Health & Protection in Poland

Since Poland joined the European Union in 2004, it has been having some more workers looking at working in the country. Multinational companies have also tapped into the opportunities of the country, making it a destination for expats. If you are being offered a job posting in Poland you’d better start preparing as early as now to ensure the success of your transition. One of the many things that you should not forget on your list is your health care. It is crucial that every expat who is in a foreign country should have adequate coverage to protect everything that they worked hard for. Remember, no riches can amount to your health and safety so its best that you insure yourself first, then everything else will fall into place. Here are some of the most important facts that you need to know about the Polish health care system and how you can secure yourself.

Getting Insurance

Before looking for an insurance company, you should talk first to the Human Resource department of your office to enquire if you have medical coverage. What is the extent of your healthcare benefit? Most employers provide this type of benefit to expats as part of their relocation package to Poland and usually cover your dependents as well. Once you’ve verified that you have health care, you need to ensure that your employer’s broker is accredited by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority, a local government sector which ensures that all insurance companies in Poland are operating legally and not violating any of their clients’ rights.

If you prefer to get protection from other providers, you can choose from the list of international and local insurance companies in Poland. Even if it is imperative to have one, refrain from rushing into signing a contract without calling a couple of brokers. Doing some research can widen your knowledge about their different policies and can help you choose the one that’ll best suit your needs. CIGNA Global is one of the top choices for expats in the country because of its world-class health coverage. You can also consider a Polish company such as Allianz Direct Poland, who offers travel, home and auto insurance.

Importance of Insurance

All expats going to Poland are advised to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, rabies, measles, rubella, typhoid and tetanus-diphtheria. Drinking tap water is considered to be unsafe because it can cause traveller’s diarrhoea, which is common for foreigners who are still adjusting to the food and water in a different country. These types of illnesses can be prevented by getting vaccinations and regularly visiting your doctor to ensure that you are not physically vulnerable to diseases or viruses. Some area also suffer from heavy pollution during winter time, this might have some negative effects on your living and health.

Contrary to what most people think, health care is not just limited to hospitalisations and emergency service. Depending on your policy, it can also cover the fees for your regular check-ups, physical exams and can even provide you with daily vitamins that’ll help boost your immune system. There are also various types of insurance which will help you protect your properties such as your home, car as well as your finances. As an expat, no matter how lovely and accommodating the communities are, it's best to be prepared than sorry if ever something unpleasant happens. Having a decent coverage for your health and precious belongings will not just give you peace of mind but also prevent you from hurting your savings.

Local Insurance in Poland

Poland’s public health care system is under the supervision of the Ministry of Health which is supported by the government-funded system called the National Health Fund or NFZ. Contributions to the NFZ is compulsory for all Polish citizens, permanent residents and expats where in return, they will get free medical assistance in all public hospitals in the country. One thing that expats might find different is that you will need a recommendation from a General Practitioner before you can get the services of a specialist; which makes the process longer than usual. Most of Poland's best hospitals are owned by the government but are only situated either in the capital or major cities. 999 and 112 are the numbers that you should dial to get an immediate response in case of an emergency.

Expats in Poland are strongly advised to get private insurance because of the long wait and process that entails using the public health assistance. There are international insurance companies in the country that offer comprehensive and a wider range of benefits which might not be available from a local provider or the NFZ. Also, these multinational companies tailor fit their policies to meet the needs of expats in different parts of the globe, so there is a high chance that you will find what you are looking for from them.