Through work, a family member or a voluntary agreement with the NFZ
Poland’s public health care is funded through the NFZ, the National Health Fund. Employers register their employees, and people who work for themselves register through ZUS, the social insurance institution. If you live in Poland and nobody else insures you, for example as an international student, you may be able to sign a voluntary agreement at your regional NFZ office. Cover cannot start before you apply. Visitors from other EU countries use their European Health Insurance Card instead.
How it works
Join a health insurance fund or apply for public healthcare cover.
How you get public healthcare depends on the country: you may need to join a health insurance fund or insurer, or ask the public health system to recognise your right to care. If you work, your employer often registers you; students, self-employed people and family members may need to arrange it themselves. You usually need your ID, proof of address, your social security number and proof of work, study or income. If you are already covered by another EU country, an S1 form or a European Health Insurance Card may apply. Once registered, you get a health insurance card or number for doctor and hospital visits.
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At a glance
Check the documents before you go, not at the counter
Regional branches of the National Health Fund, with local delegations in some towns, deal with voluntary insurance. A booking made for another matter may not cover this one, and each office sets its own list of documents.
Guides
Related services
Learn what the welfare centre can offer, how the social worker’s visit works and which centre covers where you live.
How a trusted profile works for people living in Poland, what to bring to a confirmation point and which kinds of office can confirm it.
Understand how tax registration works, when a NIP is needed and how to reach the tax office that covers your address.
Learn what the departure report is, how it affects permanent and temporary registration and who may file it, then find the office.
See when you need a new ID card, how an online start works and why a visit to the office is still required, then pick an office.
See how re-registering at a new address works, who can do it online and which office takes it, then find the counter in your city.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia
Most offices in Oberhausen, Berlin, and Cologne
Most offices in Seraing, Aalst, and Antwerp
Most offices in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Alkmaar
Where to next
Compare NFZ branches and delegations by city and check what to bring before you apply for health insurance.
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