Healthcare in Poland

The Polish healthcare system, known as NFZ, is publicly funded and ensures that access to healthcare is available to all living or working in the country who hold residency. This means that expats with a resident permit can benefit from the universal healthcare provided by the Polish government. For expats moving to Poland from EU countries or the United Kingdom, EHICs and GHICs can be used for short-term stays, but a switch to the national health insurance system will be mandatory once residence is granted. For non-EU/EEA/UK expats, a private health insurance plan will be necessary from arrival until residency is granted.

The quality of healthcare within the public system in Poland is average at best. Whilst it ranks highly compared to Eastern neighbouring countries, it is still some way behind most nations to the west. The public system is fraught with staff shortages, leading to incredibly long wait times. Furthermore, a lack of government spending has seen the system fall further behind other nations.

For working expats, enrolment in the public system is completed by their employer, then every month, 7.75% of their salary is deducted, with a further 1.25% contribution directly from the employer. For non-working expats, registration should be completed at a local NFZ clinic, where you’ll need to prove residency and show your ID. You’ll then make voluntary monthly contributions to the system. Voluntary contributions can also be made if you are working in Poland under the employment of a foreign business.

Many expats prefer to avoid the public healthcare system in Poland. Language barriers are common, especially in the more remote areas where English isn’t commonly spoken. In addition, the constant staff shortages lead to significant wait times and a more rushed service. As a result, private insurance is commonly secured before arrival and then kept to supplement the public insurance.

Private healthcare is a preferred option for many expats and Polish nationals. With such vast staff shortages, long wait times and a significant lack of funding in the public sector, private health insurance often becomes the natural choice. With reduced wait times, a higher standard of facilities and enhanced levels of comfort, the private sector offers many benefits. Add to this that there are more bilingual or multilingual staff, and that a wider range of services are available, and it makes sense for many to obtain a comprehensive private plan.

The costs of private healthcare in Poland are favourable when they are compared to those in many other EU nations. There can be some disparity, both regionally and by provider; this isn’t always substantial. A GP visit can cost approximately PLN150-PLN250, whereas a hospital stay can easily range from PLN500-PLN1,500 per day. Specific treatments may be considerably more expensive, therefore making private health insurance a worthwhile option to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Many private hospitals in Poland are highly regarded both nationally and globally. Cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk are home to many of the best, with some holding ISO 9001:2015 certification and esteemed classifications such as being a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence.

Private health insurance is not mandatory in Poland, thanks to the broad service offered by the public system. However, it is highly recommended, especially for those who arrive in Poland and are unable to join the public system yet. In many cases, you’ll need private cover in place to secure your resident permit or visa. Polish law actually states that non-residents, who have not made voluntary contributions to the public system or do not qualify for public coverage, must have at least €30,000 of emergency health cover in place.

Health insurance in Poland is something expats must investigate before travelling. As mentioned earlier, non-EU nationals are required to have a private health insurance plan in place if they wish to gain residency. Additionally, EU/EEA and UK nationals may prefer a private plan as EHIC and GHIC cover is not fully comprehensive. Once residency is granted, they can then take advantage of the national health system. However, due to the long waits and lack of staff, it is often best to supplement public coverage with a private plan.

Expats have two ways of securing private health insurance in Poland. Local plans provide a low-cost option for a decent level of coverage in Poland and are widely accepted by hospitals and clinics. An international plan, on the other hand, tends to be a little more expensive but can deliver enhanced benefits relevant to expats. Plans such as these allow for repatriation and treatment abroad and often come with enhanced levels of coverage.

In most cases, health insurance will cover the costs of GP visits, hospital stays and emergency care, with comprehensive policies including mental health services, rehabilitation, advanced optical care and maternity services. It is common to find that many policies have exclusions. These may vary per provider, but typically include elective procedures and pre-existing conditions.

The costs for a private healthcare policy in Poland can vary substantially. Age, health, provider and the level of coverage will all play a part in determining how much will be charged. Some policies may see you quoted less than €40 per month, whereas others may cost more than €100 every month. Policies are available through a wide range of insurance providers, both in Poland and in your home country. With the varying prices, it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes before committing and have a clear understanding of what the policy includes.

English-speaking staff can be found in some public hospitals in Poland, but this becomes less apparent outside of the big cities. In contrast, private facilities have a wider range of bilingual and multilingual staff, enabling a smoother transition through the system.

Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk and Jelenia Gora are just a few of the places in Poland that have hospitals ranked among the best in the country. KCM Clinic in Jelenia Gora, for example, is known for its advanced surgery and diagnostics, and UCMTM in Gdansk has been ranked as the best clinical hospital in Poland. The University Hospital in Krakow specialises in a variety of treatments and is known for its excellent technical equipment and highly qualified staff.

The hospitals in Poland offer a wide range of services, including surgery, oncology, emergency care, mental health support, cardiology and much more. Some hospitals may also have dedicated areas for specialist care not found in all facilities.

Both private and public hospitals in Poland will accept walk-in patients in the case of an emergency. For non-emergencies, the admissions process is a little different. In the public sector, patients will require a referral from a GP. Within the private sector, patients can book appointments directly with a specialist when required.

The cost of healthcare in public hospitals in Poland is free for residents insured through the national system. For those not currently using the system, full payment will be required for all treatments. For those using private facilities, costs can be significant. Routine surgeries can cost PLN5,000, diagnostic testing can easily top PLN1,000, and even a GP appointment could reach PLN400.

Private hospitals in Poland offer expats a heightened level of comfort compared to that found in public hospitals. Hotel-like amenities, guest sleeping spaces and private accommodation help make the stay much more comfortable and less intrusive than it would be elsewhere.

In most private hospitals, health insurance will be accepted. Expats should note that unless there is a direct billing agreement in place between the hospital and insurer, payment will be expected upfront.

Poland does not currently have any mandatory vaccinations for entry, but routine immunisations such as MMR, DTP, Polio and Hepatitis B are recommended.

For some travellers, Hepatitis A, Rabies and TBE can present risks and vaccinations may be recommended. Approximately 6-8 weeks before travel, speak to a GP to get the latest advice.

Poland is considered relatively safe in terms of health. There are currently no widespread diseases present, nor are there any major health threats. However, some risks do remain.

The air quality in some industrial and commuter cities can be poor. This can lead to many acute and chronic health conditions. Expats visiting or living in these areas should regularly check the air quality and avoid prolonged exposure to heavily polluted areas.

Whilst not endemic, West Nile Virus, Leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever have all been reported in some areas of Eastern Europe. As a result, visitors to Poland should protect themselves from insect bites with a suitable repellent and wear suitable clothing.