Modern medicine increasingly emphasizes the importance of prevention in maintaining good health. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 80% of chronic diseases can be avoided or their progression delayed through regular preventive check-ups and a healthy lifestyle. In Poland, as reported by the National Health Fund (NFZ) in 2023, only 30% of adults regularly undergo screening tests, leading to the late detection of many diseases, including cancer. Comprehensive health insurance provides access to a wide range of diagnostic tests and specialist consultations, enabling early detection and more effective treatment of illnesses.
One of the key elements of modern health insurance policies is the preventive package, which includes laboratory tests, ultrasounds, mammograms, and colonoscopies. According to Eurostat data, Poland ranks among the EU countries with the longest waiting times for specialists – the average wait time for a cardiology appointment under the NFZ in 2023 was 6 months, while in private facilities, the average wait time was just 7 days. Having private health insurance eliminates the problem of long waiting times, enabling quick consultations and access to modern diagnostic methods, which significantly increases treatment effectiveness and the chances of a full recovery.
An often-overlooked aspect in discussions about health prevention is the growing impact of mental health on overall well-being. Research from the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology shows that in 2022, as many as 25% of Poles experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, the public healthcare system struggles to provide adequate support – the waiting time for a psychologist appointment under the NFZ in some regions exceeds 12 months. Private health insurance often includes access to psychological and psychiatric consultations without long waits, which is crucial for the effective treatment of mental health disorders. It’s worth remembering that mental health directly affects physical health – chronic stress increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The costs of treating conditions that could have been prevented through prevention significantly burden the healthcare system and the economy. According to a 2023 OECD report, Poland spends about 8% of its GDP on healthcare annually, but a significant portion of these costs stems from treating advanced stages of chronic diseases. Studies show that every złoty invested in prevention saves between 3 and 7 złotys in treatment costs. Having private health insurance allows for regular health monitoring, which not only reduces the risk of serious illnesses but also lowers the costs associated with long-term treatment. Investing in health through appropriate insurance coverage is a decision that brings benefits both in the short and long term, ensuring comfort, safety, and a better quality of life.
