Foreigner in Poland: how to get medical help?

When you suddenly need medical attention, time and clear directions are of the essence. If you are a foreigner in Poland, the rules may look different than in your home country. This guide will tell you how to get help quickly and what documents to prepare. We'll also point out the differences between the National Health Fund and private treatment and the role of insurance.

Here you will find practical steps in case of an emergency illness, accident or planned visit. Bookmark this page and share it with your loved ones. For more tips, check out our guide for foreigners. This will make it easier for you to get help without undue stress.

In a life or health emergency, call 112. The operator will send an ambulance or suggest further steps. You can also go to the ED, or Hospital Emergency Department. In such cases, help will be provided immediately. If you do not have insurance, the facility may bill you later.

Call when there is severe chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness or serious injury. Give your exact address, a description of your symptoms and your phone number. Speak slowly and clearly. Do not hang up until the dispatcher has completed the call.

You will benefit from night and holiday health care after hours at the primary care clinic. Help is provided for sudden illnesses that do not require the ED. Bring your ID and proof of insurance. It is worth knowing rights of a foreign patient, to make informed use of benefits.

The National Health Fund finances the treatment of eligible individuals, such as those who are employed and enrolled in insurance, students with a contract or EHIC cardholders. If you are not eligible for NHF benefits, you will benefit from private visits. A private visit is quick, but chargeable. Hospitalization bills can be high without insurance.

Health insurance for foreigners covers medical expenses up to the sum insured. Many policies have an Emergency Center that arranges hospital treatment and surgeries when medically necessary. Also check the approximate treatment costs, to consciously plan for protection.

The policy for foreigners helps in Poland in many scenarios. The organization of medical assistance and coverage of hospitalization and surgery up to the sum insured is standard. Diagnostics and outpatient treatments, including for chronic diseases, are also covered in selected variants. A medical hotline and arranged transportation to the facility are available.

Note the definition of „hospital” and the exclusions. This usually does not include hospices, addiction centers, sanatoriums and recreational facilities. In the event of an accident, the Emergency Center may arrange rehabilitation or home care, sometimes without coverage for these services. Always check the T&C of your policy for details.

Follow the steps below to get medical care from your policy quickly. This will help you avoid delays and self-payments. Remember your documents: passport, PESEL (if you have one), and policy number.