How Does Student Insurance Work in Poland?

If you're planning to study in Poland as an international student, one of the most important things to consider is health insurance coverage. Medical care in Poland is high quality and affordable by European standards, but having the right insurance is essential for accessing healthcare and complying with visa or residence requirements.

In this guide, we’ll explain how student insurance works in Poland, who needs it, what types are available, how much it costs, and how to choose the right plan for your situation.

 

Why Do International Students Need Health Insurance in Poland?

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Poland — whether you're from the EU, EEA, or outside Europe. It is required to:

• Apply for and maintain a student visa or residence permit
• Access public or private medical services
• Avoid high out-of-pocket healthcare costs
• Meet university registration requirements

 

Who Provides Health Insurance in Poland?

There are two main types of health insurance options for students:

1. Public Health Insurance (NFZ)

The National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ) is Poland’s public healthcare provider. It covers most basic and emergency medical services at public hospitals and clinics.

2. Private Health Insurance

Offered by commercial insurance companies, private plans provide access to private clinics, English-speaking doctors, shorter wait times, and more personalized services.

 

Health Insurance for EU/EEA Students

If you're from the EU or EEA, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Poland to receive basic healthcare services under the same conditions as Polish citizens.

However:

• The EHIC only covers public healthcare services.
• It does not cover private clinics, elective treatments, or repatriation.

You may still consider buying private insurance to access better facilities and more comprehensive care.

 

Health Insurance for Non-EU/EEA Students

If you're from outside the EU/EEA, you have two main options:

Option 1: Buy Private Insurance Before Arrival

You can purchase a private health insurance plan from an international or Polish insurance provider. This is often required to apply for a Polish student visa at your local consulate.

Requirements:

• Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR
• Valid in Poland and throughout the Schengen Area
• Coverage for emergency and urgent medical care

Option 2: Register with NFZ After Arrival

You may enroll in public insurance (NFZ) once you’re in Poland.

Steps:

1. Sign a voluntary agreement with the local NFZ office
2. Pay a monthly premium (approx. 66 to 100 PLN per month in 2025)
3. Receive full access to public healthcare

Note: You must also register with the PESEL (Polish ID number) system or have a residence card to sign up with NFZ.

 

What Does Student Insurance Cover?

Public NFZ Insurance:

• General practitioner (GP) visits
• Specialist care (with referral)
• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Basic diagnostics
• Limited dental services

Private Insurance:

• Faster access to specialists (often no referrals)
• English-speaking doctors
• Telemedicine and online consultations
• Vaccinations and preventive care
• More comprehensive dental and mental health support

 

Cost Comparison (2025)

Insurance Type	Average Monthly Cost	Notes
NFZ (public)	66 – 100 PLN	Voluntary subscription for students
Private (basic)	80 – 150 PLN	May have limited coverage or co-pays
Private (premium)	200 – 400 PLN	Covers more services, access to top clinics
International Plan	Varies (200 – 600 PLN)	Often used for visa purposes

 

 

How to Choose the Right Student Insurance

When choosing a plan, consider:

• Visa requirements: Does it meet embassy requirements for coverage?
• University location: Are public or private clinics more accessible?
• Language support: Do you need English-speaking doctors?
• Medical needs: Do you have chronic conditions or expect specialist care?
• Budget: Balance between coverage and affordability

 

Required Documents to Enroll in Insurance

To register for NFZ or buy private insurance, you will typically need:

• Passport or national ID
• Student visa or residence permit
• Proof of university enrollment
• Address of residence in Poland
• PESEL number (for NFZ)

For private insurance, most companies offer online enrollment with digital documents.

 

Final Tips

• Always check with your university — some institutions offer group insurance options at discounted rates.
• If you already have international travel insurance, make sure it meets Polish and Schengen visa requirements.
• Carry your insurance policy or health card with you at all times.
• Be aware of exclusions in your policy, especially for mental health, dental, or pre-existing conditions.

 

Conclusion

Health insurance is a legal and practical necessity for international students in Poland. Whether you choose public NFZ insurance or private coverage, it’s important to make sure you are protected and that your insurance meets visa, academic, and personal needs. With the right plan, you’ll have peace of mind and access to quality healthcare throughout your studies in Poland.