In 2025, an increasing number of people from abroad are coming to Poland not only for tourism, but also for educational, family, and professional reasons. The growing number of students, seasonal workers, professionals, and refugees means that the issue of access to health care is becoming increasingly relevant.
Insurance for Foreigners It is not only a guarantee of medical treatment in the event of illness or an accident, but also an important document when applying for a visa, an extension of stay, or a residence card. Often, without the proper insurance policy, the provincial office may refuse to issue a decision.
Types of Health Insurance Policies for Foreigners
There are several main types of health insurance available on the Polish market for people who are not Polish citizens. The most popular options include:
- Health Insurance for a Residence Card – that meet the requirements of provincial authorities and cover medical treatment and hospitalization costs.
- Insurance for Foreigners for those staying in Poland for an extended period—available as private plans or voluntary plans under the National Health Fund (NFZ).
- Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland – designed for people coming for short tourist or business stays.
The scope of coverage varies depending on the plan, but the most important thing is that it includes inpatient care, outpatient care, and medical transportation.
Health insurance for foreigners
When is health insurance required?
Polish law stipulates that foreign nationals applying for legalization of their stay must demonstrate that they will not be a burden on the public health care system. This means they must present a valid insurance policy if they are not eligible for coverage under the National Health Fund (NFZ) based on employment, study, or family residence.
Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland It is also required when applying for a visa extension, a long-term visa, and even, in some cases, during border control.
Health Insurance and the Residence Card – Key Formalities
What requirements must the policy meet?
Not every insurance policy will be accepted by the agency. It is important that Insurance for Foreigners in Poland met the requirements regarding:
- minimum coverage amount (usually about 30,000 euros),
- coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and transportation,
- valid for the entire duration of the stay,
- activities within the territory of the Republic of Poland.
KL Health Insurance for Foreigners – What Is It and When Is It Required?
Private Insurance or the National Health Fund (NFZ)?
For many people, voluntarily enrolling in the National Health Fund (NFZ) is possible, but not always advantageous. Monthly premiums may be higher than those charged by private insurers, and access to doctors may be limited.
Private Health Insurance for Foreigners in Poland This is currently the most popular form of coverage. By signing up online, you can obtain a document within a few minutes that is sufficient for a residence permit or visa application. Many insurance companies also offer support in English or Ukrainian.
How much does health insurance cost for foreigners?
Policy prices depend on:
- the insured person's age,
- the duration of the contract (from a few days to 12 months),
- scope of coverage,
- country of origin and planned stay.
The average cost of a policy ranges from 300 to 1,200 PLN per year. More comprehensive plans can cost up to 2,000 PLN if they include additional benefits such as dental care, physical therapy, or access to private healthcare networks.
How do I buy insurance?
You can purchase insurance entirely online—simply fill out the form, pay the premium, and download your policy as a PDF. In most cases, you can attach this document to your residence card application right away.
This is a convenient solution for people who want to avoid lines at government offices and ensure that they complete all the formalities required for legal residence in Poland.
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