According to the law, university students from EU/EFTA member States are covered by compulsory health insurance. Students up to 26 years of age may be covered by their parent’s insurance. To obtain such status, at least one of the parents should apply for coverage of their son or daughter as a family member. If this option is not available for a student whose parents are not insured and who has no other valid basis of coverage, students can apply for European Health Insurance Card issued by the institution of the country in which they are insured.

Proof of entitlement to health care services finances by the National Health for a student?

Each insured student should be able to confirm his or her entitlement to health care services finances by the National Health Fund at the doctor’s through the electronic system called eWUŚ. If it is not possible, students can present suitable documents certifying their registration with the health insurance system or write a statement about their entitlement. After fulfilling these procedures doctors are obliged to provide a full range necessary health care services (including presenting refunded drugs).

What are the rules for a person studying outside his or her registered place of residence to go to a GP?

Anyone who is insured with the National Health Fund, including students, can receive healthcare services anywhere in Poland at a practice that has signed a contract with the NHF (Polish: NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia). A student may choose his or her family practitioner at the place of study. Students, like all other insured persons, may go to a different GP in urgent cases. They will have to prove their entitlement to health care services financed by the NHF through the electronic system eWUŚ, by presenting suitable documents.

Where should you go in case of an emergency?

A student who falls ill in the evening, at night, on a Sunday or holiday may use 24-hour basic healthcare service. Such services can be provided at a general clinic or at a different practice that has signed relevant contract with the clinic. Each clinic and practice should provide a notice indicating the location of 24-hour healthcare service, displayed at a prominent location and specifying the address and telephone number. In emergency situations requiring urgent help, students – like all other insured persons – may seek at the nearest Hospital Emergency Department or call an ambulance.

Wes trongly suggest for all Erasmus students to buy extra insurance in case of emergency, that cover all medical expenses and hospitalization.

Insurance against treatment costs protects against the need to independently cover expenses related to possible treatment in Poland which may not be covered by EHIC. Guarantees the reimbursement of costs incurred in connection with the disease, such as:

• doctor's visits,
• medical examination,
• medical consultations,
• days spent in the hospital (with care and food),
• treatments and surgeries,
• medical transport (ambulance, helicopter).

Accident insurance provides a sense of comfort in the event of unforeseen events that may occur in private, professional or road traffic, such as:

• compensation for damage to health incurred as a result of an accident,
• compensation for hospital stay as a result of an accident,
• reimbursement of costs of repair, rental or purchase of auxiliaries,
• reimbursement of treatment and rehabilitation costs,
• medical transport (by ambulance, helicopter) and return transport of the patient to the home country,
• medical transport to the home country in the event of death.

Students are obliged to know the terms of his/her insurance and reckonings after using a medical service in Poland.

Student who does not have the European Health Insurance Card is obliged to buy private insurance that cover all medical expenses and hospitalization.

Insurance against treatment costs protects against the need to independently cover expenses related to possible treatment in Poland. Guarantees the reimbursement of costs incurred in connection with the disease, such as:

• doctor's visits,
• medical examination,
• medical consultations,
• days spent in the hospital (with care and food),
• treatments and surgeries,
• medical transport (ambulance, helicopter).

Accident insurance provides a sense of comfort in the event of unforeseen events that may occur in private, professional or road traffic, such as:

• compensation for damage to health incurred as a result of an accident,
• compensation for hospital stay as a result of an accident,
• reimbursement of costs of repair, rental or purchase of auxiliaries,
• reimbursement of treatment and rehabilitation costs,
• medical transport (by ambulance, helicopter) and return transport of the patient to the home country,
• medical transport to the home country in the event of death.

Students are obliged to know the terms of his/her insurance and reckonings after using a medical service in Poland.

Please note:

• most of the insurance companies require the contact with the student prior the doctor’s appointment;
• even though you are insured – you need to pay at doctor’s office / hospital for the treatment. Later you need to solve the payment with the insurance company in order to get your money back;
• the University does not mediate between the medical service in Poland and the insurance company;
• students are obliged to know the terms of his/her insurance prior coming to Poland;
• insurance is important if you want to avoid huge medical bills! Please give yourself a second thought while choosing the insurance company!