NFZ Health Insurance in Poland — A Guide for Foreign Temp Workers

If you work in Poland through a temporary employment agency like Nexflow, you are entitled to free medical care under Poland's public health insurance system — the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ). This guide explains how it works in practice.

What is NFZ?

NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia — National Health Fund) is Poland's public health insurance institution. It funds GP visits, hospital treatment, prescription medications, and many other medical services — free of charge for insured individuals.

Am I insured as a temp worker?

Yes. If you work legally in Poland under a civil-law contract (umowa zlecenia) or a temporary employment contract (umowa o pracę tymczasową), the agency (Nexflow) registers you with ZUS (Poland's social insurance institution) as your employer. This automatically includes health insurance in NFZ. The registration obligation rests entirely with the agency — you don't need to do anything yourself.

When does my NFZ coverage start?

Health insurance is active from the first day of your registration with ZUS by the agency. Registration must happen no later than 7 days from your contract start date.

How can I check if I'm insured?

There are two ways:

• Patient Portal (pacjent.gov.pl) — log in with your Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) or e-dowód. The "Ubezpieczenie" (Insurance) tab shows your current status.
• eWUŚ system at the clinic — the reception staff can verify your coverage status using your PESEL number.

Which doctors can I see?

Under NFZ, you have access to:

• Primary care doctor (POZ — Podstawowa Opieka Zdrowotna) — your family doctor. You can register at any clinic with an NFZ contract. Visits are free.
• Specialist — requires a referral from your POZ doctor (for most specialties). Dental: basic services are covered, but waiting times can be long.
• SOR (hospital emergency department) — for urgent cases, no referral needed.
• Ambulance (112 or 999) — for life-threatening emergencies.

What about medications?

Medications prescribed by an NFZ doctor are partially reimbursed. You will pay less than the full retail price — the co-payment level depends on the medication (0%, 30%, 50%, or full price). An NFZ prescription gives you the right to the subsidy at the pharmacy.

What happens if I lose my job or my contract ends?

After your contract ends, health insurance remains valid for 30 days from the date you are deregistered from ZUS. If you start a new contract through Nexflow or another agency within that period, you are again automatically covered.

Can my family be covered too?

Yes — you can register a spouse/partner and children who don't have their own insurance coverage (e.g., they are not working). Registration is done through ZUS (form ZUS ZCNA) or through Nexflow — ask your coordinator.

What if I need urgent help but don't speak Polish?

In an emergency, go to the nearest SOR (hospital emergency department) — staff are obligated to provide care regardless of language barriers. You can use Google Translate or ask your employer for assistance. Nexflow supports its workers in communicating with medical facilities.

Summary

Working legally through Nexflow in Poland gives you full access to the NFZ public health system from day one. Your insurance is automatic — the agency registers you with ZUS, and NFZ covers GP visits, hospital treatment, and subsidised medications. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, contact your Nexflow coordinator.