Poland – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Poland?

As with much of Europe, Poland’s health burden is overwhelmingly shaped by non-communicable, lifestyle-driven conditions. Cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms (cancer), and respiratory diseases are the principal causes of mortality — collectively responsible for close to 60% of all deaths recorded in 2021. Cardiovascular diseases alone accounted for nearly 35% of all deaths (359 per 100,000 persons), while neoplasms represented almost 20% (217 per 100,000 persons).

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, ischaemic heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and lung cancer rank among the most prevalent conditions in Poland. Reported rates of high blood pressure are also elevated at 37.2%, which is 11% above the OECD average. These numbers highlight the extent to which modifiable risk factors — including diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use — drive the country’s overall disease burden.

In 2024, the health complaints most frequently reported by people in Poland included back pain, exhaustion stemming from work demands (physical, emotional, or mental), excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulties sleeping. These everyday ailments are symptomatic of the pressures of contemporary working life and sit alongside the more serious backdrop of chronic illness outlined above.

External causes — primarily accidents and injuries — accounted for a further 4.2% of all deaths, approximately 52 per 100,000 persons. These represent the leading cause of death among men under the age of 45, making up nearly 31% of fatalities in this demographic — five times the corresponding rate among women of the same age. This pronounced gender gap in premature mortality is a consistent pattern in Poland’s public health statistics.

Significant variation in health outcomes also exists between Poland’s regions, between rural and urban populations, and across different socioeconomic groups. In broad terms, residents of eastern provinces and rural communities tend to experience worse health than those in major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.

Is Poland considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Poland has achieved notable health improvements since the post-communist transitions of the early 1990s, yet the country continues to lag behind most Western and Northern European nations on key measures. As of 2024, overall life expectancy stood at approximately 78.5 years — 82.2 years for women and 74.8 years for men. By comparison, the EU-wide average is roughly three years higher, and countries such as Spain, Italy, and France routinely record figures exceeding 82–83 years.

This three-year gap relative to the EU average reflects both the enduring legacy of post-communist public health challenges and the ongoing influence of lifestyle risk factors. When compared with neighbouring countries, Poland’s life expectancy as of 2023 falls below that of both Czechia and Germany.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a marked effect on these figures. Life expectancy at birth dropped sharply in 2020 and 2021; compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the 2021 figures were 2.3 years lower for males and 2.1 years lower for females. A recovery began in 2022, although by that year life expectancy at birth remained 0.7 years below the 2019 baseline.

Healthy life expectancy — the WHO’s measure of years spent in good health — stands at 63.1 years for men and 68.1 years for women in Poland, giving a combined average of 65.5 years. This suggests that a considerable share of later life may involve managing chronic illness, which is a particularly relevant consideration for older expats contemplating retirement in Poland.

Interestingly, the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Poland are actually below EU averages — a finding that appears to contradict the high mortality figures, but which reflects the distinction between how widely a condition occurs versus how often it proves fatal. A comparable pattern applies to cancer: despite age-standardised incidence and prevalence rates that are estimated to be lower than EU averages, cancer mortality in Poland exceeds the EU average, and these figures should be read with appropriate care.

For the most current data, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO country data profile for Poland and the Statistics Poland (GUS) website, which publishes updated life expectancy tables on an annual basis.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Poland?

Poland does not carry the tropical infectious disease risks associated with certain other parts of the world, but there are specific hazards — particularly for those who enjoy the outdoors — that are worth understanding before relocating.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most frequently encountered viral infection of the central nervous system in Poland. The country has endemic TBE, with 200–300 cases recorded each year, with 90% occurring in two provinces neighbouring the Baltic States — predominantly the Podlaskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie regions in the northeast. Anyone who intends to walk, hike, cycle, or otherwise spend time in forests or rural environments is strongly advised to seek TBE vaccination. Current guidance should be confirmed with your home country’s official travel health authority, as recommendations are periodically updated.

Infection most commonly occurs through tick bites, though consumption of unpasteurised dairy products from infected goats or sheep is also a less frequent route of transmission. Practical precautions include wearing long-sleeved clothing in wooded areas, applying tick repellent, and thoroughly checking your skin following any outdoor activity.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease, which is likewise transmitted through tick bites, presents a further risk in Poland’s forested areas. When identified early, it responds well to antibiotic treatment, but undiagnosed cases can result in serious long-term health problems. Expats living close to woodland should be especially alert during the warmer months, when tick activity is at its highest.

Air quality and pollution

Tobacco smoking, poor diet, and air pollution together constitute major contributors to mortality in Poland. Air pollution — specifically exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone — is a particular concern. Poland records some of the EU’s worst air quality figures, with southern cities including Kraków, Katowice, and Nowy Sącz experiencing severe seasonal smog driven by coal combustion for domestic heating during winter. This can significantly worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Expats with existing respiratory conditions should carefully examine local air quality data when selecting where to live. Up-to-date readings are accessible via the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOŚ).

Food and water safety

Tap water in Polish cities and towns generally meets EU drinking water standards and is safe to consume. Food safety regulations are also aligned with EU requirements. That said, standard food hygiene practices remain relevant when purchasing produce at rural markets or consuming unpasteurised dairy. Routine vaccinations — including hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and measles — should be current ahead of any international relocation. Always confirm the latest vaccination guidance with your home country’s official travel health authority or the Polish Ministry of Health.

Is smoking common in Poland, and what are the laws around it?

Poland is home to approximately 7.66 million adult smokers, making tobacco use one of the country’s foremost public health challenges. Smoking prevalence sits marginally above the EU average. Historically, tobacco has been deeply woven into Polish social culture, though attitudes are shifting — particularly among younger urban populations.

As of June 2023, the proportion of adults in Poland who currently use nicotine vaping devices stands at 4.00%, with a daily use rate of 2.40%. Heated tobacco products have also gained traction in recent years, especially among younger adults in urban settings.

Poland has introduced increasingly stringent tobacco control measures over the past two decades. Smoking in enclosed public spaces — including restaurants, bars, cafés, workplaces, and public transport — has been prohibited since legislation took effect in 2010 (the Act on the Protection of Health from the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products). Bans also extend to public transport platforms and the vicinity of healthcare and educational institutions. These rules broadly mirror those in most EU member states, though practical enforcement can differ — particularly in smaller venues or private clubs.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are governed by Polish law implementing EU directives, incorporating restrictions on sales to minors and requirements around packaging. The use of vaping devices in enclosed public spaces is similarly subject to restrictions. The total economic cost of tobacco use in Poland is estimated at over 57 billion złoty, encompassing both direct healthcare expenditure and indirect costs arising from lost productivity due to smoking-related illness and early death.

Expats arriving from countries with strict indoor smoking bans — such as those found across Scandinavia, Ireland, or Australia — will find Poland’s regulatory framework broadly comparable, although they may notice a greater degree of smoking in certain outdoor hospitality settings than they are accustomed to.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Poland?

Excess weight and obesity are well-established risk factors for chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers, and they represent an increasingly pressing concern in Poland. In 2016, obesity prevalence among women stood at 22.2%, while the figure for men reached 23.7%. Male obesity prevalence rose from 14.8% to 23.7% between 1997 and 2016 — an average annual increase of 2.51%. Although these rates do not rank among the highest in Europe, the upward direction of travel carries significant public health implications.

Traditional Polish cooking is substantial and calorie-rich, built around pork, potatoes, bread, pickled vegetables, and dairy fats. Iconic dishes such as bigos (hunter’s stew), żurek (sour rye soup), and pierogi are deeply loved national staples. While many of these foods offer genuine nutritional value, the diet as a whole can carry high levels of saturated fats and salt. In recent decades, urban Poland has witnessed rapid growth in fast food culture and the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods — a trend mirrored across much of Central and Eastern Europe.

Poor dietary habits are a significant contributor to mortality in Poland, with risk factors including insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption and high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Public health initiatives and EU-level programmes have promoted healthier eating habits, and a wellness culture is gaining ground in Polish cities, with organic food markets, plant-based eateries, and fitness facilities becoming increasingly visible.

Physical activity levels vary considerably across the country. Major urban centres — particularly Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań — have seen considerable investment in cycling networks, parklands, and leisure infrastructure. However, sedentary patterns associated with office-based employment and car dependency in suburban and rural areas contribute to rising rates of obesity and metabolic disease.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Poland?

Mental health continues to be a sensitive area in Poland, and prevailing attitudes have traditionally been more reserved than in many Western European societies. Younger city dwellers are increasingly open in discussing mental health, but stigma around conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction persists — most notably in older generations and rural communities. As a result, people may delay seeking professional support or avoid disclosing mental health difficulties in workplace or social contexts.

Poland ranks worst in Central Europe for disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates attributable to self-harm — a situation that has deteriorated considerably since 1990. While suicide rates have remained broadly stable over the same period, the wider Central European region has seen gradual improvement, highlighting a relative deterioration in Poland’s position. These statistics point to a critical gap in both mental health provision and public awareness, which Polish authorities have formally acknowledged.

Public mental health services operate within the national healthcare framework, administered by the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, or NFZ). Waiting times for specialist psychiatric or psychological appointments through the public system can, however, be considerable — in some cases extending to several months. This contrasts with countries such as Germany or the Netherlands which, despite their own capacity pressures, generally offer shorter initial appointment waits.

Poland’s private mental health sector has expanded significantly in response. In major cities, it is possible to find English-speaking psychologists and therapists through private clinics with relatively manageable waiting times. Online therapy platforms have also grown substantially, broadening access to support. Costs for private sessions typically fall between 150 and 300 PLN per session (verify current rates as these are subject to change), which compares favourably with private therapy charges in many Western European countries.

Expats experiencing mental health difficulties should be aware that language barriers can complicate access to public services. Seeking out international or private providers — or making use of telehealth services from your home country where these remain available — may prove more straightforward as a first port of call. Some multinational employers operating in Poland also provide Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) incorporating mental health support.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Poland?

Moving to Poland brings a range of health-related adjustments that are worth anticipating. While Poland presents no exceptional risks in a global context, changes in climate, environment, dietary habits, and healthcare systems can all pose challenges that merit advance planning.

Climate and seasonal health

Poland experiences a continental climate characterised by cold, damp winters and warm summers. Temperatures in Warsaw routinely drop below freezing from November through to March, and cities such as Kraków can endure extended cold spells with heavy snowfall. Expats arriving from warmer climates may find the effect on mood and overall wellbeing pronounced — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiency are genuine seasonal concerns during the long, dark winter months. Establishing a habit of outdoor activity and considering vitamin D supplementation through winter are both sensible measures.

Air quality concerns

As described earlier, winter air pollution — particularly across southern Poland — represents a concrete health hazard, above all for expats with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Investigating air quality levels in your specific city or neighbourhood before committing to accommodation is a practical and worthwhile step. Many Polish municipalities now publish real-time pollution readings online.

Registering with a doctor (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu)

Among the most important early steps any expat can take for their health in Poland is registering with a primary care physician (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu, or GP) through the NFZ public system, or selecting a private clinic. Without registration, accessing non-emergency public healthcare can be difficult. Poland operates a publicly funded universal healthcare system based on a compulsory insurance model, in which all persons insured in Poland and EU/EFTA citizens are entitled to public healthcare, guaranteed by the Polish constitution and administered through the National Health Fund. Employees in Poland will generally have their social insurance contributions — which include health coverage — arranged through their employer.

Private health insurance

Private health insurance has become an increasingly popular choice in Poland. By the end of the third quarter of 2023, 4.69 million people held private health insurance, representing a 15% year-on-year increase. Many expats opt for private coverage to sidestep waiting times in the public system and to receive care from providers who can communicate in their preferred language. International health insurance policies are widely available and may provide broader protection across multiple countries.

Preventive health steps for expats

• Register with a GP or private clinic as soon as possible after arrival
• Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, including hepatitis A and B, MMR, and tetanus
• Discuss TBE vaccination with a travel health clinician if you plan to spend time in forested regions
• Arrange health screenings appropriate to your age and medical history
• Monitor air quality apps during winter months, particularly if you have a respiratory condition
• Obtain comprehensive health insurance before or immediately upon arrival
• Learn key Polish medical vocabulary or identify healthcare providers who can consult in your language

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Poland?

Making sense of a new healthcare system in an unfamiliar country can feel overwhelming, but Poland offers a range of official and practical resources to support expats. The most important guiding principle is to verify current information through official channels — health guidelines, vaccination schedules, and administrative procedures are all subject to change.

Official Polish health authorities

• Polish Ministry of Health (Ministerstwo Zdrowia) — the lead government body responsible for health policy, vaccination schedules, and public health guidance in Poland.
• National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia / NFZ) — manages public healthcare coverage and can clarify your entitlements as an insured person in Poland.
• National Institute of Public Health – National Research Institute (NIPH-NRI) — Poland’s foremost public health research body, publishing epidemiological data and infectious disease surveillance reports.
• Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) — provides real-time air quality monitoring data across the country.

