Without a referral, it is not possible to see most specialists in Poland through the NFZ. However, few people know that you can get one not only from your GP — but even online. Let's break down how the e-skierowanie system works and what to do when there's no time to wait for an appointment.
What is an e-skierowanie and why do you need it
An e-skierowanie (electronic referral) is a digital document that allows you to access a specialist within the Polish public healthcare system NFZ. Without it, the specialist will simply not see you under your insurance.
Until 2021, referrals were paper-based and easy to lose. Now everything is stored in a unified state system — the doctor sees your referral directly on screen, and you receive its code by SMS or through an app.
Which specialists require a referral and which don't?
You can see the following specialists without a referral: gynaecologist, psychiatrist, dermatologist, oncologist, venereologist, ophthalmologist, and addiction specialist. For all others — cardiologist, neurologist, orthopaedist, endocrinologist, and more — a referral is mandatory.
| No referral needed | Referral required |
|---|---|
| Gynaecologist, psychiatrist, dermatologist, oncologist, venereologist, ophthalmologist, addiction specialist | Cardiologist, neurologist, orthopaedist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist and most other specialists |
Who can issue a referral
Many people assume that only a GP can issue a referral. That's not entirely true.
- GP (lekarz POZ) — the most common option. Your GP monitors your health on an ongoing basis and refers you to the right specialist when needed.
- Any NFZ doctor — if you had an appointment with another doctor working within the NFZ, they can also issue a referral.
- Online consultation — if there's no time to wait for an in-person appointment, you can get a referral through an online doctor. This is a legal and increasingly popular option.
- Private doctor — important note: a referral from a private doctor is valid within the NFZ only if that doctor has a contract with the NFZ. Without a contract, the referral will only be valid for a paid visit.
What an electronic referral looks like
Once the doctor issues an e-skierowanie, you receive a unique referral code (numer skierowania) — usually by SMS or through the mojeIKP app.
The mojeIKP app
MojeIKP is the official Polish app for patients, where all your electronic documents are stored: referrals, prescriptions, visit history. It can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play; log in using your Profil Zaufany (trusted profile) or online banking account.
Validity period
The validity period depends on the type of referral: most are valid for 30–90 days, some for up to 12 months. The exact period is stated in the referral itself. To avoid letting it expire, try to book an appointment with the specialist as soon as you receive it.
Step by step: how to get a referral and see a specialist
The whole process involves four simple steps.
Step 1. See a doctor — in person or online
Book an appointment with your GP or use an online consultation with a doctor. Describe your symptoms and explain which specialist you need to see.
Step 2. The doctor issues the e-skierowanie
After the consultation, the doctor enters the referral into the system. You receive the code on your phone or see it in the mojeIKP app. No paperwork required.
Step 3. Book an appointment with the specialist
You can do this in three ways:
- through the NFZ website (using the „znaleźć świadczeniodawcę" function)
- by phone to the clinic of your choice
- in person at the reception desk
When booking, give the referral code or mention that your referral is electronic — the receptionist will find it in the system themselves.
Step 4. Attend the appointment
The specialist sees your referral in the system automatically. Nothing needs to be printed. Just bring a document with your PESEL number — a dowód osobisty (ID card) or another form of identification.
What to do if the waiting time for a GP is too long
Getting an appointment with a lekarz POZ is not always quick — sometimes you have to wait several days, and in busier clinics even longer. If the situation is not urgent, that may be manageable. But if you need the referral right now — there's no need to wait.
The fastest option: get an electronic referral online — without visiting your GP. A doctor will assess your situation remotely and, if needed, issue the e-skierowanie directly in the system. Everything is official — the referral is submitted to the NFZ and works exactly the same as one issued during an in-person visit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I get a referral without a PESEL number?
Without a PESEL you cannot use the NFZ, so no referral will be issued under your insurance. However, a private doctor can issue a referral for a paid specialist visit without a PESEL. If you don't have a PESEL yet — get it sorted first.
How much does an NFZ referral cost?
If you have NFZ insurance — the referral is free. You only pay for the specialist visit if that doctor works on a private basis only.
What should I do if my referral has expired?
You need to go back to your doctor and get a new one. The specialist will not accept an expired e-skierowanie.
Can I choose any NFZ specialist in any city?
Yes, the referral is not tied to a specific clinic or city. You choose the specialist and facility yourself on the NFZ website.
Summary
An e-skierowanie is simply a digital pass to see a specialist. You can get one from your GP, any NFZ doctor, or through an online consultation.
