How Do I See a Doctor in Poland?

🏥 How Do I See a Doctor in Poland? (2026 Guide for Immigrants)

Moving to Poland comes with many questions — and one of the most common is how to visit a doctor. Whether you need a family doctor, a specialist, or emergency care, this guide explains everything clearly and helps you navigate the Polish healthcare system step by step.

How Do I See a Doctor in Poland

1. Understanding the Polish Healthcare System

Poland offers two main types of medical care:

Public Healthcare (NFZ)

The Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ) provides free medical services for people who are insured. You qualify if you:

• work legally and pay health insurance contributions,

• are registered as unemployed,

• have refugee or temporary protection status,

• are a student or dependent child.

Public healthcare covers family doctors, specialists, hospital treatment, and prescriptions.

Private Clinics

Private clinics are faster and more flexible but require payment. Popular networks include LuxMed, Medicover, and Enel‑Med. Prices start around 120–250 PLN per visit.

👨‍⚕️ 2. Family Doctor (POZ) — Your First Step

In Poland, every patient should register with a family doctor (POZ) — the first point of contact for all medical issues.

Your family doctor:

• keeps your medical history,

• gives referrals to specialists,

• prescribes medications,

• orders tests and lab work.

How to Register

1. Find a POZ clinic near your home.

2. Fill out a “Declaration of Choice” form (in person or online).

3. Provide your PESEL and ID.

4. You can change your doctor twice per year for free.

📞 3. How to Make an Appointment

You can book a visit in three ways:

• By phone — most common method.

• In person — go to the clinic’s registration desk.

• Online — many clinics offer e‑registration via their website.

When booking, you’ll be asked for your name, PESEL, phone number, and reason for the visit.

💊 4. E‑Prescriptions and the Internet Patient Account (IKP)

Poland uses electronic prescriptions only.

How It Works

1. The doctor issues an e‑prescription.

2. You receive an SMS with a 4‑digit code.

3. At the pharmacy, show the code + your PESEL.

4. You get your medicine.

Internet Patient Account (IKP)

Through IKP, you can:

• check prescriptions and referrals,

• view your medical history,

• manage your child’s healthcare,

• download vaccination records.

Login via online banking or a trusted profile.

🏥 5. Seeing a Specialist

In the NFZ system, most specialists require a referral from your family doctor.

Referral Needed

• cardiologist

• neurologist

• endocrinologist

• orthopedist

No Referral Needed

• gynecologist

• ophthalmologist

• psychiatrist

• dentist (partially covered)

Private clinics do not require referrals.

🚑 6. Emergency Services — When to Call 112

Call 112 only in life‑threatening situations:

• chest pain,

• loss of consciousness,

• difficulty breathing,

• serious injury or bleeding.

For minor issues (fever, cold, sore throat), visit your POZ or a private clinic instead.

📄 7. Documents You Need

Bring these to your appointment:

• passport or ID,

• PESEL number,

• proof of insurance (if using NFZ),

• phone number,

• list of medications you take.

🗣️ 8. Useful Polish Phrases

• “Chciałbym umówić wizytę u lekarza.” — I’d like to make a doctor’s appointment.

• “Boli mnie głowa / brzuch / gardło.” — My head / stomach / throat hurts.

• “Potrzebuję recepty.” — I need a prescription.

• “Czy są wolne terminy?” — Are there available appointments?

💡 9. Common Questions (FAQ)

Do I need PESEL to see a doctor?

Yes, for public healthcare (NFZ). Private clinics may accept passport only.

Can I see a doctor without insurance?

Yes, but you’ll pay full price at a private clinic.

Are prescriptions valid everywhere?

Yes, e‑prescriptions can be used in any pharmacy in Poland.

Can I get English‑speaking doctors?

In big cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław), many clinics offer English‑speaking staff.