Interesting facts and practical tips from the world of insurance: how policies work, what to look for when choosing one, and what obligations policyholders—including foreigners living in Poland—have. Short and to the point, without jargon, to make it easier to make a good decision.
You can find the widest selection of insurance policies accepted by consulates and provincial offices here: KL Insurance for Foreigners for Visas and Residence Permits
You can find the full range of policies that meet visa and residence permit requirements here: KL Insurance for Foreigners for Visas and Residence Permits
Below, we explain how it works, who is eligible for the National Health Fund (NFZ) and who is not, what the differences are between private and public insurance, and when a private policy is the only option.
Poland, like most European Union countries, requires foreign nationals to have valid health insurance in order to obtain a residence card. This is one of the key documents when applying for a visa, a residence permit, or an extension of the right to work. Not having health insurance poses a risk
In 2025, every foreign national legally residing in Poland must have valid health insurance. This is not only a formal requirement when applying for a visa or a residence card, but also a necessity in everyday life—access to a doctor, hospital treatment, or medical care
Yes—under current regulations, in 2025, every foreign national residing in Poland must have valid health insurance. This requirement stems directly from the Act on Foreigners and the regulations governing the National Health Fund. This applies to both
When arriving in Poland, every foreigner should take steps to ensure their health and safety. Medical care in Poland—though of a high standard—can be very expensive without adequate insurance. For this reason, insurance for foreigners is not just a formal requirement
Lack of insurance means no access to public healthcare and high costs for private medical treatment. That is why it is important to arrange appropriate health insurance for a foreigner in Poland well in advance.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to how the health insurance system for foreigners works and which options are most commonly chosen by non-EU residents.
Poland is one of the most popular countries in Central Europe for living, working, and studying. However, before a foreigner can begin to enjoy the benefits of living on the Vistula River, they must take care of one of the key aspects of their stay—health insurance for foreigners. The lack of appropriate
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