To do this, you will need to prepare the appropriate documents and make arrangements with the National Health Fund (NFZ) and Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), and then a monthly contribution, which currently amounts to PLN 55.80. Detailed step-by-step instructions can be found below:
Stage 1: National Health Fund (NFZ)
- Prepare the following documents:
- doctoral student status certificate (you can get it from the office of your Educational Program) - it is valid for 30 days from the date of issue,
- a photocopy of the page of your passport that contains personal data (cover the photo, it is not required),
- a photocopy of the current Polish visa or temporary residence permit in Poland (cover the photo),
- a photocopy of confirmation of residence in the Małopolska province, i.e., official confirmation of registration (more information about registration of residency here),
- e. a photocopy of a document confirming that you have been assigned a PESEL number,
- f. optionally, a photocopy of a document confirming deregistration from the last insurance (it's called "ZUS ZWUA" form).
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Download
>>this application and fill it in either on a computer or by hand legibly in printed capital letters. The application can only be submitted in Polish. English translation
>>is available here. Don't fill it out. You must submit the document in Polish language.
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Go to the Provincial Branch of the National Health Fund (NFZ) in Kraków
(8W Wadowicka Str.) and submit all documents from points 1-3 at the application registry office.
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Send an email for its verification to: dobrowolne@nfz-krakow.pl
- In the subject line, write: „POTWIERDZENIE ADRESU E-MAIL DO WNIOSKU UD”, Copy + paste this subject line.
- In the body, write: „W DNIU enter date of application here ZŁOŻYŁEM/WYSŁAŁEM WNIOSEK O UBEZPIECZENIE DOBROWOLNE – MÓJ NR TEL. enter your phone number here – (enter first and last name here).
- The office will reply to this message when the insurance contract is ready to be signed.
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When you receive this information, visit the same branch (8W Wadowicka Street) to sign the voluntary insurance agreement.
- The office will prepare the agreement in the Polish language. You can read the English translation >>here. Do not print this template.
Stage 2: Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)
After signing the agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ), you must report it to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). You have 7 days to do so.
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1. It's best to start by creating an account in the PUE ZUS service. Having an account in PUE ZUS is not mandatory, but without it, every month you will need to send a letter to ZUS or go there in person.
- You can create account here: >>https://www.zus.pl/en/pue/rejestracja (website in Polish). You can find a detailed guide on how to create an account here: >>Baza wiedzy ZUS (website in Polish). You will need a "Profil Zaufany" (trusted profile).
- Fill out >>the "ZZA" form. You can do it either on a computer or by hand legibly in printed capital letters.
- Go to ZUS (to the Customer Service Hall) with the Agreement and the filled ZZA form. The nearest NFZ office is ZUS Łagiewniki branch (Zakopiańska 33 Street). Register your application. You will receive a individual bank account number to which you need to transfer the contribution (55.80 PLN) every month
- From this point on, every month, you must pay the contribution and send the ZUS DRA form via PUE ZUS. If you do not wish to create a PUE ZUS account, you can send the form by regular mail or deliver it to ZUS in person.
Whenever you need to use public health care (e.g., to go to a doctor, ER, hospital) you must have FIVE documents with you: 1) the contract with the National Health Fund (NFZ), 2) ZZA form proven by ZUS, 3) proof of payment of the last contribution, 4) student ID, 5) passport.
Insurance for family
The rate of PLN 55.80 per month applies only to PhD students. You cannot register your family for this insurance. If your spouse also wants insurance, they can, but the contribution will be higher. It is calculated quarterly and at present (September 2023) it is PLN 662.88 per month. Children can also be registered for this insurance – this will not increase the contribution amount.
Source: https://www.nfz-krakow.pl/dla-pacjenta/instrukcja-zawierania-umowy-dobrowolnego-ubezpieczenia/