Where to apply for public health insurance in Poland

Cover cannot start before you apply, so do not wait

Regional branches of the National Health Fund, and their local delegations in smaller cities, sign voluntary insurance agreements. Each office has its own visit routine and its own list of documents. After signing, you also have to register with ZUS, the social insurance institution.

47 offices
  • Białystok

    Podlaski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Pałacowa 3, 15-042 Białystok

    Cover cannot be backdated before the day you apply, so do not put it off.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Białystok

    For international students

    Podlaski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Pałacowa 3, 15-042 Białystok

    Being enrolled is not enough, as the health fund first checks your status and any other insurance you have.

    Prepare the application and declaration, a first-page passport copy with the photograph obscured as NFZ (National Health Fund) specifies, copies of your current student visa or both sides of your residence card, proof of residence in Poland and a student-status certificate issued within the last 30 days. A minor also needs written parental/guardian consent and a copy of the first page of that parent’s or guardian’s passport. After signing, clarify ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA registration within 7 days, monthly reporting/payment responsibilities and the current student contribution. Confirm who handles these if the university pays.

  • Bielsko-Biała

    Delegatura Śląskiego OW NFZ w Bielsku-Białej

    ul. Karpacka 24, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała

    After the agreement, register yourself and eligible family members with the social insurance office.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Bydgoszcz

    Kujawsko-Pomorski OW NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów w Bydgoszczy

    ul. Łomżyńska 33, 85-863 Bydgoszcz

    Check the hours and documents before you go, because a booking for another matter does not cover this application.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Częstochowa

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Delegatura w Częstochowie

    ul. Czartoryskiego 28, 42-202 Częstochowa

    A PESEL number or an appointment does not give you cover, only the signed agreement does.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Elbląg

    Warmińsko-Mazurski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Delegatura w Elblągu

    ul. Generała Józefa Bema 18, 82-300 Elbląg

    Routine applications are handled locally, but cases that need checks are passed on, so expect more than one visit.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Gdańsk

    For international students

    Pomorski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Podwale Staromiejskie 69, 80-844 Gdańsk

    Family members cannot be added to a student contract, so check this before you apply.

    Prepare the application and declaration, a first-page passport copy with the photograph obscured as NFZ (National Health Fund) specifies, copies of your current student visa or both sides of your residence card, proof of residence in Poland and a student-status certificate issued within the last 30 days. A minor also needs written parental/guardian consent and a copy of the first page of that parent’s or guardian’s passport. After signing, clarify ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA registration within 7 days, monthly reporting/payment responsibilities and the current student contribution. Confirm who handles these if the university pays.

  • Gdańsk

    Pomorski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Podwale Staromiejskie 69, 80-844 Gdańsk

    A consultation alone is not a signed agreement, so ask about eligibility and documents before you travel.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Gdynia

    Pomorski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Punkt Obsługi Klientów w Gdyni

    ul. Śląska 53, 81-304 Gdynia

    Do not use the preventive-care booking for this application, and phone the national helpline to check the schedule.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Gliwice

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Punkt Obsługi Klientów w Gliwicach

    ul. Jana Pawła II 10A, 44-100 Gliwice

    Voluntary insurance is for people who arrange cover themselves, not those registered through an employer.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Gorzów Wielkopolski

    Lubuski OW NFZ — Delegatura w Gorzowie Wielkopolskim

    ul. Pionierów 8, 66-400 Gorzów Wielkopolski

    Ask the national patient line about eligibility, documents and any appointment before you travel.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Jastrzębie-Zdrój

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Punkt Obsługi Klientów: Jastrzębie-Zdrój

    ul. Harcerska 9, 44-335 Jastrzębie-Zdrój

    Check you are not already covered by compulsory insurance or an insured family member before you apply.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Katowice

    For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Stanisława Kossutha 13, 40-844 Katowice

    Register the certificate your foreign health insurer issued to get the same public care as people insured in Poland.

