The Polish healthcare system may seem complicated at first: NFZ (public health insurance), POZ (primary healthcare), referrals, waiting lists, and electronic services. But if you break it down step by step, it becomes clear where to go, how to book an appointment, and what to do if you need help right away. In this article, you’ll find a practical guide on how to make a doctor’s appointment in Poland if you’ve recently moved and haven’t yet figured out the local system.
Two ways to see a doctor in Poland: free and paid
In Poland, there are two main ways to see a doctor: through the public system or through private healthcare. Both options work, but they differ significantly in terms of speed, cost, and bureaucracy.
Option 1: through NFZ — free, but with conditions
NFZ (National Health Fund) is the public system that allows you to receive medical care free of charge if you are entitled to health insurance. This usually applies to people who are officially employed, studying, registered in the system, or have another legal status that grants access to public healthcare.
The main advantage is obvious — you don’t have to pay for the visit itself. However, there are some specifics: first, you usually need to choose your lekarz POZ (primary care doctor), and for some specialists, you can only get an appointment with a referral. In addition, booking through NFZ is not always quick, especially if you need a specialist rather than a family doctor.
Option 2: private clinics — paid, but faster
Private healthcare in Poland is usually easier for newcomers: less bureaucracy, faster appointment availability, and more convenient online booking. In large cities, it is also easier to find doctors who speak not only Polish but also English or Russian.
The only downside is that you have to pay for the visit yourself if you don’t have a corporate package or private insurance. That’s why many foreigners combine both options: they handle basic issues through NFZ and urgent matters through paid appointments.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NFZ | Free, access to a family doctor, tests, and referrals | Waiting times, not always quick access, often requires going through POZ |
| Private clinic | Fast appointments, less bureaucracy, convenient service | You have to pay for the consultation yourself |
Step 1 — Choose your family doctor (lekarz POZ)
If you want to use the public healthcare system, you should start by choosing a POZ doctor. This is a basic step without which the whole system may seem even more confusing.
What is POZ and why it matters
POZ stands for podstawowa opieka zdrowotna (primary healthcare). A lekarz POZ or lekarz rodzinny is your family doctor — the first doctor you consult. They treat fever, colds, pain, weakness, blood pressure issues, issue prescriptions and sick leave, order basic tests, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Simply put, if you don’t know who to go to, in most cases your first doctor will be the lekarz rodzinny (family doctor).
How to choose a doctor
In practice, most people choose a clinic close to home or work. This is the most convenient and realistic option, especially if you’ve just moved and don’t know the city well yet. You don’t have to find the “perfect” clinic right away — it’s more important to enter the system first. You can always change your doctor later if needed.
How to register with a clinic
To officially use NFZ services, you need to submit a deklaracja wyboru (declaration of doctor choice). This document confirms that you are assigned to a specific clinic and family doctor.
You can do this in two ways:
- Online — via IKP (Internet Patient Account), if you already have access
- In person — directly at the selected przychodnia (clinic)
If you already have a PESEL number, it’s a good idea to set up IKP and the mojeIKP app. These tools allow you to track prescriptions, referrals, visit history, and some medical documents.
Step 2 — Book an appointment
Once you have chosen your family doctor, the next step is to book an appointment. In Poland, there are several ways to do this, so it’s best to know them all.
Main ways to book
You can usually book a doctor’s appointment in Poland:
- by phone through the reception desk
- via the clinic’s website
- through the mojeIKP app, if the service is available there
- in person at the reception
Public clinics still often rely on phone bookings. Private clinics more commonly offer convenient online registration, patient portals, or mobile apps.
What to say in Polish
If your Polish isn’t strong yet, a few basic phrases are enough:
- Dzień dobry, chciałbym/chciałabym umówić wizytę do lekarza rodzinnego — Hello, I would like to book an appointment with a family doctor
- Czy są wolne terminy na dziś albo na jutro? — Are there any available appointments for today or tomorrow?
- Mam NFZ — I have NFZ insurance
- To moja pierwsza wizyta w tej przychodni — This is my first visit to this clinic
- Czy lekarz mówi po angielsku albo po rosyjsku? — Does the doctor speak English or Russian?
Even this basic set is usually enough. If calling is difficult, you can ask someone to help or go in person.
How long you usually have to wait
Waiting times depend on the city, season, and specific clinic. You might see a lekarz POZ (family doctor) the same day or in a few days. Private clinics are usually faster. However, waiting times for specialists under NFZ can be much longer.
Step 3 — Prepare for your visit
To make your visit go smoothly, it’s best to prepare documents and clearly outline your issue.
What documents to bring
It’s recommended to bring:
- your PESEL number
- passport, residence card, or other ID
- proof of insurance (if needed)
- a list of medications you are taking
- previous medical records or test results
Even if some information is already in the system, it’s better to have everything with you.
What to prepare in advance
Before the visit, it’s helpful to note your symptoms: what they are, how long they’ve lasted, whether you have a fever, what you’ve already taken, and what you expect from the visit — a prescription, sick leave, referral, or tests.
What if you don’t have NFZ
If you don’t yet have access to public healthcare, it doesn’t mean you’re left without help. The easiest option is to book a private appointment and pay for it yourself. For many foreigners, this is the first practical solution after moving.
If you have employer-provided insurance or a private medical package, check what clinics and specialists are included.
What if you don’t have time to wait? Online consultation
Waiting lines are a normal part of the Polish healthcare system. Sometimes you can wait, but sometimes you don’t want to — for example, when you need quick advice or to continue treatment.
In such cases, it’s convenient to get an online doctor consultation. This is especially helpful for those who don’t want to spend time searching for available slots or dealing with phone calls in Polish.
For foreigners, the online format is often the simplest option: less bureaucracy, less waiting, and a clear path to medical help.
Referral to a specialist: how to get one
In Poland, under NFZ, you cannot always book directly with a specialist. In many cases, you first need a skierowanie (referral).
Why a referral is needed
A referral confirms that you need a consultation with a specialist.
Who issues the referral
Most often, it is issued by your lekarz POZ (family doctor).
Electronic referral
Nowadays, e-skierowanie (electronic referral) is commonly used. It’s convenient — no need to keep paper documents or worry about losing them. If you want to resolve the issue faster and with less bureaucracy, you can get an electronic referral.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you see a doctor without PESEL?
Yes, especially in private clinics. However, having a PESEL makes everything much easier.
What if you don’t speak Polish?
Use basic phrases, write through the clinic’s website, or ask someone for help. Also, check if the doctor speaks English or Russian.
What if the waiting time is 2–3 months?
If the wait is too long, don’t limit yourself to one clinic. Try another location, clinic, or choose a private appointment. Online consultation can also be a good alternative.
Conclusion
The Polish healthcare system is not always intuitive, especially if you’ve just moved. But its logic is quite simple: first, choose a lekarz POZ (family doctor), then book an appointment, prepare your documents, and if needed, get a referral to a specialist.
If you need a faster and more convenient option, you can book a doctor’s appointment online without waiting and resolve your issue much quicker.
