If you work in Poland as a temporary employee and your employer pays ZUS contributions on your behalf, you are entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card (EKUZ in Polish). This card lets you access necessary healthcare in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland under the same conditions as local citizens — at no extra cost.
What is EKUZ?
EKUZ is a free card issued by ZUS (the Polish Social Insurance Institution). It proves your right to receive state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland. It is not travel insurance — it covers only necessary medical treatment (sudden illness, accidents), not planned procedures you could have done in Poland.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is health-insured in Poland — meaning your employer pays your health insurance contributions to ZUS (or you pay them yourself). This fully includes foreign workers: Ukrainians, Belarusians, and other non-EU nationals who are legally employed in Poland through a temporary staffing agency like Nexflow.
How to apply
The EKUZ application is free of charge. You can apply in several ways:
- Online — via the PUE ZUS portal (ekuz.zus.pl or pue.zus.pl) after logging in
- In person or by post — at any ZUS branch office
- By phone — 22 560 16 00
The card is typically issued within 5–10 business days of the application.
How long is the card valid?
- Permanent employees (including those on civil contracts / zlecenie): usually 12 months, or until the end of your insurance period
- Temporary workers: until the last day of your current employment contract with the agency
After changing employers or renewing your contract, you will need to apply again.
When and where to use EKUZ
Present your EKUZ card:
- When you suffer a sudden illness or accident in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- When visiting a GP or specialist within the public healthcare system abroad
- When admitted to a public hospital abroad
The card is valid in all 27 EU countries, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Key limitations
- EKUZ does not cover planned treatment that you could receive in Poland
- It does not replace private travel insurance (e.g., it does not cover repatriation costs)
- It is not valid in Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia
- If you receive treatment at a private clinic abroad, EKUZ will not be accepted
What this means for Nexflow workers
Nexflow registers all employees with ZUS from day one of employment, in compliance with Polish law. This means that as soon as your health insurance coverage begins, you can apply for your EKUZ card — even if you have just started working.
If you are planning a trip to another EU country (visiting family, travelling) and want to ensure access to healthcare, apply in advance. The card is free and easy to obtain online through PUE ZUS.
Contact the Nexflow HR team if you have any questions about your insurance status or how to apply for EKUZ.