A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Health Insurance for a Foreign National in Poland

In 2025, foreign nationals residing in Poland must have valid health insurance. It is essential both for legalizing their stay and for receiving medical care in the event of illness or an accident. In this step-by-step guide, we explain how to obtain health insurance for a foreigner in Poland—from choosing the right policy to submitting documents to the authorities.

Why Is Health Insurance Mandatory?

Under current regulations, anyone staying in Poland on the basis of a visa, a temporary residence permit, or a permanent residence permit must have valid health insurance. Lack of insurance may result in the denial of a residence card, and in the event of an accident, you may be required to cover the costs of medical treatment yourself.

For more information on the regulations, see the article: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – Is It Mandatory?.

Step 1: Determine the purpose and length of your stay

The first step is to determine how long you plan to stay in Poland and for what purpose. The type of insurance depends on this:

• Short-term stay (up to 3 months) – Medical expense insurance (KL) is sufficient; it is required for visas and when crossing the border.
• Long-term stay (studies, work, family) – recommended private health insurance or voluntary insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ).

A properly selected policy term ensures that the coverage will remain valid for the entire duration of your stay and will be recognized by the provincial authorities.

Step 2: Select the type of insurance

There are three basic types of insurance policies available in Poland:

• Public Health Insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ) – for people employed under an employment contract or students; it provides access to public health care.
• Private Insurance – for people not covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ); this includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and diagnostic services.
• Medical Expense Insurance (KL) – Mandatory short-term coverage for visas and travel.

You can find a detailed comparison in the article: What benefits does health insurance for foreigners in Poland cover?.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents

To purchase a policy, you will need:

• passport,
• a visa or residence card (if you already have one),
• a document confirming the purpose of the stay—e.g., an employment contract, a family invitation, a certificate from a university,
• residential address in Poland and contact information (phone number, email address).

For NFZ insurance, you must also submit an application for voluntary coverage and proof of payment of the premium.

You can find the complete list of documents here: What documents are required for health insurance for a foreign national?.

Step 4: Choose an insurer and purchase a policy

There are three ways to do this:

1. Online – the most convenient option; just fill out the form and pay the fee, and you'll receive the document by email.
2. Through a broker or agent – will advise you on choosing the best offer and help you fill out the paperwork.
3. At an insurance company – as usual, at the office, if you prefer face-to-face contact.

You can find an example offer that meets the official requirements here: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland.

Step 5: Check whether the policy meets the formal requirements

Make sure your insurance:

• is valid for the entire duration of the stay,
• includes outpatient care, inpatient care, and medical transportation,
• has a minimum coverage limit of 30,000 EUR,
• covers the territory of Poland,
• is published in Polish or English.

If the policy does not meet these conditions, the authorities may deny the application for a residence permit.

Step 6: Attach the insurance policy to your residence application

When submitting documents to the provincial office, include a copy of the policy (in PDF format or as a printout). An official will verify its validity and coverage. It’s also a good idea to have an electronic copy on your phone—you may need it at the hospital or during a doctor’s visit.

Step 7: Ensure continuous protection

Once the policy expires, it must be renewed—preferably before the end of the current coverage period. If there is a gap in coverage, the foreign national loses the right to protection and may face a denial of their residence card renewal.

For more practical information about policy terms, see the article: For how long can health insurance be purchased for a foreigner in Poland?.

Why It's a Good Idea to Buy a Policy Early

By purchasing insurance before you arrive in Poland, you’ll benefit from:

• the assurance that you meet the visa requirements,
• safety from the very first day of your stay,
• access to medical care without red tape,
• the ability to submit a document immediately at the office.

This is especially important for people who plan to start college or a job shortly after arriving.

Obtaining health insurance for a foreign national in Poland is a process that involves a few simple steps—from choosing the right type of policy to submitting the necessary documents to the authorities. The key is to tailor the coverage to the length and purpose of the stay.

A well-chosen insurance policy not only ensures compliance with official requirements but, above all, provides health and financial security during your stay in Poland. It’s worth choosing reputable insurers and ensuring continuous coverage to avoid the costly consequences of unexpected events.