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Poland has a public, centralized and free healthcare system. According to the Polish constitution all citizens of the country have equal access to the health services, regardless of their material status.

Public healthcare system is financed by the national health insurance which is paid to NFZ (National Health Fund). The health insurance accounts for 9% of the personal income tax (7.75% is deducted from PIT and 1.25% is paid individually by an insured).

You will not pay for an ambulance in Poland, as it is also paid by the public money.

In case of emergency call:
112 - from mobile phones
999 - from landline phones

To use public healthcare system you need to register with a GP. GP is responsible for basic medical care and in if needed can redelegate you to the hospital or a specialist.

To be granted a health benefit the beneficiary should present:

a)	health insurance card or other document confirming the payment of health insurance contribution - in the case of person insured,
b)	a decision taken by the mayor (president) of gmina - in the case of beneficiary other than the person insured.

Although the healthcare system in Poland is free, it is very slow and sometimes inefficient. For those who wish to avoid queues of public hospitals, there are many private medical centers and hospitals in Warsaw. Private healthcare system in Poland delivers more reliable and better quality healthcare.

Useful links:

• http://www.nfz.gov.pl - website of National Health Fund
• http://www.mz.gov.pl - Ministry of Health
• http://www.doctor.pl - Polish Medical Information Server with list of medical offices in Poland
  

Healthcare for EU citizens

Citizens of EEA (European Economic Area) during a temporary stay in Poland are entitled to receive free health care services from health care providers who have concluded contracts with the National Health Fund (NFZ). The information about health care providers who have concluded contracts with the NFZ is available in the competent regional branch offices of the NFZ.

If you need to visit GP go to a doctor who has a contract with the NFZ and show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a replacement certificate. Primary health care include examination and consultation by a GP. A doctor may also refer you to diagnostic tests, to a specialist or to a hospital.

Medical are open Monday - Friday, from 8 AM to 6 PM. After 6 PM on workdays, Saturdays, Sundays and on holidays 24-hour-care is provided by health units which have concluded contracts for this kind of services. They comprise out-patient care and home visits in case a patient's condition is serious.