Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Poland
- Health insurance is REQUIRED for non-EU residence permits—you must show coverage for your entire stay.
- NFZ (public healthcare) has notoriously long wait times—months for specialists. Most expats use private healthcare.
- Private medical subscriptions (Medicover, LuxMed, Enel-Med) cost PLN 150-400/month (€35-90) and provide fast access to English-speaking doctors.
- Poland is excellent value for private healthcare—specialist visits cost PLN 150-300 (€35-70) out of pocket.
- EU citizens can use EHIC for public healthcare, but private subscription is recommended for practical access.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Poland?
Non-EU citizens need health insurance for residence permit applications. Options: private Polish insurance, international insurance, or proof of NFZ coverage (if employed). EU citizens do not need insurance for residence but should have EHIC for NFZ access. In practice, most expats—including EU citizens—use private medical subscriptions because NFZ wait times are extremely long.
Insurance is required for:
- Non-EU visa applicants—insurance is required for residence permits
- Anyone who cannot wait 3-6 months for NFZ specialist appointments
- Expats who need English-speaking medical staff (limited in NFZ system)
- Families with children wanting pediatric care without long waits
- Those with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist access
Public vs Private Healthcare in Poland
Public Healthcare
NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia)
- Access: Polish citizens, legal workers paying ZUS contributions, EU citizens with EHIC
- Cost: Employed: 9% of salary (included in ZUS contributions). Voluntary: PLN 500-700/month.
NFZ provides universal coverage but is severely underfunded. Wait times for specialists can be 3-12 months. Emergency care is immediate but crowded. English is very limited in public facilities. Most expats in Poland treat NFZ as emergency backup and use private subscriptions for routine care.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Medical subscriptions: PLN 150-400/month (€35-90). International: €100-200/month.
Poland has an excellent private healthcare market. Medicover, LuxMed, and Enel-Med offer monthly subscriptions with fast access to specialists, modern clinics, and English-speaking staff. Most large employers provide private medical as a benefit. Out-of-pocket costs are reasonable: specialist visit PLN 150-300 (€35-70).
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Poland. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Residence permit compliance plus travel coverage for Poland-based remote workers
Not ideal for: Poland-only expats—Medicover/LuxMed subscriptions cost 70% less
Allianz Care
Best for: EU expats traveling frequently between Poland and Western Europe
Not ideal for: Warsaw-based expats—local subscriptions are cheaper with better clinic networks
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Budget expats—Polish private healthcare is already very affordable
IMG Global
Best for: Non-EU visa applicants needing residence permit-compliant coverage
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—Medicover/LuxMed have better Polish clinic networks
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Poland
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Residence permit compliance plus | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU expats traveling frequently | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Non-EU visa applicants needing | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Poland
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- NFZ wait times are severe. One expat reported 8-month wait for an MRI, 4 months for dermatologist. Use private healthcare for anything non-emergency.
- Most private medical subscriptions are employer-provided. Self-paying individuals can buy directly from Medicover, LuxMed, or Enel-Med.
- English availability in NFZ facilities is very limited, especially outside Warsaw. Private clinics in Warsaw and Krakow typically have English-speaking staff.
- EU citizens with EHIC can access NFZ, but the same wait time issues apply. EHIC does not grant private care access.
- Private subscriptions usually exclude dental, optical, and some specialist treatments. Check coverage details.
- If employed in Poland, your employer pays ZUS which includes NFZ—you are covered but may still want private subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for a Poland residence permit?
Non-EU citizens: Yes, you must show health insurance covering your entire stay. Options include private Polish insurance, international plans, or NFZ coverage (if employed). EU citizens: Not required for residence, but EHIC is recommended for NFZ access.
What are Medicover, LuxMed, and Enel-Med?
These are private medical subscription services—the most common way expats access healthcare in Poland. For PLN 150-400/month (€35-90), you get fast access to GPs, specialists, diagnostics, and often English-speaking staff. Most Polish employers provide these as employee benefits.
How bad are NFZ wait times really?
Very long. Specialist appointments can take 3-12 months. MRIs and non-urgent diagnostics often have multi-month waits. Emergency care is immediate but crowded. This is why virtually all expats in Poland use private medical subscriptions for routine care, even if they have NFZ coverage.
Can EU citizens use public healthcare in Poland?
Yes, with EHIC card you can access NFZ services. However, you face the same long wait times as Polish citizens. Most EU expats in Poland still get private medical subscriptions for practical healthcare access.
How much does private healthcare cost in Poland?
Very affordable by Western European standards. Medical subscriptions: PLN 150-400/month (€35-90). Out-of-pocket specialist visit: PLN 150-300 (€35-70). Private hospital stay: PLN 500-1,500/day (€115-350). Poland offers excellent value for quality private healthcare.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.