Insurance for EU/EEA citizens
♦ Who is entitled to free medical care in Poland among international students?
✅ EU/EEA students holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to free medical care in Poland.
♦ Do all international students receive free medical services?
❌ No. Only EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC have access to free healthcare.
Other international students must pay for medical services according to their private insurance policy.
♦ What should a PhD student registered for health insurance at Jan Kochanowski University do in case of any insurance changes?
They are obliged to inform the Doctoral School Office about:
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Any other health insurance registration,
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Any changes in their personal data or their family members’ data.
♦ Is health insurance mandatory for PhD students in Poland?
✅ Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all PhD students during their stay in Poland.
♦ Is health insurance proof required upon arrival for short-term PhD studies?
✅ Yes. All short-term PhD students must present proof of health insurance when they arrive in Poland.
♦ Is it recommended to have additional insurance besides EHIC?
✅ Yes. It is strongly advised to purchase:
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Third-party liability insurance, and
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Accident insurance
in your home country, even if you already have EHIC.
♦ Can EU/EFTA PhD students access Polish healthcare like Polish citizens?
✅ Yes. If they hold a valid EHIC issued in their home country, they can use public healthcare services on the same terms as Polish-insured persons.
♦ What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
It is a free card that provides access to necessary, state-funded healthcare during a temporary stay in:
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All 28 EU countries,
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Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland,
under the same conditions and costs (sometimes free) as locals.
♦ What are the limitations of EHIC?
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❌ It is not a substitute for travel insurance.
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❌ It does not cover private healthcare, return flights, or lost property.
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❌ It does not cover planned medical treatment abroad.
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❌ It does not guarantee free services — some treatments may still be partially paid in certain countries.
♦ Where can I find more information about EHIC?
Visit the European Commission website for detailed EHIC guidelines.
♦ How to prepare before coming to Poland with EHIC?
Step 1: Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country before arrival.
Step 2: Bring the EHIC with you to Poland to access healthcare under the NFZ system.
♦ How to use the EHIC in Poland?
Visit:
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A doctor,
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A clinic, or
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A hospital
that cooperates with the NFZ (look for the NFZ logo).
We recommend:
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CENTERMED Student Health Center
— where doctors are more likely to speak English.
📌 Important: Always bring your valid EHIC with you to your appointments.