A Traveller's Guide To The Health Care System In Poland

With more and more traveller’s making their way to Poland each year, there is much to be learned about the health care system there. Being very different to that of other countries, many traveller’s will journey to this controversial country without fully understanding how the health care system in Poland functions. By gaining knowledge on how it works, you can take advantage of what is on offer and use it to its full potential.

How To Be Involved in the Health Care System in Poland

• Based purely on a health insurance system, Poland’s health care is administered to Polish residents who, either on a voluntary or compulsory basis, maintain health insurance. Free health services can be procured if an individual has insurance with a health care provider involved with the National Health Fund. By overlooking your health care contract you can begin to understand if you hold insurance through the National Health Fund, also known as Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ).
• Citizens of the EU/EEA can use a European Health Insurance card to be entitled to services within the Polish health care system. For traveller’s not living in Poland, joining the national system is essential. This allows free emergency treatment for sudden illnesses or other problems. Occasionally, payment may be necessary but receipts should always be requested in order to be aware of why you’re being charged. Permanent Polish citizens and Polish employees should be insured with the health care system in Poland where the employer will fund all health contributions.

How the Health Care System in Poland Works for Traveller’s

• If you are a non-EU national who is planning a travelling trip to Poland but do not currently hold a health scheme through Polish employment, you should consider obtaining travel health insurance before you arrive. An advantage for British traveller’s is that an agreement has been set between Great Britain and Poland, allowing British traveller’s to gain free national health treatment from the health care system in Poland. Despite this being a major advantage to this portion of traveller’s, not all costs will be covered so it is still a good idea to get additional health services.
• Depending on your home country of residence, enquire about getting involved in the health care system in Poland, because many other countries hold great benefits when searching for health care also. Various private medical facilities in Poland offer a form of greater health care with experienced Doctors, which can be obtained for a cost. For all traveller’s hoping to journey to Poland, a good outlook on how to acquire the health care system in Poland and what works best for them is vital for a comfortable and safe stay.