Medicine & Veterinary Poland

Public Insurance

Covers most medical services for all registered residents, including foreigners working in Poland: consultations with a family doctor; inpatient treatment and emergency medical care; rehabilitation and diagnostic tests (with a referral from a doctor); specialist consultations (with a referral from a family doctor). Public insurance also includes basic dental services, but many specialized procedures require additional payment.

 

Private Insurance

Provides additional services and comfort compared to public healthcare. Services covered by private insurance: quick access to specialists without referrals; advanced diagnostic tests and treatments; additional dental services and aesthetic medicine; examinations and treatments in private clinics.

The largest providers of private medical insurance in Poland include LuxMed and Medicover, which offer various service packages. 

 

Student Medical Insurance

Foreign students in Poland must have medical insurance that meets the requirements of Polish immigration authorities. Students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to purchase an insurance policy before arriving in Poland. Students from the EU can use the EHIC, but it is also recommended to have private insurance to cover additional costs such as repatriation or search and rescue.

 

European Health Insurance Card 

Citizens of EU/EEA countries can use the EHIC to receive medical care on the same terms as Polish citizens. To obtain the card, you need to contact your national insurance organization before traveling to Poland.

Public Hospitals

Public medical institutions provide a wide range of free medical services for registered residents.

 

Advantages

Free consultations with family doctors, inpatient treatment, emergency services, and some specialized services, including diagnostics, rehabilitation, and treatment of chronic diseases.

   

Disadvantages

Waiting for consultations with specialists and scheduled treatments may take several months. Some procedures are available only in limited quantities, which can increase waiting times.

 

Private Clinics

Private medical institutions offer faster access to medical services but at an additional cost.

 

Advantages

Shorter queues and the ability to make appointments with specialists without a referral. Private clinics often offer more comfortable conditions and modern equipment.

A wide range of services: Includes cosmetic procedures, specialized surgical operations, and other services that may not be available in public institutions.

 

Disadvantages

Services in private clinics can be quite expensive, especially for long-term treatment or complex procedures. Not all procedures and services are covered by private insurance, which can increase costs.

 

Popular Public Hospitals

 

Warsaw

Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration: One of the largest hospitals in Poland, offers a wide range of medical services, including specialized treatment and emergency care.

 

Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology: A leading cancer center in Poland, specializing in the treatment and research of cancer diseases.

   

Krakow

University Hospital in Krakow: The largest multi-specialty hospital in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, providing a wide range of medical services.

 

Jagiellonian University Institute of Pediatrics: A specialized medical institution providing care for children.

   

Wroclaw

University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw: The leading hospital in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, offering a wide range of services from diagnostics to surgical treatment.

 

Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital named after Maria Sklodowska-Curie: A specialized hospital providing medical care in various fields, including oncology.

   

Poznań

Clinical Hospital named after Helena Święszkowska: One of the largest hospitals in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, offering a wide range of medical services.

 

Institute of Oncology in Poznań: A specialized oncology center providing diagnostics and treatment of cancer diseases.

 

Gdańsk

University Clinical Hospital in Gdańsk: A leading medical organization in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, offering multiprofile medical care.

   

Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health: Specializes in medical services related to occupational health and professional diseases.

 

Popular Private Hospitals

 

 Warsaw

Lux Med: One of the largest private medical networks in Poland; offers a wide range of medical services, including consultations with specialists, diagnostics, surgery, and dentistry. 

 

Medicover Hospital: Offers a full range of medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation; English-speaking staff available.

 

 Kraków

Centrum Medyczne ENEL-MED: A major network of private clinics; offers medical services in various fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and many others. 

 

Scanmed Multimedis: Provides services in diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. 

 

 Wrocław

DOLMED: Offers a wide range of medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, laboratory tests, and surgical treatment.

   

Lux Med: Offers a full range of medical services, including outpatient treatment, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. 

 

 Poznań

Carolina Medical Center Poznań: Specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine; offers services for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries and musculoskeletal diseases.

   

MedPolonia: Offers services in surgery, gynecology, cardiology, and other medical specialties. 

 

 Gdańsk

Swissmed Centrum Zdrowia: Provides a wide range of medical services, including diagnostics, outpatient treatment, surgical operations, and rehabilitation. 

 

Pomorskie Centrum Medyczne: Provides services in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other medical specialties.

Registration with a Family Doctor

 

Choosing a Doctor: Find information about the medical institution and the family doctor online on medical center websites or use recommendations from acquaintances.

Registration Process: To register, you need to fill out an application form, which can be obtained directly at the chosen clinic. After submitting the application and documents to the clinic, you will be assigned a family doctor.

Required Documents:

   - Passport or identity card.

   - Confirmation of registration in the healthcare system (e.g., PESEL number).

   - Insurance policy or document confirming the payment of insurance contributions.

 

Appointment with a Specialist

 

Getting a Referral: To make an appointment with a specialist, you need to get a referral from your family doctor. Exceptions are cases where a referral is not required, such as to a gynecologist or dentist.

