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:

• Any other health insurance registration,

• 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:

• Third-party liability insurance, and

• 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:

• All 28 EU countries,

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland,
  under the same conditions and costs (sometimes free) as locals.

♦ What are the limitations of EHIC?

• ❌ It is not a substitute for travel insurance.

• ❌ It does not cover private healthcare, return flights, or lost property.

• ❌ It does not cover planned medical treatment abroad.

• ❌ 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:

• A doctor,

• A clinic, or

• A hospital
  that cooperates with the NFZ (look for the NFZ logo).

We recommend:

• PZU Zdrowie Medical Center

• CENTERMED Student Health Center
  — where doctors are more likely to speak English.

📌 Important: Always bring your valid EHIC with you to your appointments.