How much does health insurance cost for a foreigner?

Every foreign national staying in Poland must be aware of the requirement to have a valid health insurance policy. In 2025, prices depend on many factors: the scope of coverage, the length of stay, and the type of insurance. The cost of insurance is not just a matter of formalities related to a residence permit or visa, but above all, it provides real protection in the event of illness or an emergency. Find out how much it costs Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland, what options are available, and why you shouldn't skimp on your insurance policy.

What determines the cost of a policy?

The cost of health insurance is not fixed and depends on a number of factors. In 2025, the most commonly cited factors are:

Type of insurance – KL travel insurance, private health insurance, voluntary insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ), and extended coverage plans.
Length of stay – A short-term tourist stay will be cheaper than a stay lasting several months under a residence permit.
Scope of Services – The broader the coverage (e.g., chronic conditions, dental care, rehabilitation), the higher the price.
Age and Health Status of the Insured Person – Younger people usually pay less, while seniors pay more.
Insurance Coverage Amount – A higher coverage limit for medical expenses means a higher premium. The minimum coverage required by the authorities is 30,000 EUR.

Each of these factors affects the final premium amount. Therefore, the price of a policy for a student coming to study for a semester will be completely different from that for an employee planning to stay in Poland for several years.

Sample cost levels for 2025

Although prices vary, it is possible to provide a rough range to help foreigners plan their budget:

KL Travel Insurance – Prices start at a few dozen zlotys for a week-long stay; ideal for tourists and those visiting family.
Basic Private Insurance Policy – starting at a few hundred zlotys per year; covers routine doctor visits and emergencies.
Extended Packages – Depending on the coverage limit and additional services, they can amount to several thousand zlotys per year; they include diagnostics, rehabilitation, and medical transportation.
Voluntary Insurance with the National Health Fund (NFZ) – an initial fee (the amount of which is based on the average salary in Poland) and monthly premiums. It provides full access to public health care.

These are just examples—the actual price depends on the specific offer, the foreign national’s individual needs, and official requirements.

Insurance, Residence Permits, and Visas

In 2025, the regulations are clear—when applying for a residence permit, a foreign national must present valid insurance covering medical expenses in Poland. The document should:

cover the entire duration of the stay,
have the required guarantee amount (at least 30,000 EUR),
be issued by a recognized insurance company.

Not having insurance is one of the most common reasons for the rejection of a visa or residence permit application. That is why it is important to choose insurance that meets the administrative requirements. You can find detailed information here: Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities.

Where can I buy an insurance policy?

Most often, foreigners choose to purchase insurance online. It’s a quick and convenient solution that allows them to immediately obtain the document needed to apply for a residence permit. Offers from brokers and agents who help tailor the scope of coverage to individual needs are also popular.

You can find a sample policy that meets the formal requirements here: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland.

Why shouldn't you skimp on insurance?

Although many people look for the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that insurance isn’t just a formal requirement—it’s, above all, real protection for your health and finances. Medical treatment in Poland without insurance is expensive—hospital bills can run into tens of thousands of zlotys.

Example: A foreign national who is admitted to the hospital following a traffic accident must, without insurance, cover the full costs of ambulance transport, hospitalization, and surgery. The amount can reach as high as 40,000–50,000 zlotys. With insurance, the insurer covers the bill.

The right insurance policy ensures that a foreigner won't be left on their own in a time of need.

How much should you really set aside for insurance?

When analyzing market offerings in 2025, it becomes apparent that:

Short-term travel insurance policies are the cheapest,
Long-term insurance policies for applicants for a residence card cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand zlotys per year,
The National Health Fund (NFZ) is cost-effective in the long run, but it requires that certain formal conditions be met,
Private insurance plans offer the greatest convenience and the fastest treatment, which makes up for the higher cost.

Every foreign national should therefore assess their own situation: the purpose of their stay, the planned duration of their stay in Poland, their available budget, and the formal requirements.

What do the more expensive packages include?

Comprehensive insurance packages include additional benefits that are particularly valued by foreigners. These may include:

dentistry,
gynecological and pediatric care,
rehabilitation and physical therapy,
house calls by a doctor,
medical transport to the country of origin,
telemedicine and online consultations.

Although these packages are more expensive, in the long run they save you time and money, and above all, they give you peace of mind during your stay in Poland.

Insurance and Emergencies

Regardless of which policy you choose, it’s essential that it covers medical emergencies—such as infections, accidents, hospitalization, or life-saving procedures. These are the situations in which medical costs are the highest. You can read more about this here: How does health insurance for foreigners in Poland work in emergencies?.

Why do prices vary depending on age?

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk. Younger people use medical care less often, so they pay less. Seniors, who require medical treatment more often, must expect to pay a higher premium. The differences can be significant—even several hundred zlotys a year.

NFZ Insurance—When Is It Worth It?

Voluntary insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ) is an option available to people who are legally residing in Poland and wish to use the public health care system. The initial fee is based on the average salary, and monthly premiums amount to a few percent of that amount. This is a good option for people planning a longer stay, such as students or contract workers.

The cost of health insurance for a foreigner in Poland in 2025 is an unavoidable expense. Prices range from several dozen zlotys for a short-term travel insurance policy to several thousand zlotys for comprehensive private health insurance plans. The choice depends on the length of stay, the purpose of the visit, and individual needs. One thing is certain—an insurance policy is not just a document required by the authorities, but real protection for your health and finances.