Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – Who Is Required to Have It and How Can You Get It?

Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – Who Is Required to Have It and How Can You Get It?

Legal Residence and the Health Insurance Requirement

Every foreign national who is legally residing in Poland—whether on the basis of a visa, a residence card, or a biometric passport—should have Health Insurance for Foreigners. It is not only essential in the event of illness or an accident, but also often required when applying for a residence permit, a visa extension, or a job.

Not having health insurance may mean having to pay the full cost of treatment—and private medical services can be expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure you have adequate coverage as early as the planning stage of your trip.

Who is required to have insurance?

Health insurance in Poland is required for:

• foreigners working under an employment contract or a contract for services,
• foreigners who are self-employed,
• college students and high school students in Polish schools and universities,
• family members people insured in Poland (they may be listed as family members).

Other foreign nationals—such as those who are not working, those awaiting a decision on a residence permit, and tourists— They should purchase private or voluntary health insurance.

What are the health insurance options for foreigners?

1. Health Insurance Through the NFZ (National Health Fund)

If a foreign national works, studies, or runs a business, they are registered with the National Health Fund (NFZ) and are entitled to medical care on the same terms as Polish citizens.

2. Voluntary Insurance with the National Health Fund (NFZ)

For people who are neither employed nor enrolled in school, it is possible to enter into an agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ) and pay the premium on your own. This requires:

• legal residence,
• in the absence of any other basis for insurance,
• often, an additional fee must be paid (if you were not previously insured in the EU).

3. Private Health Insurance

This is the simplest and fastest way to secure:

• people with visas,
• tourists,
• foreigners awaiting a residence permit.

You can purchase a policy online or at an agency. The cost starts at just a few dozen zlotys per month. The insurance covers the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and often COVID-19 as well.

How do I get health insurance in Poland?

✅ If you are employee – Your employer will register you with the National Health Fund (NFZ).
✅ You are a student – The university may enroll you in insurance.
✅ Do you want to get insurance? voluntarily with the National Health Fund (NFZ) – Submit your application at an NFZ branch.
✅ Do you prefer private insurance – Choose a policy at an insurance agency or online.

What should you look for when choosing insurance?

• Scope of Coverage – Does it cover inpatient treatment, visits to specialists, and diagnostic tests?
• Insurance Coverage Amount – The minimum amount is usually 30,000 euros (required, for example, for a residence permit).
• Is this accepted by the provincial office? – This is essential for legalizing your stay!
• Term of validity – The insurance should cover the entire duration of the stay.

Summary

Having health insurance isn't just about formal requirement, but above all health care and financial security. Foreigners in Poland have several options—ranging from the National Health Fund (NFZ) to private insurance policies. The most important thing is to choose the type of insurance that best suits your situation and ensure that your coverage remains continuous.