Does every foreign national have to have health insurance in Poland?

In 2025, the regulations clearly state that a foreign national residing in Poland must have health insurance. This is not only a formal requirement for legalizing one’s stay, but also provides real protection for one’s health and finances. Find out who is required to have health insurance and what the consequences are for not having it.

When is health insurance mandatory?

Health insurance is required in many situations related to a foreign national’s stay in Poland. This requirement applies, among other things, to:

• applying for a visa,
• submitting an application for a residence card,
• taking on legal employment,
• the start of college,
• a longer family stay.

Even for short tourist visits, it is necessary to have medical expense insurance (KL), which allows you to receive medical care in the event of an emergency or illness.

Who is exempt from the requirement to have insurance?

Not every foreign national is required to purchase private health insurance. The following individuals are exempt from this requirement:

• are employed in Poland under an employment contract (their employer registers them with the National Health Fund),
• are students and have voluntary health insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ),
• come from countries that have signed agreements with Poland on the mutual recognition of health insurance.

In such cases, a foreign national has access to medical care under the public health care system.

Consequences of Not Having Insurance

Not having insurance entails not only financial risk but also serious legal consequences. An uninsured person may face:

• a refusal to issue or extend a visa,
• rejection of an application for a residence card,
• the need to pay medical bills out of pocket,
• problems with administrative inspections.

In practice, hospital bills can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of zlotys, which is why not having insurance poses a huge risk.

What insurance options are available?

A foreign national in Poland may choose one of several forms of protection:

• NFZ – public insurance for employees with an employment contract or students,
• Private health insurance policies – quick access to doctors and diagnostic services, a wide network of facilities,
• Medical Expense Insurance (KL) – Required for visas and short-term stays.

The most common solution is Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland, which meets the formal requirements and provides real protection in emergencies.

Why is it a good idea to have insurance even if you aren't required to?

Even if a foreigner is not required to purchase insurance, it’s worth considering additional private insurance. It allows you to avoid long wait times in lines, gain access to doctors of various specialties, and receive assistance in foreign languages. It guarantees peace of mind and a sense of security during your stay in Poland.

Keywords: health insurance for foreigners, health insurance for foreign nationals, insurance for foreign nationals in Poland, medical expense insurance for foreigners, health insurance for a residence permit.

See also: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – Who Is Required to Have It and How Can You Get It? and Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities.