- The best travel insurances for Poland
- Is it safe to travel to Poland right now?
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Poland?
- Why take out travel insurance for Poland?
- Coverage included in travel insurance for Poland
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Poland
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Poland
- Your current insurance coverage in Poland
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Poland: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Poland covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens but is highly recommended for medical coverage.
3. Healthcare cost: A hospital stay in Poland can cost foreigners upwards of $200-$400 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Poland typically costs between $25 and $50.
5. Good to know: Remember, your US health insurance, including Medicare, likely offers no coverage in Poland.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Poland.
The best travel insurances for Poland
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Top choice for travel to Poland. - very high medical cover - strong repatriation guarantee - transparent benefits |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Ideal for short trips with excellent support. - 24/7 emergency hotline - trip interruption - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Effective for tourism needs in Poland. - robust core medical cover - emergency assistance - good value |
| Travel Pass Monde | $765k | Well-rounded contract for general travel. - covers repatriation - hospital expenses - wide international scope |
| Globe Partner | $328k | Straightforward protection for longer stays. - covers urgent care - repatriation - civil liability included |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Affordable for short, low-risk stays. - essential medical cover - prompt claims - ceiling adapted for short trips |
- very high medical cover
- strong repatriation guarantee
- transparent benefits
- 24/7 emergency hotline
- trip interruption
- no deductible
- robust core medical cover
- emergency assistance
- good value
- covers repatriation
- hospital expenses
- wide international scope
- covers urgent care
- repatriation
- civil liability included
- essential medical cover
- prompt claims
- ceiling adapted for short trips
Is it safe to travel to Poland right now?
As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State classifies Poland as Level 1: exercise normal precautions, with no official travel restrictions for most U.S. visitors.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Safety risks: petty crime such as pickpocketing remains a concern in popular tourist zones like Warsaw’s Old Town and at main train stations. Travelers should remain vigilant for theft, especially in crowded public areas.
- Health risks: while no vaccines are required for entry, air pollution can be significant in some cities, notably Krakow during winter months. Medical care is adequate in urban areas, but outside major cities, facilities and access to English-speaking professionals are more limited.
- Legal requirements: U.S. citizens must travel with a passport valid for three months beyond planned departure from the Schengen area. An International Driving Permit is mandatory for those renting or driving vehicles.
- Environmental concerns: Poland has a high road fatality rate compared to other EU countries, and driving after dark or outside urban zones introduces greater risk, as does travel during winter weather.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Poland.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Poland?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from US to obtain a visa for Poland.
While it is not required for entry, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the possibility of high medical costs, emergency repatriation, or unexpected incidents that can occur during your stay. Comprehensive coverage can help avoid large out-of-pocket expenses, especially if you travel beyond major cities.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Poland, primarily to protect themselves from unforeseen health expenses and travel disruptions in a generally safe European country.
Why take out travel insurance for Poland?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Poland.
In Poland, most public hospitals in large cities like the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk or Central Clinical Hospital MSWiA in Warsaw provide reliable care, but foreigners may be asked for advance payment or directed to private clinics, such as Lux Med in Warsaw, where treatment costs are higher and payment is required upfront.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Poland.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Lux Med Warsaw | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 6,000 PLN (approx. $1,500) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,700 PLN (approx. $675) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 50,000 PLN (approx. $12,500) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 15,000 PLN (approx. $3,750) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Coverage included in travel insurance for Poland
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Covers costs of emergency medical treatment for illness or injury. We recommend at least $100,000 in coverage for Poland. |
| ? Hospitalization | Pays for inpatient care, surgeries, and related fees. A minimum reimbursement of $50,000 is advisable. |
| ✈️ Emergency evacuation | Covers transport to the nearest suitable medical facility or back to US. We suggest no less than $100,000 for this coverage. |
| ? Repatriation | Pays for your return to US in case of serious illness or death. Coverage of $50,000 is recommended to cover these costs. |
| ? Lost luggage | Provides reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage. Look for at least $1,500 in baggage coverage. |
| ?♂️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid expenses if you must cancel due to illness or emergency. We advise selecting plans with coverage of $3,000–$5,000. |
| ⏱️ Travel delay | Compensation for extra expenses if your travel is delayed. A reimbursement limit of $500–$1,000 is appropriate for Poland. |
| ?⚕️ Personal liability | Covers bodily injury or property damage caused to others. A minimum of $20,000 in liability coverage is recommended. |
We recommend at least $100,000 in coverage for Poland.
A minimum reimbursement of $50,000 is advisable.
We suggest no less than $100,000 for this coverage.
Coverage of $50,000 is recommended to cover these costs.
Look for at least $1,500 in baggage coverage.
We advise selecting plans with coverage of $3,000–$5,000.
A reimbursement limit of $500–$1,000 is appropriate for Poland.
A minimum of $20,000 in liability coverage is recommended.
