Healthcare (NFZ) Premium

How to see a doctor in Poland student

Student Health Insurance – Who Covers You?

Moving to a new city for university is a true test of independence, especially when it comes to healthcare. The foundation for accessing free medical care in Poland is valid NFZ (National Health Fund) health insurance. Many students assume that simply having student status automatically entitles them to medical treatment—however, this is a myth. You must be formally registered for insurance. How does this work in practice?

• Registration by parents (up to the age of 26) – this is the most common scenario. If you are studying and do not have a standard employment contract (umowa o pracę), one of your parents must register you under their health insurance at work.
• Insurance through the university – if you are over 26 and still studying (or you cannot be registered by your parents, e.g., you are an orphan), the university takes over this duty. You simply need to submit the relevant application to your dean’s office (dziekanat).
• Registration by an employer – if you take up a job under a standard employment contract (or a mandate contract that does not qualify for student tax exemptions), your employer will register you with ZUS and the NFZ.

University clinics – how to see a doctor in Poland?

When you fall ill in a new city, you don’t need to travel hundreds of kilometres back to your hometown just to see a doctor. You have every right to free medical appointments right where you currently live.

1. Choose a local clinic (POZ) – find a medical facility close to your student flat or campus (many universities have dedicated academic health centres).
2. Submit a doctor selection form – you can do this in person at the clinic’s reception or entirely online via the Patient’s Internet Account (Internetowe Konto Pacjenta – IKP). Changing your GP, nurse, and midwife is free of charge (up to twice a calendar year).
3. One-off visit (emergencies) – if you catch a cold but don’t want to change your permanent GP back home, you can see a GP in your new city under the so-called sudden illness procedure (nagłe zachorowanie).

If you feel unwell after 6:00 PM or on days off, do not go to the A&E department (unless it is a life-threatening emergency). Instead, use the Out-of-Hours and Holiday Medical Care service (Nocna i Świąteczna Opieka Zdrowotna) at the nearest hospital, or call the free First Contact Teleplatform (TPK) helpline.

Prescription medication and e-prescriptions for students

During your appointment, the doctor will issue an e-prescription (e-recepta), which you will receive via text message or email. The access code, along with your PESEL number, allows you to pick up your medication at any pharmacy in Poland. By using the mObywatel app, you also have full access to your medical history and prescribed dosages.