Poland Travel Insurance Guide
Poland is one of Europe's safest destinations (Level 1 advisory), but travel insurance is essential to protect against pickpocketing, common scams, and medical costs. While healthcare is affordable, non-EU tourists pay significantly more, making comprehensive coverage important for Warsaw, Krakow, and Baltic resorts.
- What there is to do in Poland Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise normal precautions in Poland.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland.
If you decide to travel to Poland:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Poland.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Street crime is generally low; protests and political tensions exist, but physical risks to women in tourist zones are moderate.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Strong anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and "LGBT-free" zones; legal protections limited and activism contested.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area; 6 months recommended)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (Schengen Area)
- Passport must have at least two blank pages and not be older than 10 years
- ETIAS will be mandatory once system becomes operational
- Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket may be requested
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Poland is part of the Schengen Agreement - time in other Schengen countries counts toward the 90-day limit
- For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study, appropriate residence permit required
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required once operational
- UK citizens can enter without visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Poland's healthcare system features a robust network of private hospitals with highly qualified specialists, many trained at renowned European and US medical institutions. Facilities and treatment are best in larger cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. Many hospitals have international accreditations signifying adherence to global healthcare standards. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary treatment. UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Non-EU tourists are charged higher rates than NFZ (national insurance) patients, though costs remain 30-70% lower than Western Europe and the US. Top hospitals include University Hospital Krakow (prestigious, full-service with neurosurgery, oncology, cardiology), St. Raphael Hospital (one of Europe's most modern facilities), John Paul II Hospital Krakow (excellent emergency care), and American Clinic Warsaw (Medicover Hospital in Wilanów). English is widely spoken in medical institutions, and the private system offers faster access, shorter wait times, and English-language services. Leading private providers include LuxMed, Medicover, and Enel-Med with clinics nationwide.
Typical medical costs
- Private medical consultation: 100-150 PLN ($25-40 USD), varies by city and specialty
- Private ambulance: ~3 PLN per km plus 90-100 PLN per hour ($25-30 USD/hour)
- Emergency treatment: Significantly cheaper than Western Europe/US (30-70% savings)
- Hospital costs: Non-EU citizens pay more than NFZ (national insurance) patients
- Medical evacuation to US: $50,000-$150,000
- Note: Costs significantly lower than Western Europe but higher for tourists without EU insurance
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Pickpocketing at Warsaw Old Town, main train stations, overnight trains, trams, and buses
- Baltic resort theft (Sopot, Gdansk, Gdynia) during summer season (June-August)
- Taxi scams and overcharging of tourists
- Credit card fraud and skimming in Krakow
- Bar/club scams with inflated bills (especially in Krakow)
- Lost or stolen personal belongings (cash, phones, wallets not fully covered by most policies)
- Trip cancellations due to weather or transportation disruptions
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Medical Services
999 or 112
Police
997 or 112
Fire
998 or 112
US Embassy Warsaw - 24/7 Emergency
+48 22 504 2000
US Embassy Warsaw - Business Hours
+48 22 504 2784
US Embassy Address
Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw