Access to high-quality healthcare is a key factor influencing quality of life and a sense of security. In Poland, there are two primary models of healthcare: the public system, funded by contributions to the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the private system, based on individual payments or health insurance. More and more people are facing the dilemma – is it better to rely solely on public healthcare, or is it worth investing in private health insurance? Let’s take a closer look at the facts, statistics, and costs associated with both options.
1. The State of Public Healthcare in Poland – Waiting Times and Limitations
The public system in Poland theoretically guarantees free medical care for all insured individuals. In practice, however, patients often face long waiting times, limited access to specialists, and issues with the quality of services.
According to data from the Watch Health Care Foundation in 2023:
- The average waiting time for a specialist appointment is 3.5 months, but in some fields of medicine, patients may wait much longer.
- Cataract surgery – the average waiting time is 460 days, and in some regions, it exceeds 2 years.
- MRI scans – the average waiting time under the NFZ is 200 days.
- CT scans – the average waiting time is over 100 days.
- Appointment with an endocrinologist – patients wait over 8 months.
Long waiting times are one issue, but equally important is the limited access to modern therapies and preventive care. Many medical procedures, such as innovative cancer treatments or advanced orthopedic surgeries, are either not reimbursed or require long waiting periods.
2. Costs and Availability of Private Healthcare
Private healthcare offers quick access to doctors and modern diagnostic tests, but it comes with additional costs. Prices for services in private clinics vary depending on location and the scope of services.
Examples of costs for visits and tests in private facilities in Poland (2023 data):
- Specialist consultation – 200–500 PLN (e.g., cardiologist, neurologist, orthopedist).
- MRI scan – 500–1,500 PLN (depending on the area examined).
- CT scan – 300–800 PLN.
- Abdominal ultrasound – 150–300 PLN.
- Basic laboratory tests – 100–300 PLN.
- Private colonoscopy – from 800 PLN.
- Surgical procedures – from 5,000 PLN for minor surgeries to up to 50,000 PLN for more complex procedures.
For individuals who regularly use medical services, these expenses can become a significant burden. An alternative to paying for each visit or test individually is private health insurance, which helps avoid high one-time costs.
3. How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?
In Poland, more and more companies offer private health packages. The cost of health insurance depends on the scope of services and the age of the insured. Examples of monthly premiums:
- Basic health insurance package – 150–300 PLN/month (covers basic specialist consultations and diagnostic tests).
- Extended health insurance – 300–600 PLN/month (includes hospitalization, imaging tests, and rehabilitation).
- Comprehensive policies – 600–1,500 PLN/month (covers surgeries, hospital stays, and treatment abroad).
Annually, this translates to costs ranging from 1,800 PLN to even 18,000 PLN. While this may initially seem like a significant expense, it helps avoid the need to pay for each service separately.
4. Which Option is More Cost-Effective?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Public Healthcare
✅ Advantages:
- Free services for insured individuals.
- Full coverage for hospital treatment.
- Access to most specialists and diagnostic tests (albeit with long waiting times).
❌ Disadvantages:
- Long waiting times for specialists.
- Limited access to modern therapies.
- The need to seek private solutions in emergencies.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Healthcare
✅ Advantages:
- Quick access to specialists (often within a few days).
- Shorter waiting times for diagnostic tests.
- Higher comfort of care and personalized approach to patients.
❌ Disadvantages:
- Costs (in the case of private treatment without insurance).
- Lack of full coverage for serious surgeries (some procedures may require significant additional payments).
5. Summary – What to Choose?
The choice between public and private healthcare depends on several key factors:
- Frequency of using medical services – healthy individuals who rarely visit doctors may rely mainly on the NFZ, opting for private care only in exceptional situations.
- Expectations regarding quality and waiting times – if quick access to doctors is important, private healthcare is a better solution.
- Budget – private health insurance requires regular premiums but helps avoid sudden expenses in case of illness.
For many people, the optimal solution is a combination of both systems – using the NFZ for hospitalization and basic care, while also having private health insurance to ensure quick access to specialists and diagnostics.
