Poland – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Poland, and how do I recognise one?

The Polish word for pharmacy is apteka (plural: apteki), and this is the term displayed on signage at every such establishment throughout the country — worth committing to memory before you arrive. Major chains you are likely to come across include Apteka Dr. Max, Ziko Apteka, and DOZ Apteka (Dbam o Zdrowie).

In Warsaw and other cities, pharmacies are easy to spot thanks to the illuminated green cross and the word “Apteka” on their facades. They tend to be clustered in shopping districts, residential streets, and near hospitals or clinics. Across most of Europe the green cross serves as the universal pharmacy symbol, so if you have previously lived or travelled on the continent, the sign will already be familiar.

Throughout Poland — from Kraków to Gdańsk and beyond — the same green cross convention applies, and pharmacies are distributed densely enough that access to medication is rarely a problem for residents or visitors. In smaller towns and villages you may find a single independent apteka rather than a chain outlet, but it will always carry the same identifying sign.

Many Polish pharmacies also stock homeopathic remedies alongside conventional medicines. Larger branches, particularly those belonging to major chains, frequently carry dermocosmetics, dietary supplements, and medical devices as well. All pharmacists practising in Poland operate under professional obligations that require them to offer guidance on medicines available without a prescription.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Poland?

Opening times at Polish pharmacies differ according to the location and day. The typical weekday schedule runs from 08:00 to 18:00, with Saturday hours generally falling between 09:00 and 13:00. Pharmacies situated in busy shopping centres or on high-footfall commercial streets often stay open later, sometimes until 20:00 or 21:00 from Monday to Friday.

In smaller towns and rural settings it is not unusual for pharmacies to close briefly for a lunchtime break, commonly between 13:00 and 14:00. This is much less common in city centres, but it is sensible to check a pharmacy’s specific hours before making a dedicated trip.

Coverage on Sundays and public holidays is more limited, though it is not impossible to find an open pharmacy. In major urban centres such as Warsaw and Kraków, round-the-clock pharmacies — known as Apteka Całodobowa — operate throughout the year. Beyond these, Poland’s duty pharmacy rota system (dyżur apteczny) legally requires at least one pharmacy in every district to remain open outside standard hours. Details of whichever pharmacy is currently on duty are typically posted in the windows of other local pharmacies or published on the websites of district authorities.

Which medicines can I buy over the counter in Poland, and which require a prescription?

Polish pharmaceutical legislation recognises five categories of medicinal product availability. These range from products that can be sold freely without a prescription (OTC, or over-the-counter) to those that require a doctor’s authorisation — a category that encompasses drugs and psychotropic substances governed by separate statutory regulations. The body responsible for classifying medicines and approving them for the Polish market is the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products (URPLWMiPB).

OTC products available in Poland include painkillers, anti-inflammatory preparations, cold and flu remedies, antihistamines, vitamins, digestive treatments, and wound-care items. A wide range of these can be purchased not only in pharmacies but also in supermarkets, drugstores, and kiosks. Poland actually has one of the most open OTC markets in the European Union, with over-the-counter products accounting for an unusually large share of total pharmaceutical sales — a proportion that has continued to increase in recent years.

It is important to note, however, that not all OTC medicines can be sold in every retail setting. Some higher-risk OTC products — for example, certain painkillers containing potent active ingredients — may only be purchased in a licensed pharmacy, even though no prescription is required. Antibiotics occupy an entirely separate category: they are strictly prescription-only across Poland, and no pharmacist in the country is authorised to dispense them without a valid prescription. Controlled substances and psychotropic medications are subject to further restrictions and require specially annotated prescriptions.

Online pharmacies have seen substantial growth in Poland, particularly following the 2018 regulatory reforms that formally governed their operation. Prescription-only medicines cannot lawfully be ordered from unregistered online sources. Before buying from an internet pharmacy, always confirm that it holds a valid Polish licence — the URPLWMiPB website publishes a register of authorised operators. Importing prescription medicines from overseas online pharmacies for personal use is legally complicated and is not generally advisable.

Will my prescription from another country be accepted in Poland?

Whether a prescription issued in another country will be honoured in Poland depends largely on where it originated. Prescriptions from other EU or EEA member states can, in principle, be dispensed in Poland at full retail price, provided the medicines in question have the status of guaranteed benefits under the Polish system. This follows from the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, which Poland has incorporated into national law. In practice, though, not every Polish pharmacist is experienced in handling foreign EU prescriptions, and complications can arise — particularly in smaller or less central pharmacies.

