Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – What Are the Requirements in 2025?

Does every foreign national have to have health insurance?

Yes—under current regulations, as of 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 both to people arriving for a short time—such as tourists or business travelers—and to those who wish to settle in Poland for the long term. Lack of insurance can lead to serious consequences—such as being denied medical care, problems with legalizing one’s stay, or having to cover medical costs out of pocket.

What types of insurance are accepted?

In Poland, foreign nationals have several options available to them: – Health insurance for a residence card, – private health insurance purchased from a Polish or international insurance company, – voluntary insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ), – KL Travel Insurance for Foreigners for short-term visits. Each of these policies must meet specific criteria—primarily, they must cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical transportation, and the guaranteed coverage amount must not be less than 30,000 EUR. View the relevant policy here:   Health insurance for a foreign national

Who verifies insurance coverage?

The following entities verify insurance coverage: – provincial offices – when applications for a residence card are submitted, – Polish consulates – when processing visa applications, – employers – when hiring foreign nationals, – border guards and the police – during checks on the legality of residence. Failure to present a valid insurance policy may result in the rejection of the application or an order to leave Poland.

What does health insurance for foreigners in Poland cover?

The scope of coverage depends on the policy you choose, but it should include at least: – outpatient treatment, – hospitalization, – emergency assistance in the event of an accident, – specialized care, – medical transport to a hospital or to your home country. Good Health Insurance for Foreigners It should be comprehensive and address the real needs of people living outside their home country.

Do children and seniors need to have insurance?

Yes—regardless of age, every person legally residing in Poland must have insurance. For children, insurance can be purchased by a parent or guardian. Special plans are available for seniors, although the premium may be higher. Insurance for a foreigner It can be tailored to your age, health, and the purpose of your stay, so it's a good idea to seek advice before purchasing it.

Does health insurance allow you to legalize your stay?

Yes—health insurance is one of the basic requirements for obtaining: – a Type D national visa, – a temporary or permanent residence card, – an EU long-term resident permit, – the right to work or study. Learn more about the formalities:   Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities

Voluntary Insurance Through the National Health Fund (NFZ) — An Alternative to a Private Policy

A foreign national may sign a contract with the National Health Fund if: – they have legal residency in Poland, – they have no other basis for health insurance coverage, – they pay monthly premiums (approx. 700–800 PLN in 2025). This is an option for people planning a long-term stay who wish to use the public healthcare system. Check the details:   Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – Who Is Required to Have It and How Can You Get It?

What are the consequences of not having insurance?

Not having a valid insurance policy poses the following risks: – refusal of treatment at a hospital, – having to pay the full cost of private medical care, – refusal to issue an administrative decision regarding your stay, – problems during border or police checks. For this reason Health Insurance for Foreigners It's not just a formality, but an absolute necessity in everyday life in Poland.