Is NFZ insurance free?

It is funded by contributions (9% of income for employees) or the state for some groups (children, pensioners, registered unemployed). Once insured, care is free at the point of use.

Can I see a specialist without a referral?

Under NFZ, most specialists need a GP (lekarz POZ) referral, except psychiatrists, gynaecologists, oncologists, dentists, and a few others.

NFZ Public Health Insurance in Poland

How to register with NFZ, find a doctor, get a PESEL-linked insurance, and when to use private care.

Updated 2026-01-20 · 1 min read

Registering

Get a PESEL first.
Sign a declaration with a primary care doctor (lekarz POZ) — this registers you with NFZ.
Your employer or your JDG pays the 9% health contribution.

Who is covered

Employees, self-employed (JDG), and their families.
Children, students under 26, pensioners (state-funded).
Registered unemployed (via PUP).

Using NFZ

Lekarz POZ (GP) is your first contact.
Referrals to specialists; some accessible directly (see FAQ).
Apteka pharmacies dispense; some medicines subsidised.
Emergency care (SOR) is free regardless of insurance in genuine emergencies.

Private care

Many use private clinics to skip queues: Lux Med, Medicover, Enel-Sport, Damian.
Subscription ~150–400 PLN/month.
NFZ + private is common: NFZ for emergencies/serious, private for speed.

EU EHIC

EU visitors use the EHIC card for urgent care; residents switch to NFZ.

Tips

Register a GP near home or work.
Book non-urgent NFZ visits online via the Internetowe Konto Pacjenta (IKP).

FAQ

Is NFZ insurance free?: It is funded by contributions (9% of income for employees) or the state for some groups (children, pensioners, registered unemployed). Once insured, care is free at the point of use.
Can I see a specialist without a referral?: Under NFZ, most specialists need a GP (lekarz POZ) referral, except psychiatrists, gynaecologists, oncologists, dentists, and a few others.