Poland is a top choice for international students due to its prestigious universities, affordable tuition, and lively cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław. However, before diving into orientation or embracing a new culture, securing health insurance is crucial.
Meeting visa requirements isn’t just a formality; it’s crucial for safeguarding your health, complying with laws, and ensuring a stress-free study experience abroad.
Discover essential insights on leading health insurance options for international students in Poland. Understand the unique features of each provider, identify the best fit for your needs, and learn how to steer clear of costly errors that might jeopardize your healthcare access.
Why Health Insurance is Mandatory in Poland
International students in Poland must have health insurance. Non-EU/EEA students need private insurance before arrival, covering at least €30,000 for their entire stay.
EU/EEA citizens can use their EHIC for public healthcare in Poland, but private insurance is advised. EHIC excludes services like repatriation, dental care, and third-party liability.
Poland’s public health insurance, NFZ, provides affordable coverage but has drawbacks like long wait times, limited English support, and bureaucracy. Consequently, many international students, whether from the EU or not, opt for private insurance for superior service and reassurance.
Top Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Poland
Here’s a closer look at the most reliable, visa-compliant, and student-recommended health insurance providers in Poland.
1. Swisscare
- Key Features: Offers visa-compliant insurance with instant policy issuance. Plans start at €30,000 in coverage. Entire application process can be done online in English.
- Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA students (but open to all).
- Why it stands out: It’s one of the most widely accepted policies for Polish visa applications and residence permits. Universities often recommend Swisscare for its speed and clarity.
- Pro tip: Choose a plan specifically labeled for “students in Poland” to ensure visa compliance.
👉https://swisscare.com/en/country/poland
2. AON Student Insurance
- Key Features: Tailor-made student plans, instant confirmation letters for visa purposes, multilingual support, and affordable rates.
- Eligibility: Students of all nationalities, with or without EU citizenship.
- Why it works: AON has partnerships with many Polish universities, meaning faster paperwork and fewer administrative hassles.
- Best for: Those looking for convenient, university-integrated coverage.
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👉 https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/poland
3. AXA Global Healthcare
- Key Features: Emergency, outpatient, inpatient care, mental health, evacuation, and even telehealth are part of standard coverage.
- Eligibility: Students legally residing in Poland; covers both EU and non-EU nationals.
- Unique strengths:
- Claims are typically reimbursed within 48 hours.
- Flexible duration (annual or short-term).
- Add-ons available for dental and vision.
- Claims are typically reimbursed within 48 hours.
- Why it’s good: It’s ideal for students who want global-standard healthcare access.
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👉 https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/poland/
4. PolisaObcokrajowca (with Colonnade Insurance)
- Features: Offers six packages covering medical treatment, accidents, and third-party liability. Visa/residence-card compliant, covering up to €60,000.
- Eligibility: All foreign nationals, especially non-EU visa holders.
- Why choose this:
- Official partner of Erasmus Student Network Poland.
- Meets all Polish insurance legal requirements.
- Official partner of Erasmus Student Network Poland.
- Tip: Their packages are competitively priced and customizable. Make sure your policy matches your entire planned stay.
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👉 https://polisaobcokrajowca.pl/?lang=en
5. IMG Global
- What it offers: International student-focused plans—”Patriot Exchange” and “Student Health Advantage”—with essential and extended care options.
- Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency services, and mental health.
- Who it’s for: Students from outside Poland studying abroad.
- Why it’s useful: Recognized globally, and provides robust coverage for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike.
👉https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance
6. Allianz Care
- Features: Flexible global plans, hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency support, and optional maternity or dental care.
- Who qualifies: International students and expats studying in Poland.
- Why it works: Allianz is one of the most trusted international brands, and its digital claims platform is easy to use.
- Recommended for: Students staying for multiple years or participating in exchange programs.
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👉https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
7. APRIL International
- What’s included: Emergency treatment, evacuation, repatriation, specialist visits, multilingual service.
- Target group: Foreign students needing customizable and Schengen-compliant plans.
- Benefits:
- Transparent pricing.
- English documentation and service.
- Transparent pricing.
- Standout feature: APRIL offers some of the most flexible options for students staying in Poland for less than one year.
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👉 https://www.april-international.com/en/destinations/europe/health-insurance-in-poland
8. NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) – Public Fund
- Cost: Approx. €15 per month for voluntary coverage (non-EU students).
