Access to healthcare in Poland has remained one of the key challenges of the health system for years. Patients using public healthcare often face long waiting times for specialists, limited diagnostic tests, and an insufficient number of doctors. On the other hand, the private medical sector offers much faster access to services, greater comfort, and modern technologies that can be crucial for treatment effectiveness. The choice between these systems depends on individual patient needs, but statistics show clear differences in accessibility and quality of care.
According to data from the Watch Health Care Foundation, in 2023, the average waiting time for a specialist appointment under the National Health Fund (NFZ) was about 3.5 months, with some cases—such as endocrinology or orthopedics—reaching up to a year. For diagnostic imaging, such as MRI, patients waited an average of 150 days. In contrast, in the private system, a specialist visit is usually available within a few days, and diagnostic imaging within a week. Reducing waiting times for treatment is crucial, especially in cases requiring urgent intervention, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
The quality of care in the private sector often exceeds the standards of public healthcare. Private facilities offer modern diagnostic equipment, fewer patients per doctor, and a more personalized approach to treatment. Additionally, patients in the private system are less likely to experience issues related to hospital overcrowding and overworked medical staff. As reported by the OECD, Poland has one of the lowest ratios of doctors per 1,000 inhabitants in Europe—2.4, compared to 4.5 in Germany. This translates to overburdened specialists in public facilities and longer consultation times, which can affect the quality of diagnosis and therapy.
Private health insurance allows patients to avoid many inconveniences associated with the public healthcare system. More and more people in Poland are opting for additional medical insurance, which provides quick access to specialists, a wide range of tests, and comfortable treatment conditions. According to data from the Polish Chamber of Insurance, in 2023, the number of people using private health insurance exceeded 4 million and continues to grow. Long queues and limited availability of public services mean that patients are increasingly turning to private solutions, which offer comprehensive and high-quality healthcare.
