Skip to main content
Logo of EURAXESS
Polish
Poland
Living in EuropeHealth insurance, Medical carePoland

Health insurance and care

The healthcare system in Poland is based on the principles of equal treatment and access to medical services. It is based on a number of general rules. These rules apply unless specific legislation or international agreements provide otherwise.

The National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ) is the main institution responsible for managing public funds for health care. It is the pillar of the entire health insurance system. National health policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.

Foreign researchers and their families visiting and living in Poland have access to Polish state-funded health services:

  • as employees, if the employer pays the health insurance contributions,
  • as a doctoral student with health insurance provided by the university/institute,
  • with voluntary insurance in NFZ or with a private insurance company,
  • during temporary stays/visits on the basis of the European Health Insurance Card,
  • who have an S1 document issued by another EU country (e.g. posted workers, family members),
  • if they are insured as family members of employees in Poland.