 

Making an Appointment: You can make an appointment with a specialist by visiting the clinic in person or calling by phone. Many medical institutions offer the possibility of making an appointment online, for example, through the website ZnanyLekarz.pl.

 

Online Services

 

Online Platforms: Platforms like Medicover, Doctolib, Lux Med allow you to make appointments, get consultations and prescriptions without needing to visit the clinic.

 

Electronic Prescriptions: Doctors in Poland issue electronic prescriptions that can be received via SMS or email. To get the medicine at the pharmacy, just provide your PESEL and prescription code.

 

Online Consultations: If necessary, especially during epidemics, online consultations with a doctor are possible. The doctor can conduct an initial examination, prescribe treatment, and issue referrals or prescriptions remotely.

To call an ambulance in Poland, you need to dial 112: this number is valid throughout Europe and allows you to quickly contact emergency services dispatchers.

 

Types of Ambulance Teams

 W - Basic Team: Consists of a nurse or paramedic and a driver; used for most calls that do not require specialized intervention.

 P - Transport Team: Designed for transporting patients not requiring emergency medical interventions; team includes a paramedic and driver.

 N - Neonatal Team: Specializes in the transport of newborns and infants.

 R - Resuscitation Team: Includes doctors and specialized equipment for providing intensive care on site.

 

Hospitals and Emergency Departments: Poland has a network of hospitals and emergency departments that provide 24-hour services.

 

Payment for Services: Medical transportation in emergency situations is free of charge. However, you must have valid insurance to receive free assistance.

 

Waiting Time and Service Availability: The average waiting time for an ambulance to arrive in urban areas is 9 minutes, and 15 minutes in rural areas.

 

Helicopter Emergency Service: Includes 16 permanent and 2 seasonal bases, equipped with 18 Mi-2puls helicopters. This service is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and provides air transportation for patients in critical conditions.

Getting a Referral: A family doctor will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, issue a referral for tests or examinations by specialists or laboratories.

 

Test Process: Tests can be conducted in public hospitals, clinics, and private laboratories. Usually, you need to make an appointment for tests, which can be done by phone, in person, or online.

   

Specialized Examinations: To conduct specialized examinations, such as ultrasound, MRI, or X-rays, you will also need a referral from a family doctor. Appointments for examinations are made through the medical facility's reception or online.

 

Private Clinics and Diagnostic Centers: If you want to avoid long waits, you can visit private clinics and diagnostic centers.

 

In Poland, there are several major laboratory networks that offer a wide range of diagnostic services: Diagnostyka; ALAB Laboratoria; Synevo; Medicover; Invicta.

These laboratories provide high-quality medical services, use modern equipment, and have a wide network of branches, making them accessible to most Polish residents.

Choosing a Hospital: In Poland, most births take place in hospitals. Among the best public hospitals for childbirth are university hospitals in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and other major cities. Private clinics, such as Luxmed and Medicover, also offer high-quality services.

 

Choosing a Doctor: It is important to choose an obstetrician-gynecologist in advance, who will manage the pregnancy and be present at the birth. This could be a family doctor with whom you are already acquainted, or a specialist from the chosen hospital. Many doctors offer consultations and pregnancy management in both public and private clinics.

 

Health Insurance

State Insurance: Covers most costs associated with childbirth, including prenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care.

Private Insurance: Provides additional benefits, such as shorter waiting times, choice of doctor, and comfortable hospital conditions.

 

Preparing for Childbirth

 

Childbirth Preparation Courses: Many hospitals and clinics offer childbirth preparation courses that help expectant parents prepare for the childbirth process and newborn care.

 

Necessary Documents: For childbirth, you need to bring documents such as an identity card, health insurance policy, and pregnancy medical record.

 

Partner Childbirth

Partner childbirth usually requires prior registration at the chosen hospital. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor or midwife during regular check-ups to ensure the chosen hospital offers this service and to understand the requirements and conditions for the partner's presence.

 

Vaccination of Newborns

In Poland, vaccination of newborns is mandatory and regulated by the national immunization program. Mandatory vaccinations are provided free of charge.

Mandatory vaccines for newborns and young children include: BCG (against tuberculosis) – administered in the first days after birth; hepatitis B vaccine – the first doses are also given in the maternity hospital.

Exceptions: Vaccination may be postponed or canceled if there are medical contraindications, such as: allergic reactions to vaccine components; severe health conditions in the child.

Parents may refuse vaccination, but this may have legal consequences. Health authorities may contact the family to explain the risks of refusal.

If you have doubts or questions about vaccination, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician.

In the event of a foreigner's death in Poland, a series of actions must be taken to process all necessary documents and arrange for the transport of the body to the homeland, if required. 

 

Notification of Death

Medical institution: If death occurs in a hospital, medical staff will handle the initial documentation and issuance of the death certificate.

Calling an ambulance: If death occurs outside a medical facility, an ambulance and police must be called to register the death at the scene.

Obtaining a medical certificate of death: issued by a doctor or medical institution. 

