Poland has both public and private health care, however social insurance contributions make up the largest source of healthcare financing. There is also a distinction between outpatient specialised care and inpatient care. One generally receives outpatient specialised care in private medical practices in larger cities or in independent health care facilities.
If you are employed in any manner, even self-employed, you are required to pay contributions into the health insurance system. As of 2005, the mandatory rate of health insurance contributions was 8.5% one’s income base. When you sign a contract with your employer, they are required notify the health insurance system about you, and then pay contributions into a health insurance fund for you. Therefore, you will be receiving free medical care. Still, even though the medical care is free, you will often have to wait awhile in order to receive certain kinds of care. For any kind of publically insured specialist care, there is usually a long waiting list to get in to see the doctor, including even basic examinations. For this reason, many who are able to afford it choose to visit private doctors instead. However, if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, do not worry about getting in to see a doctor. The emergency department of any hospital will admit you immediately, and if you choose to go see a specialist then they will also have to assist you immediately. Having a PESEL number will make receiving medical care more quick and efficient.
Free medical care is available to citizens of the EU, including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (four members of the European Free Trade Association) during their stay in Poland. If you belong to one of the four-mentioned states, you should work on getting an EKUZ CARD ( European Health Insurance Card before you arrive in Poland
If you are a non-EU citizen applying for a visa, it is a good idea to register for health insurance that will be accepted in all states of the EU for the time that you plan to stay. The minimum insurance amount is EUR 30,000 and can be purchased from any foreign or domestic insurance company. You can present the original document and a photocopy to the agent when you apply for a visa.