EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) gives the right to access healthcare provided by the state during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. How does it work in Poland?
If you are entitled to healthcare under EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems, during a temporary stay in Poland you have the right to necessary medical healthcare services provided by healthcare facilities that have a contract with the National Health Fund (NFZ) to provide such services. The National Health Fund (NFZ) logo is displayed on the buildings of such facilities. Additionally, information about providers who have a contract with the NFZ is available at the regional NFZ branch responsible for the given area.
To use primary healthcare services, you must visit a doctor who has a contract with the NFZ and present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Temporary Certificate Replacing the EHIC. Primary healthcare (POZ) includes outpatient care provided by a doctor, nurse, or midwife in primary healthcare, including home visits. A POZ doctor can refer you for diagnostic tests, to a specialist, or to a hospital.
What is covered?
EHIC covers medically necessary healthcare provided by the state, at a lower cost or, in many cases, free of charge, until the planned return home.
This includes treatment for a chronic or pre-existing condition that becomes necessary during your visit.
It also covers routine maternity care, provided that you are not traveling abroad for the purpose of giving birth.
If the birth occurs unexpectedly, EHIC will cover the costs of all medical care related to the delivery for both the mother and the child.
EHIC covers the provision of oxygen and kidney dialysis, although these treatments must be arranged and booked before your holiday. You can ask your general practitioner or hospital for advice.
Make sure you do not have private health insurance, as private providers are not covered by EHIC.
EHIC also covers routine medical care for individuals with pre-existing conditions that require monitoring.
Further information
For more detailed information please visit the National Health Fund website.
In case of further questions please contact the National Health Fund Office in Opole.
Biuro Dydaktyki i Jakości Kształcenia
ul. Katowicka 89
45-061 Opole
tel. +48 77 452 74 83
e-mail: bdijk@uni.opole.pl
Uniwersytet Opolski
plac Kopernika 11a
45-040 Opole
Rektorat
tel.: 77 541 59 03
Biuro Kanclerza
tel.: 77 541 60 70
NIP: 754-000-71-79
Regon: 000001382