 

Consulate Notification: Relatives or representatives of the deceased must notify the consulate of the deceased's country of citizenship. The consulate may assist in organizing body repatriation and provide legal advice.

 

Death Registration 

For official registration of death, it is necessary to contact the local civil registry office. You are required to provide the medical death certificate and the deceased's documents (passport, residence permit, etc.). An official death certificate is issued after death registration.

Local authorities issue a cremation permit. This may require a medical certificate confirming the absence of suspicious circumstances of death.

 

Organization of Funeral, Repatriation, or Cremation

Funeral in Poland: If the family decides to hold a funeral in Poland, the funeral agency will organize all necessary arrangements.

Body Repatriation: In case of repatriating the body to the homeland, the agency will prepare the body for transport, arrange all customs and transport documents, and organize transportation.

The funeral agency arranges for cremation: After cremation, the ashes are placed in a chosen urn and given to relatives or representatives. The funeral agency provides a cremation certificate, which may be required for transporting the ashes to the homeland. 

 

Financial and Legal Issues

Insurance: Check for the deceased's insurance policy, which may cover funeral or repatriation expenses.

Inheritance: Consultation with a lawyer may be required to resolve inheritance issues and fulfill the deceased's wishes according to their will or the laws of the country of citizenship.

Dogs

Rabies: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs in Poland. The first vaccination must be carried out by 12 weeks of age, followed by annual revaccination.

Combination vaccine (DAP or DHPP): Includes protection against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and, in some cases, parainfluenza. Recommended as a basic vaccination for all puppies and adult dogs.

Other vaccines (as needed):

Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs living in rural areas or frequently in contact with water.

Borreliosis: Recommended for dogs living in regions with a high incidence of ticks.

Kennel cough (Bordetella): Recommended for dogs that frequently stay in crowded places like kennels, shows, etc.

 

Cats

Rabies: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for cats, especially if they travel or have contact with other animals.

Combined Vaccine (FVRCP): Includes protection against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Recommended as basic vaccination for all kittens and adult cats.

Other vaccines (as needed):

Feline Leukemia Virus: Recommended for cats with free access to the outdoors or that come into contact with other cats.

Chlamydia: Recommended for cats living in multi-cat homes or catteries.

 

Pet Procedures

 

Microchipping: Mandatory procedure for all dogs and recommended for cats. This helps identify the animal in case of loss or theft.

Parasite Treatment: Regular treatments for internal and external parasites (fleas, ticks, worms) are important for maintaining pet health.

Pet hotels provide comfortable accommodation and care for pets during the absence of owners, while shelters offer a temporary home and care for homeless animals and work on their adoption.

 

Examples of Pet Hotels

Animal Hotel Lux: A pet hotel in Warsaw offering a wide range of services, including individual rooms, meals on request, regular walks, and veterinary supervision.

Doggy House: A hotel in Krakow specializing in dog care. Offers spacious kennels, a play area, and professional care.

Cats & Dogs Hotel: A hotel in Gdansk providing services for cats and dogs. Includes comfortable accommodations, meals, care, and round-the-clock veterinary control.

 

Examples of Animal Shelters

Schronisko Na Paluchu: One of the largest animal shelters in Warsaw, offering shelter and care for dogs and cats. The shelter also runs animal adoption programs.

Polish Puppy Rescue: A foundation in Krakow, rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned puppies. Offers temporary accommodation and medical care, and also arranges adoptions.

Our Lil Bit of Heaven Animal Rescue and Sanctuary: A shelter in Poznan providing home and care for old, sick, and abandoned animals. Operates on donations and volunteer assistance.

Registration and Identification

Microchipping: Mandatory for all dogs. Microchipping is also recommended for cats, especially if they have free access to the outdoors.

Registration: All dogs must be registered with local authorities. Registration includes obtaining an identification tag that the dog must wear on its collar.

Vaccination and Veterinary Care

It is recommended to follow the schedule of mandatory vaccinations, as well as vaccinations against other infectious diseases.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet are important for maintaining animal health. Veterinarians conduct check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments as needed.

Keeping Conditions

Keeping Conditions: Pets must be kept in conditions that ensure their health and welfare. This includes access to clean water, adequate nutrition, regular physical exercise, and suitable housing. The law prohibits keeping animals in conditions that may harm them, such as cramped cages or prolonged chaining.

Public Places and Transportation: Dogs must be on a leash in public places, and in some cases - muzzled. This is especially important in public transport and crowded places. For transporting animals in cars, it is recommended to use special transport containers or seat belts.

Dangerous Dog Breeds: In Poland, there are restrictions on keeping certain dog breeds considered dangerous. Owners must obtain special permission from local authorities to keep these breeds. Owners of prohibited breeds bear full responsibility for their pets. Non-compliance can result in fines, confiscation of the dog, and other legal consequences.

Legislation and Animal Rights Protection

Animal Protection Laws: Poland has strict animal protection laws that prohibit animal cruelty and establish penalties for such actions. Violating these laws can result in fines or even imprisonment.

 For additional information and to obtain the necessary documents, it is recommended to contact the local authorities or a veterinarian.