Not every contract in Poland comes with health insurance built in. If you work under an umowa o dzieło, you’re between contracts, or you’re applying for a residence permit, it’s worth knowing how to sign up for voluntary NFZ insurance.
- How NFZ works
- Voluntary insurance and the EKUZ card
- Voluntary insurance and residence applications
- How to sign up for voluntary NFZ insurance
- How much it costs in 2026
- FAQ
How NFZ works
Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ) is the state institution that funds free public healthcare for insured residents of Poland. It’s financed mainly through mandatory monthly contributions from employees, employers, and business owners.
Anyone employed under an umowa zlecenie or an umowa o pracę automatically gets access to free NFZ healthcare; the coverage extends to a spouse and children too.
The one common contract type that doesn’t come with NFZ coverage is the umowa o dzieło (specific-task contract). It’s only subject to personal income tax (PIT). No ZUS/NFZ contributions are deducted.
Voluntary insurance and the EKUZ card
Once you’re insured with NFZ, including through voluntary insurance, you’re entitled to free emergency care in other EU/EEA/EFTA countries too, using an EKUZ (EHIC) card. The card puts you on equal footing with locally insured residents of the country you’re visiting.
Voluntary insurance and residence applications
If you’re applying for a temporary residence permit or an EU long-term resident’s permit, and your work arrangement doesn’t include NFZ contributions (for example, an umowa o dzieło), your application will be left without examination unless you have valid health insurance.
For a residence permit application, your insurance needs to include hospital treatment (ubezpieczenie szpitalne). Basic accident insurance isn’t enough. Private health insurance is an alternative to voluntary NFZ coverage, but this article focuses on the NFZ route.
How to sign up for voluntary NFZ insurance
Step 2. Submit it at your regional NFZ branch, along with an ID document (passport, residence card, or dowód osobisty) and proof of any previous insurance period, if you have one.
Step 3. After signing the contract, you have 7 days to visit ZUS and submit form ZUS ZZA with the “24 10 XX” code (kod tytułu ubezpieczenia).
Step 4. File a monthly ZUS DRA declaration and pay your contributions.
How much it costs in 2026
The monthly premium equals 9% of the average monthly wage in the enterprise sector from the previous quarter (podstawa wymiaru składki na ubezpieczenie zdrowotne). This base is updated regularly, so the amount changes every quarter.
| 2026 period | Base (avg. wage) | Premium (9%) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | 9,228.64 PLN | 830.58 PLN/mo. |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | 9,278.19 PLN | 835.04 PLN/mo. |
The exact figure for Q3 and Q4 2026 will only be known once GUS publishes new average wage data. Always confirm the current amount on your regional NFZ branch’s website before applying.
FAQ
Can I insure a parent visiting me?
Yes, if they’re applying for a residence permit or EU long-term resident’s permit as your dependent, but they don’t automatically fall under your coverage.
What happens if I miss a payment?
NFZ can terminate your voluntary insurance contract, suspending your access to free healthcare.
Is there an alternative to voluntary NFZ insurance?
Yes, private health insurance. But a residence permit application usually requires a policy that includes hospital treatment, which not every private package offers.
Author: MojaFirma content team.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Check nfz.gov.pl for the current quarterly premium. If you’re a freelancer or contractor without employer-provided coverage and want help navigating ZUS/NFZ, feel free to book a free consultation with our team.
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