    Obtain S1 from the foreign institution responsible for your insurance and have your identity, Polish residence and PESEL (Polish national identification number) details ready, if PESEL has been assigned. Confirm the branch’s supporting-document requirements before visiting. Keep the NFZ (National Health Fund) confirmation after registration. With PESEL, a provider can check entitlement electronically; without successful electronic verification, use the entitlement document. NFZ says people insured abroad cannot substitute a self-declaration of entitlement. If parents are insured separately in different countries, explain both situations: NFZ refuses a child’s incoming S1 where a parent has an independent Polish insurance entitlement, so the child must be registered under the appropriate Polish route. Do not assume you can freely choose the child’s insurance country.

  • Katowice

    For international students

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Stanisława Kossutha 13, 40-844 Katowice

    Visit the branch for the region where you live, which in Katowice means Silesia.

    Prepare the application in two copies and its declaration, identity and lawful-stay documents, evidence of living in Poland and a university certificate of current student status issued within the last 30 days. NFZ’s student checklist asks for a copy of the passport’s first page with the portrait covered and a copy of the current student visa or both sides of the residence card. Bring evidence of the last insurance period if required. Applicants under 18 need written parental or guardian consent and the requested parent/guardian passport copy. After signing, complete ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA registration and monthly ZUS DRA declarations, and pay contributions to ZUS by the 20th of the following month, unless your university or another authorised payer handles the applicable duties. Confirm this with the payer; do not assume NFZ (National Health Fund) signing completes ZUS registration.

  • Katowice

    Śląski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Stanisława Kossutha 13, 40-844 Katowice

    The Dąbrowa Górnicza point has closed, so visitors are now sent to other branches, including Katowice.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Kielce

    Świętokrzyski OW NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów w Kielcach

    ul. Wojska Polskiego 28D, 25-377 Kielce

    Allow time to take a queue ticket, as they stop being issued half an hour before closing.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Kielce’s procedure requires the ZUS ZZA registration within seven days after concluding the agreement.

  • Koszalin

    Zachodniopomorski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Delegatura w Koszalinie

    ul. Władysława Andersa 34, 75-626 Koszalin

    You can take a queue ticket shortly before opening, but the counters still start at the usual time.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Kraków

    Małopolski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Wadowicka 8W, 30-415 Kraków

    Follow the health fund’s signs to the customer hall in the building at the back.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

  • Kraków

    For international students

    Małopolski Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Wadowicka 8W, 30-415 Kraków

    Phone the national patient line to confirm which student documents you need before you travel.

    Prepare the application and declaration, a first-page passport copy with the photograph obscured as NFZ (National Health Fund) specifies, copies of your current student visa or both sides of your residence card, proof of residence in Poland and a student-status certificate issued within the last 30 days. A minor also needs written parental/guardian consent and a copy of the first page of that parent’s or guardian’s passport. After signing, clarify ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA registration within 7 days, monthly reporting/payment responsibilities and the current student contribution. Confirm who handles these if the university pays.

  • Łódź

    Łódzki Oddział Wojewódzki NFZ — Sala Obsługi Klientów

    ul. Targowa 35, 90-043 Łódź

    Use the customer hall for visits, not the separate correspondence office.

    Prepare identity and applicable residence documents, PESEL (Polish national identification number) details, evidence of the last insurance period and documents for eligible family members. Use the current application checklist. A gap of at least three months may trigger an additional fee; exceptions or instalments depend on the case. Confirm the current monthly contribution for the quarter rather than using an old amount. Follow NFZ (National Health Fund) instructions for signing, then submit the required ZUS (Poland’s social insurance institution) ZZA and, where applicable, ZUS ZCNA forms and keep payment evidence. If you pay your own contributions, follow the monthly ZUS DRA reporting requirement and pay by the 20th of the following month; ask about any special-category payer arrangements. Submit the required ZUS health-insurance registration within seven days of signing the NFZ agreement; confirm who submits it if a special-category payer acts for you.

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NFZ health insurance for people living in Poland

Understand how work, family and voluntary cover differ, including for students, and locate the NFZ office that handles voluntary agreements near you.

Public health insurance in Poland