How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland?

Thank you, and yes my daughter-in-law is Polish. She had mentioned that. I have since found out that none of the insurance programs in Poland will cover my most expensive medication. I have Blue Cross for 2 more months, but you're correct that they will not pay outside of the US.

Does anyone know how to ask for generic medication in Polish at the pharmacy? It is too late for me to ask the doctor to write it that way.

It may be possible to arrange insurance through someone else located outside of Poland - the EU has opened up for services, and as such, it should be possible to find a specialist insurer elsewhere.

But you will pay dearly for this.

The best advice in this case would be to try and sort out NFZ cover - although it's not fantastic, you won't have any issues with pre-existing conditions. But you may not get the level of treatment that you're used to in the United States - and you may struggle to get the same medication through the public system.

Incidentally, are you actually entitled to obtain a residence card?

I do not know if I am entitled to obtain a residence card. I was told not to worry about it. My son and daughter-in-law were told that they usually approve it in such situations. I have been writing on another thread about my recent experiences regarding medical care. The thread about cancer treatments. I do not have cancer, but other auto-immune issues. I saw a specialist this week. That was not a great expense. Only 10% of what one would have paid in the US. I have learned that regardless of any insurance program here, I will not be able to get one of my previous medications. It is available here, but no one can afford it. I have 2 others that I need, and they are not even available.

When did you enter the Schengen zone? If you received a stamp in your passport and are not in possession of a legal residence card or visa, then you can only stay in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180.

Not worrying about it is the worst thing you can possibly do - there's an example on this very forum of someone who received a year ban from Schengen and was deported after not following the correct immigration process.


Nothing is certain here. Have you begun the process of applying for the residence card?


Are you sure that staying in Poland is the best option for you? With such a list of needed drugs and an uncertain immigration status, Poland really isn't an advisable option.

You probably are (joining a family member is usually good enough) but you will need to show that you can support yourself and I think there's a requirement to have medical insurance too.


You really do need to worry about it.


Yes but you have to apply within 45 days of arriving in Poland.

My son went through those procedures prior to marrying his wife. After living here for 3 years, he was given 5 days to get out or don't come back for 5 years. That pushed them to marry sooner than they would have otherwise.

I didn't see that I had much choice in coming here. Most jobs require more than I can give. I was an elementary school teacher. I only worked with children who have learning disabilities or special needs. That was not a physically demanding job and it provided much time off, but it was still too much for me. I have applied for US disability. I know that I can get it , but when is the question. If you're rejected, it can take up to 3 years with an attorney. It is only enough to keep you at poverty level in the US, but your medical is covered. It should be more than enough for me to live here, but not if I have high medical costs.

I don't have anyone else that I could stay with. I really needed to live with someone for some assistance. I have good days and bad, but at times can have limited mobility. I try to be optimistic hoping that I will get better. My son reasoned that I should take less medication if not working. I have always loved Europe and wished that I could live here. I had only been to 3 countries before coming to Poland. This is my first trip to Poland.

Ouch.


Are medical costs outside of the US covered? Is the disability payments even paid to non-US residents? As for the costs of living here - in some respects, Poland can be even more expensive than the US - as you've found out, medicine can be one of those things.

The most important thing is that you comply with immigration regulations. The Straż Graniczna are empowered to do random passport controls - if you don't have your passport on you, they can arrange for you to be escorted to your place to get the passport. If you're then found to be illegal in Poland, then you can be deported.

How long have you been in Poland?

10 days. My son would not allow me to do that nor would I want to. Did I write something offensive by the ouch? I do have too much time on my hands and would not normally be writing so much.

No no, the ouch was more in reference to your situation.

With reference to the residence card - I cannot stress enough that you have to set the wheels in motion as soon as possible. You've officially got 45 days to make the application, but I'd advise getting it now while the Foreigners Office is quiet due to the holidays (no students!).

You can collect US disability in many countries. In fact, i even applied here. They have offices in Warsaw, and Krakow, but the Poznan consular's office will accept applications. Medical would not be covered outside of the US. I am willing to make adjustments on the meds, but it was the doctor that I saw here who made such a big deal regarding the injections, one of the new biologics. They are made from living cells making them costs thousands in any currency. Immigration may send me back anyway. I have another son, but he's only 20 and living in Oregon with friends. I prefer the climate here to FL. I was living on a tropical island. It was too hot to walk from your home to your vehicle. The bugs were endless, so I would chose Poland any day. FL is mostly populated by retirees, but it's the young who can handle the heat/humidity.

They are unlikely to do that, joining family is usually considered sufficient grounds to be granted residency in Poland, provided that you can prove that you either have the funds to support yourself or have somebody who will support you (and prove that they have the funds to do so.

The important thing is that you must submit your application for resident's permit within 45 daysof arriving in Poland. If you do that, by law the office must issue you with a decision before your tourist visa runs out. If you do not, you will either have to leave Europe (and stay out for 90 days) or run the risk of being deported.