This is general health and administrative information, not medical advice. Coverage details depend on your status. Confirm with NFZ or your employer.
What is NFZ?
The Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ) is Poland's national health fund. It finances public healthcare, so insured residents can access GP visits, hospital care and many treatments without paying directly at the point of use.
Who is covered?
Most employees are insured automatically through contributions deducted from pay. The self-employed pay health contributions through ZUS. Family members can be registered as dependants, and voluntary insurance is available for those without another basis.
- Employees: insured by the employer.
- Self-employed: pay via ZUS.
- Dependants: registered family members.
- Others: voluntary NFZ insurance.
How to register
If you are employed, your employer reports you to ZUS, which feeds NFZ coverage. You then choose a primary care doctor (lekarz POZ) by submitting a declaration at a clinic. Register dependants separately so they are also covered.
Using your coverage
Your insured status is verified electronically through the eWUS system using your PESEL number. With an active status you can book GP appointments, get referrals to specialists and access hospital care within the public system.
- Choose a GP clinic and submit the declaration.
- Status checked via eWUS at each visit.
- Referrals needed for many specialists.
Private options
Many residents add private insurance or subscriptions to cut waiting times. This complements rather than replaces NFZ and is often offered as an employee benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NFZ cover?
Public healthcare including GP visits, specialist care and hospital treatment for insured residents.
How do employees get covered?
Automatically; the employer reports them to ZUS and contributions are deducted from pay.
How do I pick a GP?
Submit a declaration choosing a primary care doctor at a clinic of your choice.
Are family members covered?
Yes, dependants can be registered to share the insured person's coverage.
How is my status verified?
Through the eWUS system using your PESEL number at each appointment.
What if I am self-employed?
You pay health contributions through ZUS, which provides NFZ coverage.
Do I need a referral for specialists?
Yes for many specialists, though some can be seen without one.
Can I buy voluntary insurance?
Yes, voluntary NFZ insurance is available if you have no other basis.
Does private insurance replace NFZ?
No, it complements NFZ, typically to reduce waiting times.
Do I need a PESEL?
A PESEL number greatly simplifies electronic verification and most healthcare admin.