Prescriptions issued in countries outside the EU and EEA — such as Canada, Australia, or Japan — are not accepted by Polish pharmacies as a rule. There is no legal mechanism enabling a pharmacist to verify the credentials of a prescribing doctor from such countries, and dispensing on an unverifiable foreign document would expose them to regulatory risk. If you arrive holding a prescription from a non-EU country, the most practical course of action is to arrange a consultation with a Polish doctor as soon as possible and obtain a locally issued prescription.

For newly arrived expats, securing a local prescription is generally manageable, even if it takes a short time to establish proper access to the healthcare system. Tourists and recent arrivals who are not yet covered by public insurance typically pay out of pocket for consultations, with fees generally ranging from 100 PLN to 150 PLN. At the appointment, you can discuss your medical history, present any existing prescriptions or records from abroad, and — if the doctor considers it appropriate — receive a Polish prescription on the spot.

How do I get a prescription in Poland?

Obtaining a prescription in Poland follows a clear sequence of steps, whether you are using the public system or going privately. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Register with a GP (if using public healthcare): Expats who have enrolled in the National Health Fund (NFZ) — for instance through paid employment — are entitled to register with a local general practitioner (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu). Registration costs nothing and unlocks access to NHS-style appointments, specialist referrals, and reimbursed prescriptions.
2. Book an appointment: Public GP appointments can be scheduled in person, by telephone, or increasingly through the Internetowe Konto Pacjenta (IKP) online patient portal. Waiting times in the public system vary; private clinic appointments are typically available within a few days.
3. Attend the consultation: Bring any relevant medical records, your PESEL number (Poland’s national identification number, if you have been assigned one), and documentary evidence of your NFZ coverage. For private appointments, payment is settled directly with the clinic.
4. Receive your prescription: Since 1 November 2023, prescriptions for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances must be issued exclusively in electronic form. In practice, the vast majority of prescriptions in Poland are now electronic (e-recepta), delivered to the patient’s mobile phone as a four-digit code or accessible through the IKP portal.
5. Take the prescription to any pharmacy: A Polish prescription — including an e-prescription — is not tied to a specific dispensary. It can be filled at any licensed apteka anywhere in the country, giving you complete flexibility about where you collect your medication.
6. Collect your medication: Standard prescriptions are valid for up to six months from the date of issue, after which a new prescription is required. For patients with chronic conditions, some prescriptions may be written to cover up to 12 months; discuss this possibility with your prescribing doctor.

How much do prescriptions cost in Poland, and is there a subsidised medicines scheme?

Although most services within Poland’s publicly funded healthcare system are provided free of charge at the point of use, outpatient prescriptions operate under a more complex cost-sharing arrangement. Rather than applying a single flat charge to all prescription items — as England’s NHS does — Poland ties what a patient pays to the reimbursement tier assigned to each individual medicine.

The list of medicines eligible for partial or full reimbursement by the National Health Fund (NFZ) is compiled and maintained by the Ministry of Health. Reimbursed medicines fall into one of several co-payment categories: entirely free of charge (bezpłatny), a fixed low flat fee (ryczałt), a 30% co-payment, or a 50% co-payment. The tier assigned to any given drug is determined by the Ministry of Health’s reimbursement schedule, which — from 1 January 2024 — is updated on a quarterly basis.

Access to free medicines for certain population groups has expanded considerably since 2022. As of 2025, children under the age of 18, pregnant women, and individuals aged 75 and over are all entitled to prescription medicines from the reimbursement list at no personal cost — a policy referred to in Polish as leki dla seniorów and leki dla dzieci. This is a substantial benefit for qualifying families and older expats who hold valid NFZ coverage.

Beyond these groups, general protections against high co-payment burdens are limited. There are no blanket exemptions for low-income households or people managing chronic illnesses, and there is currently no annual out-of-pocket cap for the general adult population comparable to Australia’s PBS safety net or the UK’s Prescription Prepayment Certificate. Expats without Polish health insurance must pay the full retail price for every prescription medicine. The reimbursement list and applicable co-payment rates are updated quarterly, so it is worth consulting the Polish Ministry of Health website for the most current information.

Are brand-name and generic medicines both available in Poland?

