Choosing a family doctor (POZ)
To use free NFZ healthcare you file a declaration choosing your POZ doctor — and separately a nurse and midwife. There are no catchment areas: pick any clinic regardless of your registered address. The quickest way is online in the Patient Internet Account (pacjent.gov.pl, 'Twoja Podstawowa Opieka Zdrowotna' section), logging in with a Trusted Profile. You can switch doctors free twice per calendar year; a third or further change costs 80 zł — unless the reason is moving house, the clinic closing or the doctor leaving.
Who this applies to
Step by step
Pick the clinic and doctor
Check NFZ-contracted clinics nearby (the NFZ search tool or IKP). Look at opening hours, teleconsultations and reviews — primary care is where you'll go most often.
File the choice declaration
Online: log in at pacjent.gov.pl, open 'Twoja Podstawowa Opieka Zdrowotna' and fill in the declaration — separately for the doctor, nurse and midwife. Alternatively, a paper form at the clinic.
Wait for the clinic's acceptance
The clinic has 7 days to accept the declaration in the system — you see the status in IKP. Once accepted you can book visits; your declarations are always listed in the patient account.
Common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a doctor in a different city?
Yes — POZ has no catchment areas. Just remember home visits are made within the clinic's operating area, so a distant clinic can be impractical.
When is a change free despite the limit?
When the reason is beyond your control: moving, the clinic closing or changing scope, the doctor leaving, or the patient turning 18. Such changes don't count towards the two free ones.