- Eligibility:
- EU students with EHIC can access care automatically.
- Non-EU students must sign a voluntary agreement with NFZ.
- EU students with EHIC can access care automatically.
- Challenges:
- Long wait times.
- Most documentation is in Polish.
- Difficulties in navigating the system for non-native speakers.
- Long wait times.
- Best for: Students on a tight budget who speak some Polish.
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👉https://www.nfz-lublin.pl/voluntary_health_insurance
9. International Student Insurance (ISI)
- Coverage: Medical care, emergencies, prescriptions, mental health, evacuation.
- Eligibility: All international students.
- Why it’s recommended:
- Frequently listed by Polish universities.
- Monthly or annual plans.
- Easy claims processing.
- Frequently listed by Polish universities.
- Tip: This is a great option for students who want flexibility in cancellation or short-term coverage.
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👉https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/poland-student-insurance/
10. MSH International
- Focus: Global student and expat coverage.
- Eligibility:
- EU students with EHIC.
- Non-EU students needing private coverage.
- EU students with EHIC.
- Perks:
- Comprehensive packages that go beyond medical care—think dental, optical, mental health.
- Ideal for long stays or full degree programs.
- Comprehensive packages that go beyond medical care—think dental, optical, mental health.
- Why it’s solid: It’s built around the needs of students who want a premium, worry-free experience.
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👉 https://www.msh-intl.com/en/countries-list/international-health-insurance-poland-expats.html
Public vs Private Health Insurance: What Should You Choose?
Let’s break this down simply:
- Public (NFZ):
- Cheapest (~€15/month).
- Requires paperwork and understanding Polish.
- Slower service and limited appointment availability.
- Cheapest (~€15/month).
- Private Insurance:
- Slightly more expensive (€25–€60/month on average).
- Faster care, English-language support.
- Visa compliant and often tailored for students.
- Slightly more expensive (€25–€60/month on average).
Most international students go with private insurance. It’s not only easier to manage but also better aligned with visa and university requirements.
What to Look for in a Good Student Policy
Not all policies are created equal. When comparing insurance plans, make sure the one you choose includes:
- ✅ Emergency medical care
- ✅ Hospitalization
- ✅ Doctor’s visits
- ✅ Mental health services
- ✅ Evacuation and repatriation
- ✅ Liability insurance (often required by universities)
- ✅ Multilingual support
- ✅ Coverage certificates in English or Polish
Practical Advice Before You Enroll
- Check with your university – They often have lists of approved or preferred insurers like AON or Swisscare.
- Buy before you arrive – For visa purposes, you’ll need to submit proof of insurance during the application process.
- Make sure it’s valid for the full duration of your stay—not just a semester.
- Ask for documents in both English and Polish, especially if you plan to apply for a residence permit.
- Don’t skimp—cheaper doesn’t always mean better. A €5/month difference can mean faster emergency access or English-speaking doctors.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Poland is a fantastic chance, but it requires handling practical duties. Health insurance is not merely a regulation; it’s a vital safeguard for your health in a new setting.
The providers mentioned are reliable, well-known, and popular among students. Select wisely, inquire, and ensure your insurance fits your lifestyle and legal needs. Whether you’re here for a semester or years, the right insurance lets you concentrate on what truly matters—your studies, experiences, and future.
Stay safe. Study smart.
Sources:
[1] https://swisscare.com/en/country/poland
[2] https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/poland
[3] https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/poland/
[4] https://polisaobcokrajowca.pl/?lang=en
[5] https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance
[6] https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
[7] https://www.april-international.com/en/destinations/europe/health-insurance-in-poland
[8] https://study.gov.pl/health-insurance
[9] https://crm.pwr.edu.pl/en/international-students/exchange-erasmus/incoming/practical-information/insurance-for-non-eu-students
[10] https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/poland-student-insurance/
[11] https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/poland-student-insurance/health-insurance-in-poland.php
[12] https://www.msh-intl.com/en/countries-list/international-health-insurance-poland-expats.html
[13] https://www.studyinpoland.pl/en/practical-information/29-health-care
[14] https://welcome.uw.edu.pl/important-information/health-insurance-2/
[15] https://educationpoland.pl/services/student-health-insurance/
[16] https://swisscare.com/en/product/international-student-health-insurance-europe
[17] https://www.nfz-lublin.pl/voluntary_health_insurance
