Is Health Insurance Covered by My Employer in Poland?
Poland is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign workers seeking stable employment and a good quality of life. One of the most common concerns for job seekers is whether their employer covers health insurance. Understanding the healthcare system in Poland and your rights as an employee is crucial for making informed decisions about your work and well-being.
Understanding Poland’s Healthcare System
Poland has a dual healthcare system that includes both public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is managed by the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ), which provides medical services to insured individuals. Private healthcare services are also widely available, offering faster access and higher quality services for those willing to pay.
Employer Responsibility for Health Insurance
In Poland, employers are legally required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees under the public health insurance system. This is done through the ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), the Social Insurance Institution responsible for collecting contributions for health and social security.
When you start working for a company in Poland, your employer is obligated to register you with ZUS and deduct contributions from your salary for:
- Health insurance (Ubezpieczenie zdrowotne)
- Retirement and pension contributions
- Disability insurance
- Accident insurance
How Much Does Your Employer Contribute?
Health insurance contributions in Poland are shared between the employer and the employee. The total health insurance contribution is 9% of your gross salary, but it is deducted from your wages. The employer is responsible for ensuring these contributions are made to ZUS, allowing you to access public healthcare services.
What Does Public Health Insurance Cover?
Once insured, you are entitled to free or subsidized healthcare services under NFZ, including:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Specialist consultations (with referrals from a GP)
- Hospital treatment and surgeries
- Emergency services and ambulance transport
- Maternity care
- Prescription medications (partially reimbursed by NFZ)
Private Health Insurance Options
While public health insurance covers essential medical services, many employers offer private health insurance as an additional benefit. Private insurance provides:
- Faster access to specialists
- Shorter waiting times for procedures
- A wider selection of clinics and hospitals
Many multinational companies and large Polish employers include private healthcare plans as part of their employee benefits package. If you receive private health insurance, your employer may cover the full cost or subsidize part of the premium.
What If You Are Self-Employed?
If you work in Poland as a freelancer or self-employed individual, you must arrange your own health insurance through ZUS. The contribution is calculated based on your declared income, and failing to pay regularly could result in losing access to public healthcare.
Health Insurance for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers legally employed in Poland are entitled to the same public health insurance as Polish citizens, provided their employer registers them with ZUS. However, some work permit holders, such as temporary workers, may need to arrange additional private insurance before their employment starts.
Final Thoughts
Yes, your employer in Poland is responsible for covering your public health insurance through mandatory contributions to ZUS. However, public healthcare services may have long waiting times, which is why many employees also opt for private health insurance. If you are planning to work in Poland, check with your employer about additional health benefits and whether private insurance is included in your employment package.
By understanding how health insurance works in Poland, you can better prepare for your move and ensure access to quality medical care while working in the country.
