Health Insurance for a Residence Card—What Do You Need to Know in 2025?

Why is health insurance required to obtain a residence permit?

Every foreign national applying to legalize their stay in Poland must meet certain formal requirements—one of the most important is having valid health insurance. In 2025, the regulations leave no room for doubt: a lack of insurance means that an application for a temporary stay, permanent residence, or EU long-term resident status will be rejected. Poland’s Act on Foreigners and the regulations of the National Health Fund (NFZ) clearly state that Health insurance for a residence card It must cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical transportation in the event of an emergency.

What type of insurance meets the formal requirements?

For official purposes, the following are most commonly accepted: – voluntary health insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ), – private insurance for foreigners, – KL travel insurance, provided it meets the criteria for the minimum guaranteed coverage (at least 30,000 EUR). The document confirming the policy should include its validity period, scope of coverage, and the insured person’s details. Full access to medical services within the territory of the Republic of Poland is required, which excludes non-EU national insurance policies that do not cover services in Poland. Check out the right solution here:   Health insurance for a residence card

Who is required to have insurance? List of situations

Health insurance linked to a residence card will be required in 2025 for: – individuals taking up employment in Poland, – foreign nationals joining their families, – students and doctoral candidates, – self-employed individuals, – individuals applying for a residence permit on humanitarian or health grounds. This requirement does not apply exclusively to EU citizens—all third-country nationals must demonstrate that their insurance for a foreign national It will cover the cost of treatment and protect the state budget from the costs of benefits.

Is travel insurance enough?

Temporary KL (medical expenses) insurance may be sufficient if the document confirms that: – the coverage includes sudden illnesses and accidents, – the coverage limit is no less than 30,000 EUR, – the policy is valid for the entire duration of the authorized stay. This type of Travel insurance for foreigners It is often chosen by people awaiting an official decision or staying in Poland for a short period of time. You can find more information here:   KL Travel Insurance for Foreigners – When and Why Is It Mandatory?

Health Insurance Through the National Health Fund (NFZ)—Can Foreigners Use It?

Yes—a foreign national can enroll in the National Health Fund, but only if they have a valid residence permit and meet one of the following conditions: – they are employed in Poland, – they run a business, – they are a student, doctoral candidate, or schoolchild in Poland, – has signed a voluntary agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ) and pays premiums. For many people who are not economically active, private health insurance remains an alternative. insurance policy for a foreign national, the terms of which can be flexibly tailored to the purpose of the stay and the age of the insured person.

What documents do I need to submit to the office?

An application for a residence card must include: – a completed form, – proof of registration or a lease agreement, – biometric photos, – proof of financial resources, – Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – the original and a copy of the policy. Failure to submit the required documentation means that legal residence status cannot be granted. Details are described here:   Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities

Does the child also need to be insured?

Yes—when applying for a residence card for a child (e.g., as part of family reunification), you must provide proof of health insurance for the minor. This applies to both children born in Poland and those arriving with their parents from abroad. In such cases, it’s a good idea to make sure that Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland covering the entire family, which is often more cost-effective than individual policies.

Insurance for Foreigners in Poland and Provincial Procedures

Depending on the province, government offices may have additional requirements regarding the policy’s validity period (e.g., no shorter than 12 months) or the document’s format (some accept only paper copies). Regardless of the region, one thing is certain— insurance for a residence card It must be submitted at the time of filing the application, and no later. Therefore, it is not worth delaying its purchase.

How much does health insurance cost for foreigners?

Prices vary widely—they depend on: – the insured person’s age, – the policy term, – the scope of coverage (health insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance, etc.), – the type of provider (public or private). On average, the monthly cost of insurance ranges from 40 to 180 PLN. You can read more about the costs here:   Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – How It Works and How Much It Costs

Don't have insurance? The consequences are serious

Lack of valid insurance results in: – rejection of an application for legalization of stay, – lack of access to public health care services, – the need to cover medical costs out of pocket, – problems in the event of hospitalization or sudden illness. Protect yourself in advance and choose Health Insurance for Foreigners tailored to your situation. It’s an investment in your legal residency and safety in Poland.