If a foreign national suddenly falls ill in Poland, the first step is to assess whether their life or health is at risk. In an emergency, it’s crucial to call for help quickly. If the situation does not require emergency medical intervention, the next step should be to contact the assistance center at the number listed on your policy. Check your policy and contact the assistance center before arranging or paying for help on your own. This will help you understand the procedure specific to your policy, rather than relying on the rules of a different product. Each policy may specify a different procedure, scope of coverage, and the insured’s obligations. This guide outlines the sequence of steps: from calling the correct number, to reporting the incident, to gathering the necessary documents.
First, assess whether emergency assistance is needed
In the event of a medical emergency, don't wait for a response from your insurer. Call 112 or 999. As explained by Pacjent.gov.pl: Information on an Imminent Threat, you can call an ambulance using either number. The emergency medical service and the hospital emergency department are intended for emergencies that truly threaten life or health.
⚠️ Important
If someone's life or health is in danger, call emergency services first. You can look for insurance policies and other documents later, once help is on the way.
Dialing 999 connects you directly to a medical dispatcher. 112 is the single emergency number, and the operator will notify the appropriate emergency services. During the call, provide the following information:
- what happened;
- the exact location of the incident;
- the number of people in need of assistance;
- the patient's condition, including whether they are conscious, moving, and breathing.
Answer calmly and clearly. If possible, also have the patient’s first name, last name, and age ready. Emergency numbers are not intended for obtaining general medical information. The process of making a call is also described in Official Guide to the 112 and 999 Numbers.
If the patient has difficulty speaking Polish, the person accompanying them can provide the most important information: the address, the nature of the incident, and the patient’s current condition. In an emergency, the most important thing is to call for help. You can look for insurance policies and other documents later, once help is on the way.
When there is no immediate threat to life or health
If the patient’s condition does not indicate an immediate threat, locate your insurance policy and call the assistance center or your insurer according to the procedure outlined in the policy. Do not call 112 or 999 just to ask where to get help.
The assistance center can advise you on how to proceed within the terms of your specific policy. Don’t assume that all policies work the same way. The scope of coverage, how assistance is organized, your obligations, coverage limits, and exclusions are all specified in the terms of your chosen insurance policy. Therefore, you must find the assistance number in your own policy, not in someone else’s document or on a random website.
Before you arrive, it's a good idea to check the information about visa insurance i insurance associated with a residence card. It’s also a good idea to have your policy number, assistance details, and an electronic copy of the document on your phone. In a stressful situation, this will save you time and make it easier to provide the correct information.
It’s also a good idea to write down the insured person’s first and last name exactly as it appears on the document, the coverage period, and a phone number where they can be reached. If someone else is helping you file the claim, they should have this information on hand. Before the call, place the document next to the phone so you don’t have to search for the information while filing the claim. This information does not replace a description of the patient’s condition, but it helps the assistance center locate the correct policy and proceed with the call.
The term „medical expense insurance” alone does not determine how assistance will be provided. The answer depends on the terms of the specific policy. When filing a claim, follow the information provided in your policy and the assistance center’s instructions.
How to File a Claim Under Your Policy
Unless it's an emergency, follow these steps in this order:
- Find your policy number and the assistance center's contact information.
- Report the incident by calling the number listed in the document.
- Please provide your location and briefly describe your health issue.
- Write down the case number and any instructions you receive, if provided.
- Follow the instructions and submit the documents requested by the insurer.
Compensa’s General Terms and Conditions of Insurance from 2026 state that an incident must be reported to the Emergency Center or Compensa, the instructions received must be followed, and the required medical documentation, including the diagnosis, must be provided. This procedure applies to the specified policy. It should not be presented as identical for all insurance policies available on the market.
Under this same clause, Compensa arranges medical assistance related to health issues and covers the costs until the insured’s health permits a return to or transportation to their country of permanent residence. This coverage applies only after selecting the appropriate clause and subject to the terms of the contract. It does not mean that every expense incurred without prior contact will be automatically covered.
For more helpful information before your arrival, see A Guide to Insurance for Foreigners. When choosing coverage, check not only the product name but also the assistance number and how to report incidents.
What to Keep After Providing Assistance
After filing a claim, follow the assistance center’s instructions and keep all documents related to the incident. Compensa’s 2026 terms and conditions require you to submit medical documentation, including a diagnosis, which is necessary to arrange and pay for treatment. The insurer may also request other materials specified in the policy; therefore, there is no single universal list that applies to every product and incident.
Make a note of the date of contact, the case number, the instructions you received, and any information needed for further correspondence. Do not discard any documents you receive after assistance has been provided. If anything is missing, ask the assistance center what needs to be provided and in what format. Paying the cost yourself does not guarantee that you will be reimbursed later.
Compensa’s 2026 Medical Expenses Clause covers medically necessary costs of treating an illness or the consequences of an accident that the insured person must undergo immediately while staying in Poland. This provision must be read in conjunction with the other terms and conditions of this contract. It may not be applied to other products, nor may the applicable limits, restrictions, and exclusions be disregarded.
Before making a purchase, you can start by learning about the costs of treating a foreign national. Next, you need to read the terms and conditions of the plan you've chosen and find out how to report a sudden illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to call 112 or 999 every time you get sick?
No. Emergency numbers are intended for situations that pose a genuine threat to life or health. If there is no such threat, follow the procedure outlined in your policy and contact the assistance service.
What is the difference between 112 and 999?
Dialing 999 connects you directly to a medical dispatcher. 112 is the single emergency number; the operator will route your call to the appropriate services. Have the exact address ready, along with a brief description of the incident and the patient’s condition.
Should I call roadside assistance or an ambulance first?
In the event of a sudden threat to life or health, call 112 or 999 first. In all other cases, follow the procedure outlined in your policy. After emergency services have responded, contact your insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy.
Do all insurance policies for foreigners work the same way?
No. Products may vary in scope, support structure, responsibilities, and limitations. For general information, see a guide for foreigners, but the terms of your own policy determine how a specific incident is handled.
What documents might be required?
Compensa’s 2026 terms and conditions specify the medical documentation, including the diagnosis, required to arrange and cover the cost of treatment. Please confirm the exact set of documents with the assistance center, as it depends on the terms of your policy and the circumstances of the incident.
Will the cost of treatment I paid for myself always be reimbursed?
There is no basis for promising an automatic reimbursement for every expense. Report the incident according to the procedure, follow the instructions, and keep the required documents. The decision depends on the policy terms and the circumstances of the incident.
Key Steps and Contact Information
In the event of an immediate threat to life or health, call 112 or 999. In all other situations, locate your policy, contact the assistance center, and follow the instructions you receive. Keep your medical records and information regarding the claim. Do not follow the procedure described for another product, and do not assume in advance that every out-of-pocket expense will be reimbursed.
If you would like to select a policy for a foreign national’s stay in Poland or learn how to report incidents, please visit the contact page.
Before signing the contract, read its terms and conditions, especially the scope of coverage, the assistance procedure, the insured’s obligations, and the limitations of liability.
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