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Healthcare in Poland: cost & waiting times

Statutory health insurance

Statutory insurance through the NFZ funds a public network; contributions are collected with tax/social security. Many people also use private clinics (Medicover, LUX MED, enel-med) or subscriptions for speed.

Emergency number: 112 (ambulance 999)

How residents get care

  1. Register with a POZ (primary care) clinic β€” Choose a GP ('lekarz rodzinny') by signing a declaration; it's your entry to NFZ specialist and hospital care.
  2. Book NFZ specialist care by e-referral β€” Via the Internetowe Konto Pacjenta (IKP) / mojeIKP app; waits can be long.
  3. Private pay or subscription for speed β€” Widely used; a specialist visit is typically 200–350 zΕ‚.

Official waiting-time source

The NFZ portal shows the first free slot at each facility for stable and urgent cases. Waits for some procedures (e.g. cataract, endoprostheses) can run to many months.

NFZ 'Terminy leczenia' β€” official waiting-list search by procedure and facility β†—

MilestoneReference
Stable-case specialist appointment (varies widely)120 days (~17w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices β€” for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
Private GP visitzΕ‚30–zΕ‚60
Private specialist visitzΕ‚40–zΕ‚90
Private MRIzΕ‚90–zΕ‚200

Prescriptions

NFZ reimburses at 100% / 70% / 50% / flat-fee tiers by drug; seniors 65+ and children get an expanded free list.

Visiting Poland?

EHIC covers necessary care at NFZ-contracted providers (look for the NFZ logo).

Emergencies Call 112 or 999. SOR (emergency wards) treat emergencies.

Official links

Open the full interactive guide, compare tool & tracker β†’
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