The price of prescription medicines in Poland can differ considerably depending on the drug, its dosage, and who manufactures it. One of the most important factors influencing cost is whether a generic version is available: generics are typically priced well below their branded equivalents, and Poland’s generic medicines market is mature and well supplied. Both branded and generic options can be found across Polish pharmacies without difficulty.

Poland’s cost-containment framework has been further strengthened through mandatory price reductions linked to generic market entry. Once a medicine’s patent expires and generics become available, the cost to patients — including their co-payment where applicable — generally falls appreciably. Additionally, under the Reimbursement Act, from 1 April 2024, patients pay 10% less for reimbursed medicines manufactured in Poland, with a further reduction to 15% if the active pharmaceutical ingredients were also produced domestically.

Polish pharmacists are permitted to suggest a generic substitute when a branded product has been prescribed, unless the prescribing doctor has explicitly indicated on the prescription that substitution is not allowed. If you are managing a condition where consistency of formulation is clinically important — for example, certain epilepsy or thyroid disorders — it is worth raising this with your doctor and ensuring the relevant instruction appears on your prescription. For most everyday conditions, however, generics are therapeutically equivalent to branded medicines and represent a meaningful saving, particularly for patients paying out of pocket.

What should expats know about bringing medications into Poland from abroad?

If you are relocating to Poland and need to travel with a supply of your usual medication, you are permitted to do so for personal use — but there are specific rules you must observe. As an EU member state, Poland aligns its customs and pharmaceutical import requirements broadly with EU standards, though Polish customs law governs what crosses the border.

In general, carrying up to approximately three months’ worth of medication for personal use is considered reasonable and does not typically require special authorisation, though this threshold can vary depending on the substance involved. Always transport medicines in their original, labelled packaging. Accompany them with a covering letter from your prescribing doctor outlining your condition and treatment regimen, along with a copy of your prescription — ideally translated into Polish or at least into English. This documentation can prove invaluable at border crossings and airports.

Controlled substances — including opioid analgesics, certain benzodiazepines, and stimulant medications used for conditions such as ADHD, for example methylphenidate — are governed by considerably stricter rules. Under Polish law, medicines containing psychotropic substances may only be dispensed from a pharmacy on the basis of a specially annotated prescription or formal requisition, and appropriate storage must be ensured throughout the supply chain. If you need to bring controlled substances into Poland, obtain a Schengen certificate for carrying controlled substances from the relevant authority in your home country before you depart. Poland is a full member of the Schengen Area, and such certificates are generally recognised by other Schengen states.

Import rules and documentation requirements are subject to change. Always confirm the current position with the Polish Customs and Tax Service (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa) or with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country well before you travel.

How do private health insurance and public healthcare affect prescription costs in Poland?

Poland’s healthcare system is primarily funded through public financing mechanisms. The main source of funding is social insurance contributions channelled to the NFZ through the national social insurance system, on either a mandatory or voluntary basis. Employees and self-employed individuals in active work are subject to mandatory health insurance contributions, meaning that once you begin working legally in Poland and paying into the system, you automatically acquire entitlement to the full range of NFZ-covered services — including subsidised prescriptions.

For most residents, participation in public health insurance is compulsory. This applies to Polish, EU, EEA, and UK nationals who are employees, entrepreneurs, pensioners, students, farmers, or civil servants, as well as their dependent family members. For other Polish, EU, EEA, and UK citizens, public health insurance may be joined voluntarily. Non-EU nationals who are not in formal employment may need to enrol in the NFZ voluntarily by paying a monthly contribution, or arrange private insurance coverage instead.

Unlike a fully tax-funded system — where prescription charges are either absent or levied at a single flat rate regardless of income — Poland’s public scheme is contribution-based, and the right to subsidised prescriptions depends entirely on holding valid NFZ coverage. When presenting a prescription at a pharmacy, you will need to provide proof of your insurance status; if you cannot demonstrate coverage, the full retail price will apply.

There is no rigid division between the public and private healthcare sectors in Poland. Primary and outpatient care is heavily dominated by private providers, while hospitals remain predominantly within the public sector. Private health insurance — available from providers such as Medicover, LuxMed, and Allianz — generally covers consultations with GPs and specialists, diagnostic tests, and medicines dispensed within a clinic setting. It does not, however, typically extend to prescription medicines purchased at a pharmacy. For those costs, your NFZ entitlement — or your readiness to pay the full retail price — remains the determining factor. Always read your insurance policy terms carefully and clarify with your insurer what is and is not covered.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I need medication urgently outside pharmacy opening hours?

