In a nutshell: every cautious and wise traveller. However, whether travel insurance is mandatory or simply highly recommended depends on one essential factor: do you need a Schengen visa to be allowed on Polish territory and thus in the Schengen area?

Poland has been part of the widest area of free movement in the World since December 21^st 2007 and as such, applies the same rules and regulations when it comes to visa requirements as the other Schengen member States including the need for some travellers to apply and obtain a Schengen visa to be allowed on the territory.

When applicants submit their visa file, they must include certain specific documents including a travel insurance certificate proving that they will be covered by proper valid insurance during their stay in Poland. Without it, the visa application will automatically be denied.

Consequently and as you may have guessed:

→ Travel insurance is thus mandatory for visitors who need a Schengen visa.

Good to know about the Schengen visa!

A Schengen visa, also called a type C or short-stay, allows its holder :

• Enter and stay for the most common purposes (tourism, business, family visits)
• Visit one or several Schengen countries
• Stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Now, let’s determine who doesn’t need the precious entry pass and who does.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to visit Poland?

You won’t need to apply for a visa to be allowed in Poland if:

• You are a citizen of a Schengen or European Union country.
• You hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen or EU state.
• You are a citizen of one of the sixty or so countries which have signed a visa-waiver agreement with the EU, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.
  Beware! These lucky travellers still need to comply with a few essential requirements.

They must:

• Carry a valid passport.
• Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
• Comply with the Schengen visa 90/180-day rule.

Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Poland?

If you don’t fit into one of the above categories, then you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to be allowed in the Schengen area and in Poland.

This applies to citizens of over a hundred countries including China, India, Russia, most of the Middle East, and all African nations.

→ To find out more, check out our list of nationalities which need a Schengen visa.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for Poland?

If this requirement applies to you, don’t panic! The AXA team has prepared several step-by-step guides to help you along the sometimes tedious (but always worth it!) process:

How to apply for a Schengen visa for Poland?

What are the different types of visas for Europe?

What documents are required with your Schengen visa application?

How long does it take to obtain a Schengen visa for Poland?

Pro-tip: Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll tell you more about:

How to track your visa application online?

How to extend the validity of your visa?

Caution!

In order for your visa request to be accepted, you need to provide proof that you are covered by proper travel insurance, meaning one which complies with the requirements of Article 15 of the European Union Visa Code.

What are the travel insurance requirements to obtain a Schengen visa for Poland?

For your travel insurance to be accepted with your Schengen visa application, it must:

• Guarantee a €30,000 minimum coverage for medical expenses.
• Cover emergency hospitalisation and medical care due to health issues occurring during your stay.
• Bear the costs of repatriation to your home country in case of serious health issues or even death.
• Be certified by all the countries of the Schengen area (not just Poland).
• Be valid in all Schengen countries (not only Poland).
• Remain valid during the entire duration of your stay.
• Be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries.

Good news! AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all these criteria and much more!

Is travel insurance mandatory for Poland if you don’t need a Schengen visa?

No. Travel insurance is not mandatory if you don’t need a visa to visit Poland. However, it is highly recommended. Why? Do you ask. Let’s stop and ponder for a minute.

While healthcare in Poland is not the most expensive in Europe, having to pay extra for a minor (or even major) health scare still leaves a bitter and lasting taste.

Medical care in Poland - Who pays what?

→ Holders of a valid EHIC (the European Health Insurance Card) will have access to emergency care in state-funded hospitals (NFZ facilities).
However, for additional treatments or exams, delays in the public sector may prompt them to turn to private facilities, where they must pay upfront.
And without proper insurance, that money is gone for good.

→ For travellers who do not hold a EHIC, the matter is even simpler: they will have to pay full cost for all medical care and will probably need to use private health facilities exclusively.

A few examples of medical care fees in Poland

• A consultation with a general practitioner in a private establishment costs around €25€ - €35 and can reach €43
• Routine surgeries in private clinics can be billed thousands of euros.
• Travellers from outside the EU will pay for each care provided even for emergency treatments. ER consultations can be billed from €70 to €185, other exams such as blood tests or X-rays represent an extra €185 to €460.
• The average cost of a daily hospital stay ranges from about €284 to €473.

More reasons to get travel insurance for Poland

Furthermore, comprehensive travel insurance will help prevent mundane hassles such as broken glasses, forgotten prescriptions, stolen or lost ID documents or credit cards, misplaced or damaged luggage or even a raging toothache from ruining a holiday.

Protect your peace of mind and your budget by choosing the wise option of health coverage for you and your loved ones during your trip to Poland.

Bonus INFO : Poland uses the unique European emergency number: 112 as well as 999.

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance cover?

1. The reliability of an insurance world leader

For over 65 years, AXA has built a strong longstanding international reputation by providing affordable, reliable and comprehensive insurance coverage to its protégés.

Thanks to their thorough knowledge and understanding of local cultures, its devoted teams of experts assist and support travellers in need worldwide.

2. A travel Insurance which meets all Schengen visa requirements

• AXA Schengen visa insurance complies with E.U requirements in terms of visa obligations.
• It is certified and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries part of the Schengen area.
• It is thus automatically accepted with Schengen visa applications.

