Healthcare Solutions & Information for Expatriates Living in Poland
Has the idea of moving to Poland and leading the life of an expat always been your preference? The people living in this beautiful European country are a mix of several cultures spread out all across the country. You could explore the varied culture in a few of Poland’s port cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, and more. It is also a great idea to get more information on the healthcare system in Poland to understand how it works for both locals and newcomers. Exploring the healthcare options before time helps ensure ease while you settle into your new life.
Poland’s health system is a blend of a public National Health Fund (NFZ) complemented by a developing private sector. In bigger towns, well-resourced hospitals and specialists are commonly present, but access, waiting periods, and quality differ across regions. NFZ for foreigners is an important part of the framework since it ensures medical access for those who are lawfully covered. The healthcare system in Poland is within reach of people who are lawfully covered (employees, certain residents, pensioners, students, or those who register for elective insurance); certain sections of people (children, expectant mothers, certain social strata) profit from lower costs or exceptions, but entitlement counts on insurance status instead of automatic ‘free’ access for all. Being an expat in a foreign country, you must buy a comprehensive international health insurance plan that can cover you for all kinds of unplanned medical expenses, especially if you do not yet qualify under the Polish healthcare system for expats.
Overview of Healthcare in Poland
The Polish Ministry of Health is responsible for keeping a check on the state-financed National Health Fund called Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ), which funds the national healthcare system in Poland. Contributing to the Polish social-insurance system is compulsory for the majority of groups, especially employees (contributions are deducted through ZUS), certain self-employed people, and pensioners. Others, with legal residency but who do not have mandatory insurance, can apply for voluntary NFZ for foreigners insurance if they fulfill the criteria of legal residency.
Always check NFZ directives for your unique status. Employers use the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) for collecting the health contributions from their staff members in the form of payroll deductions. Those who are self-employed may direct payments of their contribution of social and health to ZUS. Evaluation of the base and contribution rates for the health insurance is not the same all over. You may check the ZUS guidelines or a payroll specialist for the latest rates and computations. If you own a legal residency in Poland but do not have the mandatory insurance, you can apply for voluntary NFZ insurance at your area NFZ branch (conditions apply). People with voluntary coverage may report family members for coverage. For more information, you may check your local NFZ office for forms and conditions about health insurance for foreigners in Poland.
How the Polish Healthcare System Works for Expats
A PESEL (personal identification number) streamlines access to the healthcare system in Poland by considerably simplifying enrolment for NFZ and other services, and is highly advised for expats. Working foreign citizens are normally registered to be insured socially and for health through ZUS by their employer, and PESEL accelerates the process. Nevertheless, in several instances, the NFZ/ZUS procedures do not need a PESEL to commence; check gov.pl or your local NFZ branch for the exact paperwork needed in your circumstances. After you have the health insurance for foreigners in Poland through NFZ (for example, via employer ZUS registration or a voluntary NFZ contract) registration and insurance, you and your registered next of kin (whose eligibility is reported) may use services financed by NFZ. It is mandatory to report your next of kin to NFZ/ZUS to procure coverage for them. Check the NFZ branch guidelines for the registration process for dependents.
Not only that, even the people from the European Union who have a EU/EEA/Swiss visitors having a legitimate EHIC (or PRC) are entitled to medically essential government-funded care in Poland on similar conditions as insured residents. This coverage extends to critical and essential treatment, under the healthcare system in Poland, during short-term stays, but user fees or co-payments may be applicable. EHIC does not promise completely free care. In case you plan extended stays or work, you usual requirement would be local NFZ coverage (or EHIC) can obtain free public healthcare services in Poland, as healthcare for expats in Poland relies heavily on NFZ registration or approved alternatives. Rather, EU/EEA pensioners or posted workers may use an S1 form for registration for long-term insurance. S1 holders need to register it with their local NFZ branch to acquire a Polish entitlement. Some of the most commonly used services include outpatient care, primary care, hospital treatment, dental treatment, etc.
Public Healthcare in Poland
Public healthcare system Poland, NFZ, is publicly-funded and is available for free or at subsidized costs to everyone living or working in the country. NFZ covers all those who are insured under the law. Employees usually have insurance via ZUS by their employer. This makes them eligible for NFZ coverage. Those who are self-employed, students, pensioners, and some posted employees may be insured by other means (ZUS, S1 registration for EU pensioners, or voluntary NFZ contracts). If you do not have an automatic insurance cover, you may apply for elective NFZ for foreigners insurance (subject to terms).
Some high specialization and secondary services (e.g., specialist oncology, major procedures) are clustered in public hospitals and regional centers; private hospitals provide many voluntary and specialist services but may not offer the complete array of tertiary services that large public centers offer. At times expats may come across Polish-speaking hospital staff, which is why they are recommended to learn a few Polish words to enable them to have a seamless experience.
Private Healthcare in Poland
The advantage of private hospitals is the shorter wait time and a focused dedication towards patient experience; in big cities, at private clinics, English-speaking staff are often available, but language proficiency differs by facility and region. You can check for the language support with the clinic beforehand. As compared to many other countries, the private healthcare system in Poland is affordable. While private treatment is affordable compared to many countries, many expats opt for international health insurance plans. These plans supplement the Poland healthcare system for expats and provide faster access to private services.
Emergency Services in Poland
Dial 112 for emergency (operators can converse in Polish and often in English). Conventional emergency numbers still function: 999 for ambulance, 998 for fire, 997 for police. However, calling 112 is advised as it directs the caller to national emergency dispatch centers.
Pharmacies in Poland
Pharmacies (Apteka) are generously spread throughout Poland, and certain pharmacies in big cities are open out of business hours; however, working hours are different in different localities. For many medicines prescription is required; prescription medicines get reimbursement from the NFZ at stipulated rates according to the medicine and the type of patient. Patients usually pay a co-payment. Out-of-pocket outlay on health in Poland is comparatively more than the EU average, so some long-term illness treatments might comprise co-payments or partial patient charges; so, health insurance for foreigners in Poland is strongly recommended, and it is advised to check the NFZ reimbursement rules for more information.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats Living in Poland
Expats are always recommended to buy themselves an international health insurance plan before moving to a new country. This helps keep them and their families secure from any unplanned medical expenses in a foreign country. Besides that, these plans also become a sort of identity for them and help them lead their lives peacefully in their new country. Expats can compare the plans offered by different companies before choosing the best plan for themselves.
For expats planning a move to Poland, the most popular plans are the ones offered by leading international health insurance companies like Allianz International and Cigna. Many of their plans are customizable and can offer optimum support in the time of need, complementing the healthcare system in Poland.
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