Health Care- questions and answers

Is a student obliged to take out health insurance with the National Health Insurance Fund?

According to the law, students are subject to compulsory health insurance. The regulations also clearly indicate the order of assuming the obligation to report. If a student is employed under an employment contract, he/she is reported for insurance by the employer (and the premium is paid by him/her), whereas if a student runs his/her own business, this obligation rests with him/her. In the case of a student who does not have an employment contract or own business, the parents are obliged to register him/her for insurance, but only until the student is 26 years old does a working parent register him/her for insurance.

A student who is at least 26 years old or who is not covered by health insurance on any other basis is reported for insurance by the Academy. This notification takes place after matriculation (admission as a student) and after the student submits a statement that he/she is not subject to health insurance on any other basis. This refers to all types of universities and study modes, i.e., also private universities, extramural studies, etc.

Is it possible to get insurance outside the Academy?

Of course, you can always take out additional commercial insurance, such as personal accident insurance, but such insurance does not exempt you from the statutory health insurance obligation.

In case of sudden illness or accident, will a student who is not registered in Poznan and lives far away from the Academy be admitted to the emergency department right away?

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, the student, like any other patient, should receive medical attention, including admission to the hospital's emergency department as required by his or her condition. The question of registration is not relevant here.

Should the student bring any documents with him/her when being admitted to the hospital ward? If yes - what kind (student's health book, health book, certificate of insurance)?

You must show proof of insurance when you visit your health insurance doctor. Proof of insurance is any document confirming the right to receive health care services, in particular the document confirming current payment of contributions. Thus, it may be a current family insurance card confirmed by the employer or a declaration of insurance (ZCZA or ZCNA form) together with a valid student ID card (in case of family insurance), while in case of students insured by the Academy, a valid student ID card together with a document confirming the declaration of insurance will be required. In case of emergency (illness, accident) this document can be presented later. In case of a hospital admission, it can be submitted within 30 days from the beginning of the service if the hospitalization lasts longer, or if that is not possible, within 7 days from the date of discharge from the hospital. Otherwise, the hospital may charge the patient for the cost of treatment.

In less serious cases, such as a cold or poisoning, does the student need to be treated at the health care facility of his or her place of residence?

Everyone insured with the NFZ, and therefore also a student, has the right to be treated anywhere in the country in an institution which has a contract with the NFZ. A student should choose a family doctor, a nurse and a midwife in the place of permanent residence for the summer months and in the place of education for the months of studying. It is important to make appropriate entries on the declaration of choice of doctor, nurse and midwife. Thus, at the place of residence the student fills in two identical copies of the declaration, in which he/she indicates the period of coverage, e.g. from July to September. One of the copies is attached to the declaration submitted at the place of study, where the student also fills in a second declaration. On it he/she also marks the period of coverage corresponding to the period of education, e.g. from October to June, and enters the address of permanent residence (to identify the home voivodship branch of the NFZ) and the symbol S. The above rule also applies to a student's child who lives with his/her parent in the place of education and to a student studying outside the place of permanent residence. (This is regulated by par. 32 of the Regulation No. 24/2004 of the President of the National Health Fund dated 13 October 2004 on the concept of "Information on the conditions of contracting health care services of primary health care"). Just like other insured persons, in emergencies a student may seek advice of a family doctor other than the one with whom he/she declared. In such a case, the student should present documents confirming insurance coverage. The same rules apply to the primary care nurse.

Is every University required to operate a health center for its students?

Universities are not obliged to run a health center. However, a student may use the services of any institution which has signed a contract with the NFZ - just like any other insured person.

What about medications that a student must purchase? Is there any relief available?

A student receives the same prescriptions as other insured persons. They can also count on the same reductions in the purchase of medicines; which medicines the insured can purchase at a lower price - with reimbursement from the NFZ - are specified in regulations issued by the Minister of Health. There are no additional benefits for being a student.

How long after graduation are you eligible for health care benefits?

This right expires 4 months after graduation (discharge is considered as such) or removal from the list of pupils or students.

Are students from European Union countries eligible for free health benefits ?

Yes, they may use health care on the same principles as Polish insured persons. As a proof of their insurance, they present form E 111 or the European Health Insurance Card or a substitute certificate. With these documents, they may use health services, but only with those providers who have concluded an agreement with the NFZ. How long the E 111 form is valid for is determined by the insurer issuing the form; the date of insurance receipt is entered on the document. The EHIC card is also valid as long as it is marked on the card.

Are non EU students studying in Poland entitled to free health benefits?

Students who start their studies at a university in Poland, but come from outside the European Union countries, e.g. Ukraine, may sign an agreement on Voluntary Health Insurance with the director of the appropriate (for the place of study) voivodeship branch of the NFZ. In order to conclude the agreement it is necessary to present a certificate from the university that the person has the status of a student.

More information can be obtained by calling the helpline of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship Branch of the National Health Fund at no: (61)94 88 or on the website:www.nfz-poznan.pl