How healthcare in Poland is regulated
Poland is a member of the European Union. Doctors and dentists must hold a licence to practise (prawo wykonywania zawodu, PWZ) issued through the chambers of physicians and dentists, which also handle professional conduct. Hospitals and clinics must be entered in the national register of healthcare providers. Some hospitals also hold voluntary quality accreditation, for example from Poland's Centre for Quality Monitoring in Health Care, or ISO certification.
Patients' rights are protected by law, and the Patient Ombudsman (Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta) handles concerns about patients' rights.
Check the doctor
- Get the full name of the doctor who will treat you, not only the clinic's name.
- Ask for their licence (PWZ) number and specialist title, and check them in the public register of doctors run by the Polish chamber of physicians and dentists.
- Ask how many of your procedures they perform each year and how they handle complications.
- Ask whether they speak English, or how interpreting is arranged for consultations and consent.
Check the clinic
- The clinic's legal name, address and registration as a healthcare provider.
- Whether surgery takes place in a hospital with an intensive care unit or a clear transfer arrangement.
- Who looks after you at night after surgery.
- A written plan covering the procedure, the stay, medicines, follow-up and what happens if you need further treatment.
Warning signs
- Pressure to pay a large deposit or decide quickly.
- No consultation or review of your medical history before a date is offered.
- Promises of guaranteed results, or no discussion of risks and alternatives.
- Holiday-style packages that treat surgery as an add-on.
- Unwillingness to name the doctor or give their licence number.
Language, consent and your records
You must understand what you are agreeing to. Ask for consultations in English or with a professional interpreter, and for written information about the procedure, its risks and alternatives in a language you understand, before the day of treatment. Do not sign a consent form you cannot read.
Ask for a treatment summary in English when you leave, including the procedure performed, any implants or materials used, the medicines you were given and your follow-up plan. Your GP and any future doctor will need it.
Questions to ask before you book
- Who exactly will treat me, and what is their licence number and specialist title?
- Where will the treatment take place, and what happens if I need more care than planned?
- What is included in the price, and what could be charged on top?
- What are the main risks for someone like me, and how often do complications happen?
- How will follow-up work after I go home, and who do I contact if I am worried?
- Can I see the written plan and terms before I pay anything?
Insurance and the NHS
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers necessary state healthcare during a visit to the EU, not treatment you travel for. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment too, so look for a policy that specifically covers treatment abroad and its complications.
The NHS provides emergency care if you become unwell after you return, but it may not provide or pay for corrective treatment after private treatment abroad. Plan follow-up with the clinic before you travel; our aftercare guide explains how.
If something goes wrong
In an emergency call 112 in Poland or 999 in the UK. For other concerns, contact the treating clinic first. Complaints about clinical care go to the clinic and, if needed, to the Patient Ombudsman or the doctor's regional chamber. Our aftercare guide and complaints page explain the steps.
How MED Travel Connect helps you choose safely
We work only with partner clinics we have vetted, and we give you the clinic's and the doctor's identity, available evidence and a written plan before you decide. We do not make clinical decisions: suitability and risks are always discussed with the treating doctor. Read our safety checklist, meet our partner clinics or book a free call.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to have surgery in Poland?
It can be, provided you choose a licensed, experienced doctor in a registered hospital, get a written plan, understand the risks and arrange aftercare. Check the doctor's licence number and the clinic's registration before you commit.
How do I check a Polish doctor's licence?
Ask for the doctor's licence to practise (PWZ) number and check it in the public register of doctors run by the Polish chamber of physicians and dentists. A reputable clinic will give you the number without hesitation.
Does my GHIC card cover treatment in Poland?
No, not for treatment you travel to have. The GHIC covers necessary state healthcare during a visit. Look for insurance that specifically covers planned treatment abroad and complications.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
The treating clinic and doctor are responsible for your clinical care. Agree in writing before treatment how follow-up, complications and further treatment are handled.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. MED Travel Connect provides travel coordination and patient support. Only the treating clinician can assess suitability, recommend treatment and explain the risks for you.