How to Find a GP and Use NFZ in Poland – A Practical Guide
You have NFZ health insurance through your work in Poland — but what does that actually mean? This guide walks you through finding a doctor, booking an appointment and getting free healthcare as a foreign worker.
Does a Temporary Worker Have Access to NFZ?
Yes. If you work legally in Poland and are registered with ZUS through a staffing agency such as Nexflow, you are automatically covered by NFZ health insurance. You can verify this on the PUE ZUS platform (zus.pl) or via the mZUS app.
Step 1: Choose a POZ Doctor (GP / Family Doctor)
Primary healthcare in Poland is called POZ (Podstawowa Opieka Zdrowotna). Your POZ doctor is your GP — they write prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and sick-leave certificates (L4).
How to find a POZ doctor:
- Visit nfz.gov.pl → "Gdzie się leczyć" (Where to get treatment) → search for a clinic near you.
- Ask colleagues or call nearby clinics directly.
- Make sure the clinic has a contract with NFZ — only then are visits free of charge.
Step 2: Submit a POZ Declaration
Once you choose a GP, you must submit a POZ declaration — a single-page form that tells NFZ you have selected this doctor as your GP.
What you need:
- ID document (passport or residence card)
- PESEL number (if you have one)
- Proof of insurance (letter from the agency or a PUE ZUS printout)
Submit the declaration in person at the clinic, or online via the IKP portal at pacjent.gov.pl after logging in with your Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany).
Step 3: Book an Appointment
- By phone – call the clinic directly.
- In person – visit the reception desk.
- Online – via the clinic's website or mojewizyty.pl.
- Via IKP – at pacjent.gov.pl you can view your appointment history and test results.
Important: a visit to your POZ doctor is free if you have NFZ insurance and the doctor holds an NFZ contract.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit
- Bring your ID document.
- The doctor will verify your insurance in the eWUŚ electronic system.
- If your insurance is not showing in the system, present a letter from your employer or agency as proof.
Prescriptions and Medicines
Your GP can issue an e-prescription (e-recepta). Collect it at any pharmacy using your PESEL or prescription number. Many medicines are partially or fully reimbursed by NFZ.
When Do You Need a Specialist?
For most NFZ specialists you need a referral from your POZ doctor. Exceptions — you can go directly without a referral to: psychiatrist, gynaecologist, oncologist, ophthalmologist and a few others.
Emergencies – A&E and Ambulance
- 112 – emergency number (works in Polish and English)
- 999 – ambulance
- SOR – hospital A&E department, open 24/7, no referral needed
In a genuine life-threatening emergency you will always be treated at SOR regardless of insurance status.
Night and Holiday Medical Care
When your clinic is closed (evenings, weekends, public holidays), use night and holiday care (NiŚOZ) — usually based at hospitals, free of charge for insured patients.
Telemedicine
Many clinics offer phone or video consultations. This is convenient for minor complaints when you need a prescription or sick note without leaving home.
Summary
Using NFZ in Poland is simpler than it looks. The essential first step is submitting your POZ declaration — without it you have no assigned GP. Once done, you have full access to free primary healthcare. Questions? Contact Nexflow — we are here to help.