Is healthcare in Poland free for employees?

When relocating to a new country for work, one of the most important considerations is access to healthcare. For those planning to work in Poland, a common question arises: Is healthcare in Poland free for employees?

The short answer is yes, public healthcare is available to employees through the state system, but it is not entirely free in the sense that it is funded through mandatory contributions. Below, we break down how the Polish healthcare system works for employees, what is covered, and what additional options are available.

How the Polish Healthcare System Works

Poland has a universal healthcare system that is funded through the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, or NFZ). All employees who are legally employed in Poland and paying social security contributions are entitled to public healthcare services provided by the NFZ.

Key points:

• Healthcare is not "free" in the sense of having no cost—it is funded through mandatory payroll deductions.
• Employers are responsible for enrolling employees in the system and paying the contributions on their behalf.
• Once enrolled, employees and their registered dependents (such as spouses and children) are covered under the NFZ.

What Is Covered by Public Healthcare?

Once you are insured through the NFZ, you are entitled to access a wide range of medical services, including:

• Visits to general practitioners (GPs)
• Specialist consultations (with a referral)
• Hospital treatment and surgeries
• Emergency care
• Maternity care and childbirth
• Diagnostic tests and lab work
• Prescription medication (partially reimbursed)

While many essential services are covered, there can be limitations—such as long waiting times for specialists or limited availability of advanced treatments.

Cost of Healthcare Contributions

Healthcare contributions are automatically deducted from your salary as part of your social security contributions. As of 2025:

• The health insurance contribution is 9% of your gross salary.
• This is managed by the ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), and employers handle the paperwork.

You do not need to pay additional fees at the point of service for most NFZ-covered treatments.

Private Healthcare in Poland

Because of potential drawbacks in the public system, such as long waiting periods or limited English-speaking doctors, many employees choose to use private healthcare providers.

Why consider private healthcare?

• Shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures
• Access to English-speaking medical staff
• Higher-quality facilities in some cases
• Wider choice of doctors and specialists

Private healthcare can be paid out of pocket or through private insurance packages. Many employers, especially international companies, offer private health insurance as part of their employee benefits package.

Registering with a GP (Family Doctor)

Once you are insured, you should register with a general practitioner (GP), who serves as your first point of contact for medical issues. Registration is free and can be done at any clinic affiliated with the NFZ.

• You can choose or change your GP up to two times per year without charge.
• A referral from a GP is required to see most specialists under the public system.

What About Foreign Workers and Expats?

Foreigners legally employed in Poland have the same healthcare rights as Polish citizens once they are enrolled in the NFZ. However, if you are new to the country and not yet employed or if you're a freelancer, different rules apply:

• Non-EU citizens need a valid work and residence permit to access NFZ services.
• EU citizens can access care using their EHIC card for short stays or register with the NFZ if working long-term.
• Freelancers or business owners must register and pay their own ZUS contributions to be covered.

Summary: What Employees Should Know

Topic	Public Healthcare (NFZ)	Private Healthcare
Cost	9% of gross salary (mandatory)	Employer-paid or out-of-pocket
Accessibility	Universal, but with wait times	Fast, more flexible
Language	Mostly Polish-speaking	Often English-speaking
Coverage	Most essential services covered	Broader services and better comfort
Employer Role	Registers and pays contributions	May offer private coverage as benefit

 

Final Thoughts

Yes, employees in Poland have access to public healthcare through mandatory contributions, which provides comprehensive, if sometimes delayed, medical services. Many workers, especially expats, opt for additional private healthcare to ensure faster and more convenient care.

If you’re planning to work in Poland, check whether your employer offers private health insurance as part of your contract. Understanding the healthcare system early on will help you make informed decisions about your well-being while living and working in Poland.