Legislation in Poland (insurance-based system)
Asylum seekers are not eligible for the statutory health insurance however they can still access free of charge "health services" in specific medical facilities. There is no formal interpretation of this provision but it is generally understood as comprising all health services available for the insured.
Undocumented migrants are very discriminated against in Poland to the extent that the only care they can access free of charge is that provided by rescue teams outside hospital in the case of emergency or for the treatment of infectious diseases that require mandatory treatment (including post-exposition anti-viral treatment). Given the obligation imposed on health care providers never to deny assistance in cases of immediate danger to life or health, undocumented migrants can be treated in the emergency units but they should bear the total cost.
Concerning children with no residence permit (whether they are accompanied or not), the only difference is that those children attending public schools receive free medical and dental prophylactics, including mandatory vaccination, medical check-ups and screening tests.
Download the Comparative overview of the legislation on access to health care for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers in 16 countries (in Polish). Download the English version.
