private insurance is required.

6. Posted Workers

EU Citizens:

• As a posted worker from another EU/EEA country, you normally remain insured in your home country and need:
  
  • A1 form (proving you’re still insured there).
  • S1 form (will entitle you to receive healthcare in Poland on the same terms as Polish residents).

Non-EU Citizens:

• If insured in your home country, you may have coverage for temporary stays in Poland.
• If not, private health insurance is required.

7. Remote Workers

EU Citizens:

• If you are not covered by your home country’s social security, you can apply for voluntary NFZ insurance if you live in Poland.

Non-EU Citizens:

• You might be eligible for voluntary health insurance in Poland, but you need to check in with NFZ to confirm your eligibility.
• If you don’t qualify, private health insurance is necessary.

8. Au Pairs

EU Citizens:

• If you’re already covered in your home country, you may not need additional insurance in Poland.
• Otherwise, you can apply for voluntary NFZ insurance.

Non-EU Citizens:

• You’ll usually need private health insurance, unless your host family provides coverage.

9. Digital Nomads & Individuals on Sabbatical

EU Citizens:

• You can apply for voluntary NFZ insurance, but fees may be higher if there was a gap in contributions.

Non-EU Citizens:

• Usually not eligible for NFZ coverage and must have private health insurance.

Last Updated: 29 March 2025