Health Insurance in Poland – Work Rules

Health Insurance in Poland: Healthcare for Employees

If you work legally in Poland, you have health insurance. The contribution is deducted from your salary. You do not have to pay it yourself.

In this article, you will learn:

• how health insurance works in Poland,
• what healthcare covers,
• whether you have the right to sick leave,
• who is covered by insurance,
• what rights you have as an employee.

Table of Contents

• What health insurance in Poland is
• Who has health insurance
• What healthcare covers
• Sick leave and sickness benefit
• Exceptions under a contract of mandate
• Health insurance and temporary work
• Questions and answers
• Summary

What health insurance in Poland is

Health insurance gives you access to medical treatment. It is mandatory under an employment contract. The health insurance contribution:

• is deducted from your salary,
• goes to the public system,
• gives you the right to medical services.

You do not have to complete any additional formalities.

Who has health insurance

Health insurance is provided to people:

• employed under an employment contract,
• working legally in Poland,
• registered in the insurance system.

This also applies to temporary workers. Foreigners working legally are also covered by the system.

What healthcare covers in Poland

Health insurance covers basic treatment. You have access to public medical facilities. Healthcare includes:

• visits to a family doctor,
• visits to a specialist,
• hospital treatment,
• diagnostic tests,
• emergency assistance.

The scope depends on current regulations.

Sick leave and sickness benefit

If you become ill, you can receive sick leave. Sick leave justifies absence from work. You may have the right to:

• sickness benefit,
• salary for the time of illness.

The conditions depend on the period of employment.

Exceptions under a contract of mandate

Not every form of work gives health insurance. The terms of the contract are important. Insurance does not apply to:

a contract of mandate with student status.

In this situation, different rules apply.

Health insurance and temporary work

Temporary work gives the same insurance. There is no difference in the basic rules. You have the right to:

• medical treatment,
• sick leave,
• sickness benefits.

The condition is legal employment.

Why health insurance is important

Health insurance gives you security. You do not bear the full costs of treatment.

You have protection in case of:

• illness,
• accident,
• a sudden health situation.

It is an important element of legal work in Poland.

Questions and answers

1. Does every employee in Poland have health insurance?
   Yes, if they work under an employment contract.
2. Is the health insurance contribution deducted automatically?
   Yes. It is deducted from your salary.
3. Do I have the right to sick leave?
   Yes, if you are covered by insurance.
4. Does a temporary worker have insurance?
   Yes, with legal employment.
5. Does a student on a contract of mandate have insurance?
   No. Student status excludes the mandatory contribution.

Summary: Health Insurance in Poland

Health insurance in Poland is mandatory under an employment contract. The contribution is deducted automatically. You have access to a doctor and medical treatment. You have the right to sick leave. Legal work gives you health protection.