Published: 21 September 2026 | Edward Bateman, Registered Osteopath, Gdańsk
“Finding good healthcare in a new country takes time. As someone who has navigated the Polish healthcare system himself as a British resident in Gdańsk, I know how valuable a clear, practical overview can be.” Edward Bateman, Osteopath
Finding Healthcare in Gdańsk as an International Resident: A Practical Guide
One of the less glamorous aspects of moving to a new country is working out how to access healthcare. In Poland, and in Gdańsk specifically, the system can feel unclear if you have arrived from the UK, the US, Australia, or elsewhere with no prior experience of how things work here.
Polish Healthcare at a Glance
| Type | Access | Cost | Language |
| Public (NFZ) | Via social insurance contributions | Free at point of use | Polish |
| Private clinics | Direct booking | Fee per appointment | Often English available |
| International insurance | Via insurer | Covered by policy | Varies |
| Emergency (SOR) | Walk-in | Free | Polish, basic English |
The Polish Healthcare System
Poland has a public healthcare system funded through the National Health Fund, known as the NFZ. Access is tied to social insurance contributions. If you are employed in Poland, your employer registers you and makes contributions on your behalf. EU citizens living and working in Poland are generally entitled to the same access as Polish citizens.
Most international residents find that a combination of private health insurance and direct-pay private consultations covers the vast majority of their needs comfortably.
Finding an English-Speaking GP in Gdańsk
- The LUX MED and Medicover networks both operate in Gdańsk and employ English-speaking GPs
- The Trójmiasto international community Facebook groups are a reliable source of personal recommendations
- Private consultation fees are generally very reasonable compared to Western countries
- Waiting times for private specialist appointments are typically much shorter than in the UK NHS
Allied Health in Gdańsk
| Service | Where to Find | English Available |
| Osteopathy | FizjoTeam Fizjoterapia, ul. Słowackiego 77 | Yes, Edward Bateman 😉 |
| Physiotherapy | FizjoTeam and other clinics | Variable |
| Dentistry | Private clinics widely available | Often yes |
| Mental health | Online therapy increasingly available | Yes, online |
Pharmacies in Gdańsk
Pharmacies, called apteka in Polish, are widely available throughout Gdańsk and are generally very well stocked. Most pharmacists have at least basic English. Over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription.
In an Emergency
The emergency number in Poland is 112, which works for police, ambulance, and fire. Emergency departments, known as SOR, are open 24 hours. In a genuine emergency, language is not a barrier to receiving care.
Frequently Asked Questions: Healthcare Gdańsk International Residents
1. Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Poland? Yes. EU citizens can use their EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens. The card does not cover private healthcare.
2. How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Gdańsk? The LUX MED and Medicover networks are the most reliable options. The Trójmiasto expat Facebook groups are also an excellent source of personal recommendations from people with direct experience.
3. Is private healthcare expensive in Gdańsk? No. Private healthcare in Poland is significantly more affordable than in most Western countries. A private GP consultation typically costs between 150 and 250 PLN.
4. Can I see a specialist without a GP referral in Poland? Yes, in the private system. You can book directly with most private specialists without a referral, which is one of the advantages of private healthcare in Poland.
5. What is the emergency number in Poland? 112 is the universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services.
6. Is there English-language mental health support in Gdańsk? English-language mental health support in Gdańsk is more limited in person but online therapy with English-speaking therapists is increasingly accessible. The international community Facebook groups are a good starting point for recommendations.
7. Do Polish pharmacies sell medications without a prescription? Many common medications are available over the counter at Polish pharmacies. Prescription medications require a valid Polish prescription, which your GP can issue.
8. Where can I find an English-speaking osteopath in Gdańsk? I offer English-language osteopathic consultations every Thursday at FizjoTeam Fizjoterapia, ul. Juliusza Słowackiego 77, Gdańsk. You can book directly online or get in touch via the contact page.
References
- National Health Fund Poland. nfz.gov.pl
- LUX MED. luxmed.pl
- Medicover. medicover.pl