Foreigner in Poland: how to get medical help?

Are you a foreigner in Poland and need to arrange medical assistance quickly? This practical guide shows you how to get medical help step-by-step - in emergencies, in primary care and under the National Health Service for foreigners and private policies. It will help you find your way around the system more easily.

We explain where to call in case of a life-threatening emergency, how to make an appointment with a family doctor (GP), what documents to prepare and when health insurance for foreigners is useful. You'll also find proven tips and links to important sites.

In Poland, medical assistance is provided in various places, depending on the urgency. In a life or health emergency, use 112 or 999 and the emergency departments (ED). For less urgent cases, you'll use night and holiday care (NPL) or your family doctor at the POZ.

Call 112 or 999 and give the location, symptoms and the language you speak. Go to the ED when you have symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, severe injury, loss of consciousness or severe allergic reaction. In such situations, help is provided regardless of insurance.

After clinic hours, use the NPL (night medical aid). On weekdays, make an appointment with a family doctor (PCP). Choose facilities that accept your insurance - public (NFZ) or private, according to the terms of your policy.

If you work in Poland, your employer usually reports you to the National Health Service and pays the premiums. Students, doctoral students, self-employed persons or family members can be insured voluntarily after concluding a contract and paying premiums. EU/EFTA citizens are eligible for medically necessary benefits based on the EHIC/EUCT card.

Take your identity document and proof of eligibility (e.g., eWUŚ, certificate from your employer, voluntary contract) to your visit to the NHF facility. Useful are: PESEL, passport number or residence card. Also check your rights of a foreign patient.

Choose a primary care clinic and make a declaration of your choice of doctor. Most often you will do this on the spot or online. Prepare your identity document, PESEL number (if you have one) and proof of insurance. In case of emergency illnesses, your PCP will issue referrals to specialists, tests and prescriptions.

Private health insurance for foreigners facilitates access to doctors and often provides cashless billing. Usually all that is needed is to contact a helpline, confirm the policy and show ID at the facility. Policies cover sudden illnesses, appointments, examinations, and sometimes assistance and NNW.

Before you buy, check coverage, limits and exclusions, and anticipated treatment costs. You can find more practical tips in the guide: take a look at our guide for foreigners.