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.

2 offices in Białystok
  • 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.

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Where to next

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