Medical care for Ukrainians in Poland: how to make an appointment with a doctor

Since February 2022, due to the military conflict in Ukraine, Poland has granted Ukrainians arriving after February 24, 2022 the right to free medical care on equal terms with Polish citizens. This right applies to all types of medical services, including primary and specialized care, hospitalization and vaccination. Ukrainian citizens can receive care in public and private medical institutions contracted by the National Health Fund of Poland (NFZ).

Required documents

To receive free medical care in Poland, Ukrainians need to have the following documents:

• PESEL. This is an identification number issued to all foreigners who have arrived in Poland. It can be obtained from local authorities or refugee reception centers.
• A document confirming arrival in Poland after February 24, 2022. This can be a stamp in your passport or another official document confirming that you crossed the border after that date.

These documents allow access to medical services on an equal footing with Polish citizens.

Making an appointment with a doctor

Ways of recording:

• In person at the reception desk of a health care facility. Visit the clinic of your choice and make an appointment with the receptionist.
• By phone via the NFZ hotline (800 190 590). The call is free and operators will provide information in Polish and Ukrainian.
• Online through platforms such as pacjent.gov.pl. Register on the website and choose a convenient time to visit.

Mode of operation of medical facilities:

• Weekday consultations are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During these times, you can get a doctor's consultation and other medical services.
• Night and holiday care from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next day. Night and weekend care is available for emergencies.

Affordable health care services

Ukrainians can benefit from various medical services on an equal footing with Polish citizens. Among them:

• Primary health care (POZ). Includes general consultations with a family doctor or pediatrician.
• Specialized consultations. Access to subspecialists by referral from a primary care physician.
• Dental services. Free services at dentists participating in the assistance program.
• Immunizations, including vaccinations against COVID-19. Free immunizations are available at health centers, including immunizations for children and adults.

These services are provided as part of Poland's public health care system and can be obtained in any health care facilities contracted by the National Foundation for Health in Poland (NFZ).

Useful resources

You can use the following platforms to search for doctors and make appointments:

• ZnanyLekarz.pl. Helps you find doctors of various specialties and book appointments online.
• Dentysciukrainie.pl. Specializes in providing information about dentists who provide care to Ukrainian patients.

Hotlines and consultations in Ukrainian:

• 800 190 590. NFZ toll-free helpline for information about health services and to make an appointment.

Information portals:

• gov.pl. The official portal of the Polish government with a section for Ukrainian citizens.
• pacjent.gov.pl. A platform to make appointments with doctors and get medical information.

These resources will help you easily navigate Poland's health care system and get the care you need.

Read also: Health care system in Poland

Additional help and services

cSpecial medical points have been organized in refugee reception centres in Poland, where Ukrainians can receive primary medical care, consultations and referrals to specialists. These points provide the necessary support for those who have just arrived and need urgent care.

In emergency cases, Ukrainians can go to the emergency departments (SOR) in Polish hospitals. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, and patients receive treatment regardless of insurance policy. If hospitalization is necessary, patients are referred to specialized medical institutions for further treatment.

Popular bus routes to Poland

• Kiev - Warsaw
• Kyiv - Lublin
• Zhytomyr - Warsaw
• Zhytomyr - Lublin
• Rivne - Warsaw
• Rivne - Lublin
• Lutsk - Warsaw
• Lutsk - Lublin