Emergency

Call 999 or 112
Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ) - (Central Office of the National Health Fund - International Affairs Department)
Tel: +48 (22) 572 62 68
E-mail: ca17@nfz.gov.pl

NFZ infoline: +48 22 125 66 00, +48 800 190 590 (in Polish only)

Treatment, coverage & costs

In an emergency

In the event of a sudden threat to your life or health, emergency medical services are provided by an emergency medical service team. The assistance provided by the emergency medical service teams in emergencies is free of charge.

For all other healthcare services, look for the National Health Fund (NFZ) logo to find a healthcare provider working under the state system.

Doctors - primary health care

• Doctors' surgeries are open usually from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 18:00.
• After 18:00 on weekdays, at weekends and during holidays, 24-hour medical treatment is available from healthcare service providers  working under contracts for the NFZ to ensure  healthcare services at night and during holidays.
• You can find their addresses and telephone numbers:
  • on the NFZ website (in Polish only),
  • in hospitals, clinics and doctors' surgeries that provide primary healthcare under contract with  the NFZ.

Dentists

• As dentists often offer both public and private treatment, public services may not be available every day of the week. Dentists' surgeries should state the days and times when public services are available - check in advance.
• A list of services and dental materials provided free under Polish law is available at dentists' surgeries. Dentists are not allowed to charge any extra fee for the listed benefits. However, you will have to pay for any treatment and/or materials that are not on the list. The costs of those are not refundable in Poland.

Hospital treatment

• You will need a referral from a doctor to be admitted to hospital, unless you get unwell suddenly or are involved in an accident or any other emergency.
• Go to a hospital that has a contract with the NFZ (most hospitals do). The National Health Fund logo (NFZ) is usually visible on the building.
• You can also ask the regional branch of the National Health Fund for help in finding the appropriate healthcare provider.
• Surgical operations, diagnostic tests, medicine, medical devices and healthcare food are free of charge during your hospital stay.

Prescriptions

• Show your prescription and your European Health Insurance Card at the pharmacy.
• For most of the basic medications you will pay a lump sum. Other medications are reimbursed at different rates up to a certain limit and you will have to pay the balance. The general information about the reimbursement is available on the Government Information website (Polish only).
• If your medication is not on the reimbursed drugs list, you will have to pay the full price.

Reimbursement

Patient contribution

• Services provided in medical care centres, nursing and care facilities or medical rehabilitation institutions – you will have to pay the costs of meals and accommodation.
• Spa treatment – for health treatment in a spa clinic you will have to pay a part of the costs for board and lodging, with the amount depending on the standard of your room and period of stay. The amount due is determined by the Minister of Health.
• Transport – you are entitled to get transported by ambulance to the nearest health care unit and back if this is ordered by a doctor covered by your health insurance or a state-funded doctor / surgeon, in the following cases:
  • If it has been  decided that you need immediate treatment in a healthcare institution.
  • If you need to keep up your existing treatment, and your mobility is reduced, so you are not able to use public transport.

In the event of an accident or emergency, assistance is provided free of charge by emergency medical service teams.

In cases not listed above, you will have to pay either 60% or 100% of the costs.

Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

How do I apply for an EHIC?

• You want to apply for an EHIC because you are temporarily staying abroad or you want to work in another EU country

Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC

Loss of card

Contacts for holders of EHICs issued in Poland

Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ) - Departament Współpracy Międzynarodowej
Tel: +48 (22) 572 62 68
E-mail: ca17@nfz.gov.pl