International and expat health resources

• WHO Poland country profile — an authoritative source of international health data and indicators for Poland.
• State of Health in the EU: Poland Country Health Profile 2025 (European Commission / OECD) — a comprehensive, regularly updated review of Poland’s healthcare system and population health landscape.
• Statistics Poland (GUS) — publishes health statistics including life expectancy tables, mortality data, and chronic disease prevalence figures.
• Your home country’s official travel health authority — for pre-departure vaccination guidance, health screening recommendations, and any Poland-specific advisories.

Expats seeking English-language medical care will find that international clinics in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and other major cities commonly offer multilingual services. Expat community forums and online groups can provide useful informal recommendations for doctors and clinics, though these should always be supplemented with guidance from official sources. Bear in mind that specific details — including vaccination requirements, insurance thresholds, and healthcare fees — can change and should be verified directly with the relevant authorities both before and after your move.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Poland

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Poland?

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Poland. However, it is strongly advisable to ensure that routine immunisations — including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis A and B — are fully up to date. For those intending to spend time in rural or forested environments, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is recommended. Always confirm the most current guidance with your home country’s official travel health authority prior to relocating.

Is the air quality in Poland a serious concern for expats?

Yes, air quality is a legitimate health concern, particularly during the winter months and most acutely in southern Polish cities such as Kraków, Katowice, and the surrounding areas, where the burning of coal for domestic heating generates significant seasonal smog. Expats with asthma, COPD, allergies, or other respiratory conditions should thoroughly research air quality in their intended area before choosing where to live. Real-time data is freely available through the GIOŚ website. Investment in district heating upgrades and coal boiler replacement schemes across many Polish cities means conditions are gradually improving.

Is tick-borne encephalitis a risk throughout Poland?

TBE is endemic across Poland, with 200–300 cases reported annually, with 90% occurring in two provinces neighbouring the Baltic States. The highest-risk areas are concentrated in the northeast — particularly the Podlaskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie regions — though forested areas elsewhere in the country also carry some degree of risk. Lyme disease, which shares the same tick-borne transmission route, is more broadly distributed. Wearing appropriate clothing in wooded areas, applying insect repellent, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activity are all recommended precautions.

Can I access public healthcare as an expat in Poland?

Poland operates a publicly funded universal healthcare system based on a compulsory insurance model, under which all persons insured in Poland — as well as EU and EFTA citizens — are entitled to access public healthcare, as guaranteed by the Polish constitution and administered by the National Health Fund (NFZ). Employees in Poland will typically have their social insurance contributions, including health coverage, deducted automatically from their wages. Non-EU nationals may need to make independent arrangements; the NFZ or your employer’s HR department can advise on your specific circumstances.

How widely spoken is English in Polish healthcare settings?

In larger cities, many physicians — particularly younger specialists and those affiliated with private clinics — have a functional command of English. However, English-language consultations are not guaranteed within the public sector or in smaller towns and rural areas. It is advisable to locate at least one English-speaking primary care provider before you find yourself in urgent need of medical attention, and to familiarise yourself with essential Polish medical vocabulary or have a reliable translation tool to hand.

Is mental health support available for expats in Poland?

English-speaking psychologists and therapists practise in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and other major cities, though availability varies. Online therapy platforms have expanded considerably and offer a flexible alternative. Public mental health services exist but are often associated with lengthy waiting times. Certain international employers in Poland provide Employee Assistance Programmes that include mental health support. In the event of a mental health emergency, the nationwide emergency number in Poland is 112.

How does Polish diet affect health, and should I be concerned?

Traditional Polish cuisine is filling and in many respects nourishing, but tends to be high in saturated fats, salt, and refined carbohydrates. Expats who maintain a varied, balanced diet and keep physically active are unlikely to face significant dietary risks. Urban areas provide ample access to international foods, fresh produce markets, and health food outlets. The principal diet-related health risks in Poland — as reflected in elevated cardiovascular disease mortality — are linked to long-standing patterns of high saturated fat consumption, low intake of fruit and vegetables, and excessive salt. Remaining mindful of these habits is prudent for anyone planning a long-term stay in Poland.

What should I do if I have a pre-existing medical condition and am moving to Poland?

Before your departure, ask your current doctor for copies of your medical records, a written summary of your conditions and current medications, and an adequate supply of any prescribed medicines to cover your first months in Poland. Check whether your medications are available there under the same or equivalent names, as brand names can differ between countries. Register with a Polish GP or appropriate specialist as soon as you arrive, and confirm that your health insurance policy provides coverage for pre-existing conditions. The NFZ website and international clinics in major Polish cities can offer guidance on finding the right specialist for your needs.