Poland’s duty pharmacy rota (dyżur apteczny) guarantees that at least one pharmacy in every district remains accessible outside normal business hours. In larger cities, round-the-clock pharmacies (Apteka Całodobowa) operate throughout the year without interruption. To locate the nearest pharmacy currently on duty, check the notices displayed in the windows of other local pharmacies, search online for “apteka dyżurna” followed by your city’s name, or call the emergency services on 112 for assistance.

Can I find a pharmacist who speaks a language other than Polish?

In major cities — Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk in particular — English-speaking pharmacy staff are not uncommon, especially in central areas or near universities. This cannot be guaranteed everywhere, however. Translation apps such as Google Translate can bridge communication gaps when it comes to medicine names, and presenting your prescription or a doctor’s letter written in both your native language and Polish will help matters run smoothly at any apteka.

How do I manage a chronic condition during the transition period before I establish local healthcare?

Where possible, bring enough of your regular medication to last through the period while you register with the NFZ and secure a local doctor — typically up to three months’ supply is a reasonable amount to carry. A letter from your home doctor setting out your diagnosis and current treatment plan, ideally translated into Polish, will also be useful. Private GP consultations are readily available across Poland without any waiting period, and a private doctor can issue a fully valid Polish prescription immediately, allowing you to purchase your medication at full retail cost while your public coverage is being established.

Are there any medicines freely available in my home country that require a prescription in Poland?

Poland’s prescription framework broadly mirrors EU standards, but specific differences do exist. Antibiotics are rigorously prescription-only throughout the country and may not be purchased freely at any Polish pharmacy, unlike in some non-EU countries where they can be obtained over the counter. Combination cold and flu products containing codeine or pseudoephedrine may similarly be subject to restrictions. On the other hand, Poland’s OTC sector is notably liberal, and certain medicines that require a prescription in countries with tighter pharmacy regulations can be bought freely here without one. If you are unsure about a specific medicine, consult a pharmacist directly or check the URPLWMiPB register.

Can I use telemedicine or online consultations to get a prescription in Poland?

Yes. Telemedicine is formally recognised under Polish law, and a prescription generated by a licensed Polish doctor following a video consultation carries exactly the same legal weight as one issued face to face. The resulting e-prescription (e-recepta) is transmitted to your mobile phone as a numeric code and can be filled at any pharmacy nationwide. This makes telemedicine a particularly convenient option for expats who need a prescription at short notice, live in a remote location, or find face-to-face consultations challenging due to language barriers. Make sure the service you use connects you only with doctors who are licensed to practise in Poland.

Are prescription medications for children subject to the same co-payment rules?

No — as of 2025, children under 18 years of age are entitled to receive prescription medicines from the NFZ reimbursed list entirely free of charge. For families whose children hold valid NFZ coverage, this means most commonly prescribed drugs for minors can be collected from any apteka at no cost. The reimbursed medicines list is reviewed and updated quarterly, so it is advisable to check the current version on the Ministry of Health website to confirm which products are included.

What happens if the medicine I need is not on the Polish reimbursement list?

Any medicine not featured on the NFZ reimbursement list must be paid for in full at retail price, regardless of your insurance status. In some exceptional circumstances — particularly for rare diseases or situations where no equivalent reimbursed product exists — your doctor may be able to apply for individual reimbursement on your behalf. Alternatively, the doctor may prescribe a therapeutically equivalent medicine that does appear on the list. Comparing generic alternatives is also worthwhile, since they are frequently considerably cheaper than branded products at full price.

How do I find a doctor who can prescribe me medication in Poland as a newly arrived expat?

If you are covered by the NFZ, the first step is to register at a local clinic (przychodnia) and arrange an appointment with a primary care physician (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu). If you have not yet established NFZ coverage, or simply need to see a doctor quickly, private clinics operate in all cities and most sizeable towns. As of 2025, consultation fees at private clinics generally range from 100 to 200 PLN — verify the current rates directly with the clinic before booking. Providers such as Medicover, LuxMed, and Damian Medical Centre employ multilingual staff and are able to issue fully valid Polish prescriptions.