Making an appointment with a doctor in Poland using the NFZ system: step-by-step instructions

Many people who have recently arrived in Poland or are just applying for medical care may find it difficult to understand how the NFZ system works and how to make an appointment with a doctor. In this article, we will walk you through the process step by step and provide examples of useful phrases that will help you feel confident when making an appointment.

Step 1. Selecting a clinic and registration

The first thing you need to do is choose a clinic (przychodnia) and submit a declaration of choice of doctor (deklaracja wyboru lekarza POZ).

• This can only be done in person, so you need to come to the registry and fill out the documents.

• You must have your passport or residence card with you. You will also need your PESEL number and residential address.

• You can change your polyclinic up to twice a year without giving any reasons. For example, if you have moved or found a more convenient clinic, you only need to fill out a new declaration.

Step 2. Make an appointment

After submitting the declaration, you are officially registered at the chosen clinic. Now you can make an appointment with a doctor within the NFZ.

What is important to know:

• When making an appointment, you are almost always asked for your PESEL number.

• Registration takes place by telephone or in person at the reception desk.

• If you need an appointment as soon as possible, it is better to call in the morning - there are many people wanting to see the doctor, and free spots fill up quickly.

Useful phrases to write down

Below is an example of a dialogue when calling the reception:

You:
„Dzień dobry, chciałbym/chciałabym umówić się na wizytę do lekarza rodzinnego.”
(Good afternoon, I would like to make an appointment with my family doctor.)

Registrar:
"Pana/Pani godność?" (What is your last name and first name?)
„Which time is right for you?/What time is right for you?“ (What time is right for you?)

What to do if an appointment is needed urgently?

Sometimes it is impossible to wait in line for NFZ. In this case, there are two options:

1. Ask about a private appointment (wizyta prywatna):
   „Czy mogę zapisać się na wizytę prywatną?”
   (Is it possible to make an appointment for a private consultation?)

2. Find a doctor on the website znanylekarz.pl.

   • You can choose a convenient time and sign up online.

   • Filters are available for doctors who speak your language.

   • Registration takes only a few minutes and does not require calling the reception desk.

Tip: If an NFZ appointment is only possible in a few days and you need help urgently, it is worth considering a paid visit (płatna wizyta).

Making an appointment with a doctor in Poland under the NFZ system requires prior registration at the clinic, but the process is fairly straightforward if you know the order of actions. And knowing key phrases in Polish will help you feel confident when calling the reception or visiting in person.

Litera Development and Education Centre in Wroclaw helps not only to prepare for Polish language exams, but also to adapt to life in Poland. Mastering such everyday situations as going to the doctor makes integration easier and more comfortable.