This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.
Understanding how prescriptions and medication costs work in Poland can save you a significant amount of money. Poland's NFZ system reimburses many common medications at substantial discounts, but the rules around which medicines qualify and at what level of reimbursement are worth understanding before you visit the pharmacy.
The E-Prescription System (E-Recepta)
Since 2020, Poland has operated a fully electronic prescription system. When a doctor (whether at an NFZ clinic or a private practice, provided the doctor has an NFZ contract) issues a prescription, it is sent directly to the national system and linked to your PESEL number. You receive an SMS or notification through the IKP patient portal with a 4-digit code.
At the pharmacy (apteka), you simply provide your PESEL number and the 4-digit code (or show the SMS) — no paper prescription is needed. The pharmacist retrieves all your active prescriptions from the national system electronically. You can also view all your current prescriptions in your IKP patient account at pacjent.gov.pl.
Paper prescriptions (recepty papierowe) are still valid for some specific situations but are increasingly rare. Private doctors who do not have an NFZ contract issue prescriptions on paper or through their own e-prescription systems, which may or may not link to the NFZ reimbursement system.
Reimbursed Medications (Leki Refundowane)
The NFZ maintains a reimbursement list (lista leków refundowanych) of approved medications, updated every 3 months. Medicines on this list are available at subsidised prices — you pay a co-payment (dopłata) rather than the full price. The co-payment amount depends on the reimbursement level assigned to the medicine:
- Bezpłatny (free): Certain medicines for specific conditions (some cancer drugs, insulin, medicines for rare diseases) are available at zero cost to the patient.
- Ryczałt (flat rate): A fixed co-payment currently set at approximately 4.20 PLN per item (for standard reimbursed medications). Very common for generic versions of widely used medications.
- 30% odpłatność: You pay 30% of the official price, with NFZ covering 70%.
- 50% odpłatność: You pay 50% of the official price, with NFZ covering 50%.
Special groups receive additional discounts: children under 18, pregnant women, and people over 75 years old receive a broader range of medications at the flat ryczałt rate or for free, depending on the specific medicine and condition.
Full-Price Medications (Leki Pełnopłatne)
Medications not on the NFZ reimbursement list — including many newer branded drugs, medications for conditions not covered by the reimbursement programme, and over-the-counter medicines — must be paid for in full. Prices vary considerably. Common examples in 2026:
- Ibuprofen 200 mg (20 tablets, OTC): 8–15 PLN
- Paracetamol 500 mg (10 tablets, OTC): 5–10 PLN
- Amoxicillin 500 mg (16 capsules, full price): 18–30 PLN
- Omeprazole 20 mg (28 capsules, full price): 15–35 PLN
- Atorvastatin 10 mg (30 tablets, reimbursed at ryczałt): approximately 4–8 PLN co-payment
- Metformin 500 mg (60 tablets, reimbursed): ryczałt rate, approximately 4–8 PLN
Generic Medications (Leki Generyczne)
Generic medications contain the same active substance as the branded original but are produced by different manufacturers. In Poland, generics are often available at significant discounts compared to brand-name equivalents. Pharmacists are legally able (and in some cases required) to suggest a cheaper generic alternative when dispensing a reimbursed prescription, unless the doctor has specifically marked the prescription pełnopłatny (full price, no substitution) for medical reasons.
If cost is a concern, always ask your pharmacist whether a cheaper generic equivalent is available. The pharmacist will show you the options — you have the right to choose the cheapest available version of the active substance.
Pharmacies (Apteki) in Poland
Pharmacies in Poland are regulated and can only dispense prescription medicines against a valid prescription. Most towns have multiple pharmacies, and major cities have 24-hour pharmacies (apteki czynne całą dobę) — typically one per district. The pharmacy finder at aptekainternetowa.gov.pl or the apteki.pl website lists all pharmacies by location and opening hours.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (leki bez recepty or OTC) are available directly without a prescription. However, some medicines available OTC in other countries require a prescription in Poland. If you are unsure about a medication's status, ask a pharmacist.
Importing Medications from Abroad
If you take a medication that is not available in Poland, you may be able to import a personal supply from abroad (up to a 90-day supply is generally permitted for personal use within the EU). For non-EU medications, customs rules are stricter. Always carry original packaging and documentation when bringing medications through Polish customs. Your Polish GP may be able to prescribe an equivalent Polish medication instead.
Medication Costs for Common Chronic Conditions
For common chronic conditions managed with reimbursed medications, monthly costs in Poland are remarkably low. A typical hypertension medication (e.g., ramipril + amlodipine) might cost 8–15 PLN per month in co-payments. Diabetes management with metformin costs approximately 4–8 PLN per month. Hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine: 4–8 PLN per month. These co-payments are minimal compared to uninsured medication costs in many other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fill a prescription in Poland if I do not speak Polish?
Pharmacists in Poland are required to explain medications to patients, and most pharmacists in cities speak basic English. When you receive an e-prescription, you will get a 4-digit code by SMS or via the IKP patient portal. At the pharmacy, show this code (or provide your PESEL) and the pharmacist retrieves the prescription electronically. They will label the medication with dosage instructions in Polish — use a translation app if needed, or ask the pharmacist to write the dosage in English. All medications in Poland have patient information leaflets (ulotka dla pacjenta) in Polish; English versions are sometimes available from the manufacturer's website.
Can a private doctor issue an NFZ-reimbursed prescription in Poland?
Yes, but only if the private doctor holds an active NFZ contract that includes the right to issue reimbursed prescriptions (umowa upoważniająca do wystawiania recept refundowanych). Many private doctors in Poland hold this contract, meaning you can benefit from reimbursed prices even when seeing a doctor privately and paying for the consultation yourself. Before your appointment, ask the clinic whether the doctor can issue NFZ-reimbursed prescriptions. If not, you will pay the full price for any medicines prescribed. Doctors at Medicover, Lux Med and Enel-Med clinics generally can issue NFZ-reimbursed prescriptions.
What does the ryczałt flat-rate co-payment mean in practice?
Ryczałt is the lowest co-payment tier for reimbursed medications in Poland — a fixed fee currently around 4.20 PLN per item, regardless of the actual cost of the medication. For example, a month's supply of a statin like atorvastatin (wholesale value 25–40 PLN) costs you only 4–8 PLN with ryczałt reimbursement, with NFZ paying the remainder. The ryczałt rate applies to a large proportion of generic medications for common chronic conditions. When your doctor prescribes a medication, they will indicate the reimbursement category on the prescription (or it is determined automatically by the system based on the active substance and indication).
Are there medications I cannot get in Poland that are available in my home country?
Yes. Drug licensing and availability differs between countries. Some medications widely used in the UK, US or other countries may not be available in Poland (or may be available only by special import order), and some Polish medications may not be available elsewhere. If you rely on a specific medication, check before relocating whether it is available in Poland by searching the Polish pharmaceutical registry (Rejestr Produktow Leczniczych) or asking a Polish pharmacist. Your doctor in Poland may be able to prescribe an approved equivalent. For critical medications, bring a supply from your home country until you confirm availability.
Do I need to pay for prescriptions if I am over 75?
People aged 75 and over in Poland have access to a special extended list of free medications (leki bezpłatne dla seniorów 75+). This senior medicines programme covers a broad range of common medications used for conditions prevalent in older age, including cardiovascular drugs, diabetes medications, osteoporosis treatments, and many others. Eligible patients pay nothing for medicines on this list. The programme applies to all legal residents aged 75+ who are insured under NFZ. The list is published and updated by the Ministry of Health. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether your medications are on the 75+ free list.
How long are prescriptions valid in Poland?
E-prescriptions in Poland are valid for 30 days from the date of issue for standard medications. For certain chronic disease medications that are prescribed on a long-term basis, doctors can issue prescriptions valid for up to 365 days (prescriptions for a full year's supply are divided into monthly redemptions). Antibiotic prescriptions and some controlled substance prescriptions have shorter validity periods. Prescriptions for antibiotics are typically valid for 7 days. Paper prescriptions for controlled substances (e.g., opioid painkillers) are subject to special rules and shorter validity periods.
What is the difference between a prescription-only medicine and an OTC medicine in Poland?
In Poland, medicines are classified either as prescription-only (Rp — recepta wymagana) or over-the-counter (OTC — bez recepty). Prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor and can only be dispensed at a licensed pharmacy. OTC medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. Some medicines available OTC in other EU countries are prescription-only in Poland, and vice versa. Additionally, some OTC medicines are available only at pharmacies (not in supermarkets or petrol stations) — these are classified as OTC but are kept behind the pharmacy counter. Ask the pharmacist for guidance.
Can I order medications online in Poland?
Yes. Licensed online pharmacies (apteki internetowe) are legal in Poland and must display the EU common logo (a green cross with a flag and verification QR code) on their website. You can order OTC medications online for delivery. Prescription medications cannot legally be ordered online without a valid prescription submitted electronically. Beware of unlicensed online sellers offering prescription medications without a prescription — this is illegal in Poland and the products may be counterfeit or unsafe. The list of licensed online pharmacies is maintained by the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (Główny Inspektor Farmaceutyczny) at gif.gov.pl.
How do I check whether my medication is on the NFZ reimbursement list?
The current NFZ reimbursement list (lista leków refundowanych) is published on the Ministry of Health website (gov.pl/web/zdrowie) and updated quarterly (usually in January, April, July and October). You can search the list by active substance name (INN), brand name, or ATC code. Your pharmacist can also check for you at the point of dispensing and will show you the co-payment amount before completing the transaction. The IKP patient portal also shows reimbursement information when viewing your active prescriptions.
What should I do if I cannot afford my medication co-payments?
If medication costs are a financial hardship, discuss this with your GP — there may be alternative medications on the free list or at a lower co-payment tier that are equally effective for your condition. Social welfare offices (Ośrodek Pomocy Społecznej, OPS) in your gmina can provide financial assistance for medication costs in cases of genuine hardship. Some pharmaceutical companies also operate patient assistance programmes for expensive medications. For people receiving social benefits, certain medications may be fully reimbursed. Your local NFZ branch (oddział NFZ) can advise on entitlements based on your specific situation.