Looking on opinions on quality of health care in Poland, NFZ vs Private - in particular on orthopedic surgery. I'm in need of an ACL reconstruction and am not sure whether to go private or through ZUS as I heard the national system isn't well funded. I've spoken to 20 differed orthopedic centers in the region and none of their doctors will consider doing a surgery through NFZ. I'd prefer not to pay out 10-14K for the cost of surgery privately (average price in Krakow) as it would require taking out a loan. If anyone has 1st or 2nd hand experience, would be very interested in hearing it.
Health Care Quality in Poland - NFZ vs Private
The public health care is now better than it was in the past.
However I don't trust NFZ' dentists for example - private specialist in the dentistry field are still affordable and of good quality.
Another major drawback of the public healthcare is long waiting time and lines.
I use NFZ just for basic family care, labs, some check-ups. Then I look for specialists in the private sphere.
Of course, more serious treatment is already expensive in private, so hospitals, etc. - such facilities rather with the NFZ deal.
However I don't trust NFZ' dentists for example - private specialist in the dentistry field are still affordable and of good quality.
Another major drawback of the public healthcare is long waiting time and lines.
I use NFZ just for basic family care, labs, some check-ups. Then I look for specialists in the private sphere.
Of course, more serious treatment is already expensive in private, so hospitals, etc. - such facilities rather with the NFZ deal.
Have you looked into the EU health care directive? It might be a solution for you.
//europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/planned-healthcare/expenses-reimbursements/index_en.htm
//europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/planned-healthcare/expenses-reimbursements/index_en.htm
I've spoken to 20 differed orthopedic centers in the region and none of their doctors will consider doing a surgery through NFZ.
Impossible. It is fully refunded by NFZ. The only problem is a long waiting time - even a few years in unlucky regions. Probably you wanted to say: none of their doctors will consider doing a surgery through NFZ within a month or two. That would be closer to the truth.
I'd prefer not to pay out 10-14K for the cost of surgery privately
Of course, nobody wants to pay through the nose if it can be avoided. But you need to estimate if the delay won`t cost you more than 10K.