All foreign students are obliged to take out health insurance for the period of time they will spend in the country of destination. It can be either a private insurance policy obtained in their country of origin or in Poland or a voluntary health insurance in Polish National Health Fund.
Health insurance
Students from the EU/EFTA countries
Students from the EU/EFTA countries who hold valid medical insurance in the national insurance system of their country should acquire the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to Poland. It should be valid for the entire period of stay in Poland. EHIC entitles its holder to use healthcare services financed from public funds in Poland. Detailed information is available on the website of the National Health Fund
Students from the EU/EFTA countries who do NOT hold valid medical insurance in the national insurance system of their country should follow the guidelines for the students from outside the EU/EFTA.
Additionally, it is also recommended that the students hold personal accident insurance.
Students from outside the EU/EFTA
Students from the non-EU/EFTA countries should purchase health insurance prior to their arrival in Poland. It should be valid for the entire stay. The insurance policy may be issued by any insurance company. Additionally, it is also recommended that the students hold personal accident insurance.
Otherwise, the students are required to conclude an agreement for voluntary health insurance in the National Health Fund immediately after the beginning of the studies. As of 2017 the cost of the insurance is 46,80 PLN per month. For more information please follow the link
If you are a holder of a valid Card of the Pole (Karta Polaka) please contact the Office of International Education.
A patient covered by the voluntary health insurance is entitled to healthcare services on the same rights as a person insured by the National Health Fund (NFZ).
The lack of health insurance may result in an obligation to cover the full costs of healthcare services in the case of illness or the necessity to receive immediate medical help.
In order to conclude an agreement for voluntary health insurance, you have to visit the relevant NHS Department where you can fill an application for health insurance coverage by the National Health Fund. Within 7 days from the date of signing the agreement, you must visit ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) in order to submit the application for health insurance.
Necessary documents:
Insurance document entitling to healthcare services:
The agreement, together with evidence of paid contribution for the previous month, constitute the evidence of insurance for the person with voluntary health insurance and their family members. Please note that a ZUS application form constitutes an integral part of the agreement.
Monthly health contributions paid to ZUS constitute the basis of entitlement to health insurance benefits, in accordance with the voluntary insurance agreement. The monthly rate for foreign students is 46,8 PLN.
