Is private health insurance necessary in Poland?

Is private health insurance necessary? How much does it cost and what does it cover? Is it cheaper to just pay out of pocket if you are sick?

I've heard very mixed reviews about the public hospitals and clinics that are free.

Nothing is free...

Hi. Not sure about clinics which are free....Can I ask are you working? if you are working you should be paying ZUS which entitles you to access to the public health system. This can be very hit and miss and you may have to wait depending on what might be wrong with you.

In relation to private care, there are a load of private health clinics around. Word of warning, just because they are private, does not always mean they are better...most of the doctors who work here are from the public health service. That is not to say they are all bad but like anywhere in the world, there are good and bad doctors. i had to visit a number of these places last year, and the diagnosis i got from each one was very differrent.

A lot of these private hospitals have schemes where you can pay a month charge and it entitles you to certain amount of visits etc. unfortunately, i dont know the costs.

Ireland has a free healthcare system but you'll find many pay the bit extra for the private health care - and alot of larger employers will provide it as a benefit.

If you are moving to work in Poland - see what it provides you.
Im sure if there is an emergency you'll be treated alright but im sure a member could provide you with a link for PL Health Insurance.

Id say if its affordable - better safe than sorry.

Yes, absolutely neccessary, don't count on anything public in this country. However, I didn't mean that you shouldn't go to public hospital, in most cases they have better equipments than a couple of private hospitals, but be prepared to pay some 'fees' if you want to be treated before you die.

By the way, How long are you coming for? You might be able to apply for the European health card which means residents from one EU country is entitled to free medical treatment in another EU Country. I am not sure of the details but it might be a runner if you are not in a position to pay for private health care.

I have used both private and public health care in Poland, and absolutely recommend private. (Luxmed was my choice)

depends what you want. I just got accident insurance. pm me if you want more details

No, not if youre an EU national. A EHIC (European Heath Insurance Card) should cut it.


Depends on the insurer


That depends if you want to wait in a cue or not and what the medical issue is..


You'll never get decent specialised care in a private hospital in Poland out side of Warsaw