Country-by-country guide

The Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ) - Biuro Współpracy Międzynarodowej (Central Office of the National Health Fund and International Affairs Office) will be able to provide information.

Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ) -
Biuro Współpracy Międzynarodowej
ul. Grójecka 186
02-390 Warszawa

Telephone: 0048 (22) 572 62 68

• E-mail: ca17@nfz.gov.pl
• Website: www.nfz.gov.pl

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Poland, dial 999. You can also use 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Health providers who are working under the sate healthcare scheme are marked with the NFZ logo.

Doctors

Doctors surgeries are open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.  After 6 pm on workdays, weekends and on holidays a 24 hour-medical services is provided by varius health units contracted by the NFZ.  Addresses and telephone numbers of health units providing 24-hour-care are available from the NFZ.

Dentists

Dentists often offer both, NFZ and private treatment. NFZ services therefore, might not be available everyday of the week and you should check with the surgery in advance. A list of free services and materials is also available in the dentist surgery. Non-standard services and materials are charged. For more information on dental services in Poland, contact the NFZ.

Hospital treatment

You will need a doctor's referral to be admitted to hospital. In cases of sudden illness, accident or other emergencies however, a referral is not required.

Try to go to a hospital, which has a contract with the NFZ.  During your stay in hospital operations, diagnostic tests and medicines are provided free of charge.

Prescriptions

A prescription should be issued by a doctor who practices within the NFZ. Take your prescription and your EHIC to the pharmacist.  Medicines are charde with

• a lump-sum price of 3,20 zł -in case of basic medicines
• 30% 50% of the price of a medicine -in case of supplementary medicines and
  the full price in case of medicines, which are not included in the reimbursed drugs list.
• These charges are non-refundable in Poland but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Ambulance

An ambulance is always free of charge in emergencies.

Air ambulance

No information available

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the NFZ office to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.

Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ) -
Biuro Współpracy Międzynarodowej
ul. Grójecka 186
02-390 Warszawa

Telephone: 0048 (22) 572 62 68

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Poland nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Poland.

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Reimbursements are claimed from the NFZ office in Poland.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in Poland you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer then claiming for a refund in Poland. 

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Polish health authorities.

However, if you move to Poland to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the  'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact the NFZ office. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

No information available 

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106.

How to register your E106

You will need to contact the NFZ office. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

No information available

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK.

You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.