Can a foreign national use the National Health Fund (NFZ) if they have private health insurance?

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.

How does a private insurance policy differ from the National Health Fund (NFZ)?

Polish law distinguishes between two types of insurance: 1. Public Health Insurance (NFZ) – funded by health insurance premiums. 2. Private Insurance – a voluntary insurance policy purchased from an insurance company.

Private insurance policy:

does not provide access to public health care,
does not entitle you to a free visit to a public hospital,
It covers only those benefits that are specified in the terms and conditions of the contract (General Terms and Conditions).

National Health Fund (NFZ):

allows you to receive free medical care at public facilities,
operates on the basis of fixed premiums,
It is the only form of universal insurance in Poland.

Does a private insurance policy allow you to use the National Health Fund (NFZ)?

No. Private health insurance—even with very comprehensive coverage—does not replace the National Health Fund (NFZ) and does not entitle you to use the public health care system.

If a foreign national has a private insurance policy, then:

may only use private facilities and services specified in the policy,
must pay the National Health Fund (NFZ) for each public service if they are not eligible for public coverage,
He cannot be admitted to a public hospital „through the National Health Fund.”.

The only exceptions are life-threatening emergencies, when the patient receives treatment, but the hospital may later request reimbursement.

When is a foreign national eligible for coverage under the National Health Fund (NFZ)?

A foreign national may use the National Health Fund (NFZ) only in certain situations:

1. Working under a Polish employment contract

The employer automatically registers the employee with the National Health Fund (NFZ). The employee is entitled to full health care under the same terms as those applicable to Polish citizens.

2. A contract for services with a sufficiently high salary

Contributions may also be paid to the National Health Fund (NFZ) if the contract is subject to contributions.

3. Business Activities in Poland

The entrepreneur registers with ZUS on his or her own. After paying the health insurance premium, he or she becomes eligible for NFZ coverage.

4. Student Status

International students may enter into a voluntary agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ) or be enrolled by their university.

5. Family members of the insured person

A child, spouse, or dependent may be added to the insurance policy.

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

Any foreigner legally residing in Poland may purchase voluntary NFZ insurance; however:

It is necessary to have PESEL,
the premium is relatively high,
The contract requires additional paperwork.

It's a more complicated process than buying a private insurance policy.

Why do many foreigners choose private insurance?

Most foreigners coming to Poland is not immediately eligible for the National Health Fund (NFZ). That is why the most common choice is a private Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland, which:

meets the visa and residency requirements (minimum of 30,000 euros),
can be purchased online,
works right away,
It is accepted with a residence card.

The most highly recommended policies are available here: KL Insurance for Foreigners: For Visas and Residence Cards

What about a residence card? Private insurance is mandatory

To apply for a residence card, a foreign national must submit Important Private Health Insurance, unless they have NFZ insurance (through their job or as a student). The office requires a policy that:

covers the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization,
has a total of at least 30,000 euros,
operates in Poland,
is valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Details are described here: Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities

Is it worth having both NFZ and private insurance at the same time?

Yes—this is the option chosen by many foreigners who work or study in Poland.

NFZ provides access to public institutions. Private Insurance provides quick access to specialists, medical tests, and hospitals without waiting in line.

Both types of insurance operate independently and complement each other perfectly.

Private insurance does not grant the right to use the National Health Fund (NFZ).
To use the public health care system, a foreign national must have NFZ coverage (e.g., through employment, enrollment in a degree program, or a voluntary agreement).
Private health insurance is required for a residence permit if the foreign national is not registered with the National Health Fund (NFZ).
The best option for newcomers is to purchase a private insurance policy designed for foreigners.