Poland is a country located in Central Europe with a population of over 38 million people. The country has a universal healthcare system, which means that every Polish citizen has access to medical care. In this article, we will discuss how to find and register with a local doctor in Poland, how doctor’s appointments are paid for, and how to transfer medical documents to a doctor in Poland from abroad.
Finding and registering with a local doctor in Poland
Finding and registering with a local doctor in Poland is relatively easy. There are two main options available to individuals: public healthcare and private healthcare.
Public healthcare
Poland has a universal healthcare system that provides medical care to all its citizens. Every citizen is entitled to free primary care services from a general practitioner (GP) or family doctor, who is responsible for providing a wide range of medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
To register with a local GP or family doctor, individuals can visit the nearest public healthcare facility or contact the National Health Fund (NFZ) to find a doctor near them. The NFZ is a government agency that oversees the public healthcare system in Poland and helps individuals find a doctor who is part of the public healthcare system.
Private healthcare
Private healthcare is also available in Poland, and individuals can choose to visit a private doctor or hospital if they wish. Private healthcare is usually more expensive than public healthcare, but it provides faster access to medical services and better facilities.
To find a private doctor in Poland, individuals can use online directories, such as ZnanyLekarz.pl or Lekarze.org, which provide a comprehensive list of private doctors and hospitals in the country. Individuals can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have experience with private healthcare in Poland.
Payment for doctor’s appointments in Poland
In Poland, doctor’s appointments are paid for through a combination of private healthcare insurance and social security contributions.
Private healthcare insurance
Private healthcare insurance is an optional form of insurance that individuals can purchase to cover the cost of medical services in private healthcare facilities. Private healthcare insurance policies vary in price and coverage, but they usually cover the cost of consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments.
Social security contributions
Poland has a social security system that provides healthcare coverage to all citizens. The National Health Fund (NFZ) is responsible for administering the social security healthcare system, which is funded by social security contributions from employees, employers, and the self-employed.
Employers are required to deduct a percentage of their employees’ salaries to contribute to the social security system, and individuals who are self-employed must pay a fixed amount of social security contributions each month. These contributions entitle individuals to free or subsidized medical care in public healthcare facilities.
Transferring Medical Documents in Poland from abroad
Transferring medical documents to a doctor in Poland from abroad is a straightforward process. Individuals can either bring their medical documents with them when they visit a doctor in Poland or ask their previous doctor to send their medical records to their new doctor in Poland.
Bringing medical documents with you
Individuals who have medical documents, such as medical history, test results, or prescriptions, can bring them with them when they visit a doctor in Poland. The doctor will review the medical documents and use them to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Requesting medical records from your previous doctor
Individuals who have medical records with their previous doctor can request that their medical records be sent to their new doctor in Poland. This can be done by contacting their previous doctor and requesting that their medical records be sent to their new doctor in Poland.
Finding a doctor and accessing healthcare services in Poland is relatively straightforward, with both public and private options available. Most doctors and medical staff speak English, making it easy for foreigners to communicate their healthcare needs. As with any country, it is important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system and options available to you, especially if you have specific medical needs or require ongoing treatment. By understanding how to find and register with a local doctor in Poland, how doctor’s appointments are paid for, and how to transfer medical documents from abroad, you can ensure that you receive the care you need while in the country.