A doctor visit is free for the patient when it is covered by public NFZ insurance. In practice this means you must have the right to healthcare and the clinic or doctor must have an NFZ contract. (Read our article about What is NFZ Insurance)
How to See a Doctor with NFZ Insurance (Free)
- Download an mojeIKP app and check to see if you’re insured under NFZ or log in online to Konto Pacjenta and check there. (You must have bank account or Profil Zaufany)
- Choose a local POZ clinic at the app or on the website that accepts NFZ patients
- Submit a declaration for a primary care doctor and nurse
- Wait up to 7 days for your application to be reviewed. You will receive a response via email and in the app
- Book an appointment by phone, online or at reception
You can choose a POZ doctor (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu) or clinic free of charge two times in a calendar year. Another change may require a fee unless the change is caused by specific reasons such as moving or the doctor stopping work at the clinic.
To make an appointment with a family doctor (lekarz internista) and see them the same day, you need to call the clinic in the morning when it opens. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait several days for an appointment.
❗Doctors and Hospital Reception at public clinics almost never speak English.
🚨 Urgent situations
For sudden illness, injury, poisoning or life-threatening conditions, use emergency medical help. Do not wait for a standard POZ visit if the condition is serious. Go straight to the emergency (Szpital SOR) and explain what happened. Keep in mind that wait times at emergency rooms can be up to 6 hours or more.
How to See a Private Doctor without NFZ Insurance (Paid)
Private healthcare in Poland is often used when a patient wants a faster appointment, an English-speaking doctor, a second opinion or a service not easily available through NFZ. It is separate from free public care, so always check the price before confirming a visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the ZnanyLekarz app or visit the website (You can find private doctors in all specialties there)
- Choose the specialization: family doctor, dermatologist, dentist or another doctor
- Select your city and preferred language
- Compare price, location, doctor profile and available dates
- Check whether the visit is in person or online
- Read cancellation rules before paying
- Bring previous test results and a list of medicines
💵 Costs
Private prices depend on city, clinic and specialization. A basic private consultation is usually costs from 200 to 350 PLN. Dental, X-Ray and laboratory services can cost more. Always confirm whether the listed price covers only the consultation or also tests and procedures.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine allows you to consult a doctor without visiting a clinic. Depending on the medical issue, the consultation can be carried out by phone, video call, or online chat. During the consultation, the doctor can assess your symptoms, recommend treatment, issue prescriptions or refer you for further examinations.
What Can Be Done During an Online Consultation
In many cases, the doctor can:
- Diagnose common illnesses
- Prescribe medication
- Issue an e-Prescription (e-Recepta)
- Issue an electronic sick leave (e-ZLA)
- Renew ongoing prescriptions
- Refer you for laboratory tests or specialist consultations
- Discuss test results
- Recommend further treatment
❗Telemedicine is not suitable for every medical problem.
The doctor may ask you to visit the clinic if:
- Physical examination is required
- Your symptoms suggest a serious or emergency condition
- Additional diagnostic procedures are necessary
- Your condition cannot be safely assessed remotely
- This is your first time seeing this doctor for psychological issues