Pharmacy in Poland — How to Get Medicines as a Foreign Worker
Whether you need a painkiller or a prescription antibiotic, knowing how Polish pharmacies work will save you time and money. This guide covers everything a non-EU temporary worker needs to know about getting medicines in Poland.
Types of Medicines in Polish Pharmacies
- OTC medicines (bez recepty) — Available without a prescription: painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), cold and flu remedies, vitamins, antacids.
- Prescription medicines (Rp) — Require a prescription (recepta) from a doctor: antibiotics, medicines for chronic conditions, etc.
- Reimbursed medicines (refundowane) — Part of the cost is covered by NFZ (National Health Fund). You must be insured (employed legally in Poland) to access reimbursement.
The e-Prescription System — How It Works
Since 2020, Poland has operated a fully digital e-prescription system (e-recepta). Your doctor does not issue a paper prescription — it is stored digitally in the central national system and can be dispensed at any pharmacy in Poland.
To collect your medicines at the pharmacy, provide the pharmacist with one of:
- Your PESEL number — if you have one and the doctor linked the prescription to it,
- A four-digit PIN code — sent to you by SMS or email during the appointment,
- The e-prescription number — a 20-digit code given by your doctor.
Important: If you do not have a PESEL number, always ask your doctor for the PIN code during your appointment. Without it or the prescription number, you cannot collect your medicines.
How to Get a Prescription as a Foreign Worker
You can get a prescription from your POZ doctor (primary care / family doctor) or a specialist on referral, all through the NFZ system. As a temporary worker insured with NFZ, you have this right from your first day of employment.
You can also see a private doctor (typically 100–200 PLN), and medicines prescribed privately can still be reimbursed by NFZ if you are insured.
Telemedicine — Online or Phone Consultations
Many clinics and medical platforms offer telemedicine consultations (teleporada) — a doctor's appointment by phone or video call. After a teleconsultation, the doctor can issue an e-prescription that you collect from any pharmacy. Several platforms operate in English or Ukrainian.
How to Check Whether a Medicine Is Reimbursed
- On the Polish Ministry of Health website: mz.gov.pl (reimbursement list),
- In the mObywatel app (e-Zdrowie / e-Health section),
- At the pharmacy counter — the pharmacist can check by entering your PESEL.
24/7 Duty Pharmacy — What to Do at Night or on Public Holidays
In Poland, at least one pharmacy in each area is designated as a duty pharmacy (apteka dyżurna) — open 24 hours or until late at night, including Sundays and public holidays. To find one:
- Check the notice on the door of any closed pharmacy (they must display the duty pharmacy address),
- Visit Naczelna Izba Aptekarska: nia.org.pl,
- Search on any map app: "apteka dyżurna" + your city name.
Useful Phrases at the Pharmacy
- Mam e-receptę — I have an e-prescription
- Mój PESEL to... — My PESEL is...
- Czy ten lek jest bez recepty? — Is this medicine available without a prescription?
- Czy jest refundacja? — Is it reimbursed?
- Ile razy dziennie? — How many times a day?
- Jakie skutki uboczne? — What are the side effects?
Nexflow and Your Health Insurance
As a Nexflow temporary worker, you are covered by NFZ health insurance from your first day of employment. This gives you the right to reimbursed medicines and medical services on the same terms as Polish employees. If you have any questions about accessing healthcare or pharmacies, contact your Nexflow coordinator — we are here to help.
Key Takeaways
- OTC medicines: walk in and buy — no prescription or documents needed.
- E-prescription: provide your PESEL, PIN code, or prescription number at the pharmacy.
- NFZ insurance = right to reimbursed medicines — ask the pharmacist to check.
- Telemedicine: get a prescription without leaving home.
- Night or holiday: look for the duty pharmacy (apteka dyżurna) near you.