Travel insurance from local companies or bank cards usually offers limited protection, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare leading providers on HelloSafe and subscribe online to receive your certificate immediately.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Poland
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $18 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $33 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $55 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $120 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key elements. Be sure to consider the traveler's age, the length of your stay, your destination, desired coverage limits, and any add-ons like a cancellation option. Keeping these factors in mind will help you find the best policy for your needs and budget.
? It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
? Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Poland
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Poland while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Length of stay | Premiums are calculated by duration. Shorter trips to Poland mean you will pay less overall. | Opt for exact trip dates to avoid paying for unnecessary days. Many insurers adjust pricing daily. |
| ? Level of coverage | Excessive medical coverage is unnecessary as Poland has generally adequate healthcare. | Pick limits fitting your risk profile. Avoid over-insuring; choosing reputable but basic plans saves money. |
| ? Number of travelers | Group or family policies often offer discounted rates, making them cheaper than individual ones. | Request group rates. Compare offers for couples or families if more than one person is traveling. |
| ? Medical benefits | Medical care in major Polish cities is accessible and costs less than in US. | Select medical-only plans or set deductibles higher if you have resources to cover minor incidents yourself. |
| ? Traveller’s age | Age impacts price, though Poland is not high-risk for young adults. | Compare insurers. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which is rare in the industry. |
| ?️ Optional benefits | Extras like baggage or legal cover may inflate your premium, especially for short trips. | Remove non-essential extras. Basic plans usually provide enough protection for most travelers to Poland. |
| ? Geographic area | Plans worldwide have higher rates. Poland-specific or Europe-only policies reduce your cost. | Choose regional coverage. Selecting Europe or Schengen area plans will be less expensive than global contracts. |
Your current insurance coverage in Poland
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health plan, can protect you during a trip to Poland. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Poland? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the US. No medical care or hospitalization abroad. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in medical care and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Some emergency reimbursement, usually after return. No repatriation included. | Travel insurance offers $100,000+ in medical care and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity) | Yes, partly | Medical costs up to $5,000, rarely covers baggage or trip issues. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ and protects luggage and delays. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) | Yes, partly | Medical fees up to $50,000, limited trip interruption/delay benefits. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ plus trip cancellation, repatriation, and 24/7 support. |
Example
While skiing in Zakopane, Poland, an American tourist suffered a severe leg fracture. The mountain rescue and emergency surgery cost $25,000. His Chase Sapphire card's insurance had a low limit for high-risk sports, and his US health plan didn't cover overseas care, leaving him with a massive unexpected bill.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing coverage. Essential situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death, are often excluded. Read the fine print carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Poland for tourism or business stays under 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Poland?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to view suitable options. Carefully check what each policy covers and identifies exclusions related to Poland, such as medical evacuation or theft. Purchase your policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate for your records or if requested by authorities.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Poland?
Dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Medical providers often expect payment upfront, even in emergencies, so contact your insurer’s support line for guidance. Carry your insurance certificate and policy number at all times so you can access benefits promptly.
Will travel insurance cover theft and pickpocketing in Poland?
Most comprehensive policies include coverage for theft, loss, or damage of personal belongings, which is especially important in cities like Warsaw or Krakow. The maximum reimbursement typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per incident. Always read your policy’s fine print and keep receipts in case you need to file a claim.
Can I extend my travel insurance while already in Poland?
Many insurers allow you to extend coverage online before your current policy expires, as long as you have not made any claims. Make sure to log in to your insurer’s portal or contact customer service to arrange an extension and avoid any lapse in protection.
Should I consider extra coverage for driving in Poland?
If you plan to rent a car or drive in Poland, it is a good idea to add rental car excess or third-party liability protection to your travel insurance. Standard health insurance rarely covers accident costs related to driving internationally, and Poland requires you to have an International Driving Permit.
Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Poland for tourism or business stays under 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Poland?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to view suitable options. Carefully check what each policy covers and identifies exclusions related to Poland, such as medical evacuation or theft. Purchase your policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate for your records or if requested by authorities.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Poland?
Dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Medical providers often expect payment upfront, even in emergencies, so contact your insurer’s support line for guidance. Carry your insurance certificate and policy number at all times so you can access benefits promptly.
Will travel insurance cover theft and pickpocketing in Poland?
Most comprehensive policies include coverage for theft, loss, or damage of personal belongings, which is especially important in cities like Warsaw or Krakow. The maximum reimbursement typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per incident. Always read your policy’s fine print and keep receipts in case you need to file a claim.
Can I extend my travel insurance while already in Poland?
Many insurers allow you to extend coverage online before your current policy expires, as long as you have not made any claims. Make sure to log in to your insurer’s portal or contact customer service to arrange an extension and avoid any lapse in protection.
Should I consider extra coverage for driving in Poland?
If you plan to rent a car or drive in Poland, it is a good idea to add rental car excess or third-party liability protection to your travel insurance. Standard health insurance rarely covers accident costs related to driving internationally, and Poland requires you to have an International Driving Permit.