3. Comprehensive and customisable coverage

Not only does it meet all EU requirements, AXA insurance also offers extensive protection:

• A coverage of minimum €30,000 and up to €2 million depending on the chosen plan.
• Emergency dental care.
• Sanitary repatriation including in the event of death.
• It covers medical expenses and hospitalisation.
• It includes:
  • both civil liability and personal liability coverage.
  • death and disability insurance.
  • Multilingual 24/7 assistance
  • Free remote medical consultations via our unique “Doctor, please!” app available in English and several other languages.
• It offers comprehensive baggage insurance (included or optional).
• Search and rescue costs (depending on the chosen option).
• Flexible coverage scope: all the Schengen states, European microstates, other non-Schengen but EU countries as well as the United Kingdom.
• Available with multiple upgrade options designed to satisfy all needs and budgets.

4. Efficient and budget-friendly insurance

AXA simplifies your visa application process thanks to easily accessible services:

• Quick and secured 100% online subscription.
• Instant Schengen travel insurance certificate automatically sent by email.
• No age restriction or medical exam required.
• 0 deductible: full refund of medical expenses paid.
• Individual or group offers (family, friends, colleagues).
• Customisable options: luggage insurance, higher medical coverage, etc.
• Duration flexibility - from just one day to six months, or up to a full year
• Decreasing rates depending on the duration of the stay, for the best value for money.

5. Comprehensive insurance for you and your loved ones

In case of trouble, AXA stands by you every step of the way:

• Repatriation of the other insured parties and provision for the care of minors.
• Visits of relatives in case of a solo traveller’s hospitalisation.
• Assistance in case of theft of ID documents.
• Delivery of essential medicine, glasses or prosthesis.

6. Refundable if the visa application is denied

If your Schengen visa application is refused, AXA’s travel insurance is refundable upon presentation of written proof of the denial. Simply submit the official rejection documents, and your policy payment will be returned in accordance with AXA’s terms.

All you have left to do is choose the best AXA option for you!

What is the best AXA travel insurance plan for your trip to Poland?

Adventure, culture or both, solo or with a group, business or pleasure, whatever your intentions for your trip to Poland, AXA travel insurance has the perfect custom-made plan to fit your budget and travel needs:

• AXA Schengen Basic offers standard and efficient coverage to obtain your Schengen visa.
  This travel insurance option meets all the mandatory requirements, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as in the 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).
• AXA Schengen Essential provides complete and reliable coverage at an affordable price. Another perfect choice to obtain your Schengen visa.
  Not only does it meet all visa requirements and is valid in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates, but it also offers coverage in all the EU countries as well as the UK.
• AXA Schengen Premium is THE all-inclusive plan allowing you to obtain your Schengen visa and to travel stress-free all over Europe.
  Its coverage is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK.
• AXA Schengen Annual is the ideal yearly travel insurance plan for frequent travellers to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.
  One contract for a full year of travel coverage across Europe!
  It is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK
  

Useful travel tips for Poland and fun facts

• Capital city: Warsaw
• Currency: Zloty (PLZ)
• Celebrating “name days” is very important and common in Poland, becoming almost more important for some people than birthdays.
• Built on 52 acres, Malbork Castle is considered as the biggest castle in the World based on land area measurements. Completed in 1406, the Gothic brick-built structure was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
• Well before attracting tourist attention, Poland has always been a very coveted country. It is said to have fought against 43 invasions between 1600 and 1945.
• Almost completely destroyed during World War II, Warsaw’s Old Town was rebuilt by referring to paintings by Venetian artist, Bernardo Bellotto.
• Kowalski is one of the most common last names in Poland.
  However, a woman will be Mrs Kowal-ska. Polish last names change according to the sex of the person.
• For more details, visit the official Poland Tourism website

Related Articles

• What are the cheapest travel destinations in Europe?
• 30 fun facts about the Schengen area
• An A-to-Z index to understand Europe

FAQ
What should I do in case of a medical emergency during my trip to Poland?

First of all: don’t panic. You’ve chosen AXA and you’re in safe hands.
Contact our AXA call centre at the number featured on your insurance policy. A team of experts available 24/7 will assist you and help you find the nearest medical facility.
You will be asked to provide your policy reference number (starting with SCH). Always keep this important information easily at hand. It will allow you to gain precious time. Don’t forget to keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records.

How much does travel insurance for Poland cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on the duration of your trip, the extent of your coverage, the additional options you will choose. AXA Schengen travel insurance offers many possibilities to make sure you can create the best tailor-made plan for your needs and budget.

Get a free online quote and check the price list of our different Schengen visa travel insurance plans.

When should I purchase my travel insurance for my Schengen visa application?

As a travel insurance certificate is among the mandatory documents to be enclosed with your Schengen visa application file, we recommend purchasing your travel insurance before submitting your application form i.e. at the early stages of your visa application process.
Remember: AXA travel insurance is refundable if your visa request is denied. All you’ll need to do is provide the official documents explaining the reason for the refusal.