What is ZUS and NFZ

NFZ is the National Health Fund responsible for healthcare insurance in Poland. The abbreviation NFZ stands for Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia. It is funded through monthly contributions made by employees and self-employed individuals. Thanks to the payments made to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), you can obtain public health insurance in Poland, which means you are entitled to free medical treatment.

What types of health insurance exist?

• Mandatory insurance – Often referred to as public insurance, with automatic contributions. In fact, voluntary insurance is also included in this category.
• Voluntary insurance – Also public insurance (registered with NFZ), but contributions are not deducted automatically and must be made voluntarily.
• Private insurance – Voluntary insurance purchased from private insurance companies.

If you are officially employed, your employer will automatically insure you, and you do not need to handle it on your own.

A significant advantage of public health insurance for foreigners is the ability to include family members in your policy — at no additional cost. Your relatives will be entitled to the same range of medical services as you.

Family members include children, spouses, parents, grandmothers, and grandfathers.

Functions of NFZ

NFZ insurance in Poland allows you to receive free medical assistance. It covers the following services:

• emergency medical calls (ambulance);
• disease diagnostics;
• laboratory tests;
• treatment of illnesses;
• issuance of medical leave (sick leave certificates);
• pregnancy monitoring and childbirth services;
• care for newborns;
• psychological and mental health support.

Functions of ZUS

The ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych – Social Insurance Institution) provides the following benefits:

• pensions for retirees and disabled persons;
• maternity and childbirth benefits;
• financial assistance in case of the loss of parents;
• sickness benefits;
• accident-related coverage through NFZ.

Where is NFZ insurance valid?

Under NFZ insurance, you can receive medical services in any public healthcare facility in Poland.

How to get insured if you are not employed?

If you are not currently employed but want to receive health insurance:

How to register for voluntary health insurance in Poland?

• You must submit an application to your local NFZ branch.
• Provide your passport along with the application.
• Sign a contract with NFZ.
• Visit your local ZUS office (or the institution pointed out by NFZ) to complete form ZUS ZZA (you will receive the form on-site).
• Obtain payment details and pay your contribution monthly.

If, for any reason, the conditions of NFZ insurance do not suit you, you have the option to purchase a private insurance policy through any private insurance company in Poland.