More and more people in Poland are seeking solutions that guarantee access to high-quality healthcare. In this context, two popular products emerge: health insurance and medical subscriptions. While both options may seem similar, they differ in several key aspects. What are their characteristics, which one to choose, and why? It’s worth examining these differences to make an informed decision about your health protection.
Scope of Services: What Does a Medical Subscription Cover, and What Does Health Insurance Cover?
One of the fundamental differences between health insurance and a medical subscription is the scope of services they offer. A medical subscription is an agreement with a private network of medical facilities, providing the patient with access to a specified number of visits, tests, and specialists. However, the number and type of services under a subscription are limited—often including only basic tests, doctor consultations, or a small selection of specialists.
Health insurance, on the other hand, operates on a different principle. It offers a much broader scope of coverage, often including hospital treatment, major surgeries, rehabilitation, or medical transport. In the case of more serious health issues, insurance can also provide protection outside the country, which is much less common with medical subscriptions.
Waiting Times and Access to Specialists
One of the key arguments for purchasing a medical subscription is the shorter waiting time for appointments compared to public healthcare. Medical subscriptions allow relatively quick access to primary care physicians and specialists, which is one of their biggest advantages.
However, with health insurance, especially more comprehensive plans, you can also expect quick access to doctors, but with a broader network of facilities, including international ones. International insurance, such as those offered by MediHelp, provides the possibility of treatment at renowned clinics worldwide, significantly increasing patient comfort and peace of mind.
Costs and Financial Flexibility
Another difference lies in the costs. Medical subscriptions often seem cheaper at first glance. Monthly fees are usually fixed and predictable, but their low cost results from a limited scope of services. This means that in the case of more serious health issues, the patient may have to cover additional costs out of pocket, as these services are not included in the subscription.
Health insurance, while seemingly more expensive, offers broader protection, including coverage for costly surgeries or long-term treatment. International insurance additionally covers treatment costs outside Poland, which can be invaluable in the case of serious illnesses.
Long-Term Health Protection
Medical subscriptions usually work well for individuals who regularly use basic healthcare services and need quick access to specialists. On the other hand, health insurance is a more comprehensive solution, providing full protection in the case of serious illnesses, accidents, or hospitalization.
It’s worth noting that subscriptions are limited to cooperating medical networks, meaning patients must use specific facilities. Insurance offers greater flexibility and the ability to choose any facility, providing freedom and comfort.
Summarizing the Differences
The differences between medical subscriptions and health insurance are significant and relate not only to the scope of coverage but also to flexibility and costs. The choice of the right solution depends on individual needs—people who require frequent doctor visits may prefer a subscription, while those seeking broad and comprehensive health protection may find health insurance to be a better option.
For more information on health protection and the differences between subscriptions and health insurance, visit the Medisky homepage and our Facebook page, Medisky International Poland, where we regularly publish tips on health and insurance.
