- The best travel insurance plans for Poland
- Is it currently safe to travel to Poland?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Poland?
- Why take out travel insurance for Poland?
- What travel insurance for Poland should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Poland
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Poland
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Poland?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Poland: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Poland covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage during your stay.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Canadians, but vital for medical costs and emergency evacuation.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care is satisfactory in cities but can be limited in rural areas, making insurance vital.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Poland typically costs between $25 and $50 CAD.
5. Good to know: Dual Canadian-Polish citizens must use their Polish passport to enter and exit 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 Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Poland.
The best travel insurance plans for Poland
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | Our top recommendation for travel to Poland. Reliable coverage adapted to Schengen needs. - high medical limit - repatriation - broad assistance |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.5M | Excellent value for worry-free stays in Poland. Well-rounded protection and practical services. - 24/7 helpline - trip cancellation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | CA$770k | A smart choice for tourists seeking solid medical protection in Poland. - good basic cover - emergency help - affordable price |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.1M | Suitable for longer visits and frequent travel in Poland. - repatriation - inpatient care - wide coverage area |
| Globe Partner | CA$465k | Simple and effective contract for trips and short stays in Poland. - hospital treatments - early repatriation - personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | CA$770k | Easy-to-use plan, ideal for quick and low-risk visits to Poland. - core medical cover - fast refund process - moderate cap |
- high medical limit
- repatriation
- broad assistance
- 24/7 helpline
- trip cancellation
- no deductible
- good basic cover
- emergency help
- affordable price
- repatriation
- inpatient care
- wide coverage area
- hospital treatments
- early repatriation
- personal liability
- core medical cover
- fast refund process
- moderate cap
Is it currently safe to travel to Poland?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers that Poland is at a normal safety level and no general restrictions apply for Canadian visitors. Caution is advised near Poland’s borders with Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia due to ongoing regional tensions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: armed conflict near the Ukrainian border occasionally leads to projectiles or debris landing in Polish territory. For example, the Lubelskie voivodeship has experienced incidents requiring temporary evacuation.
- Health risks: routine vaccinations are advised, including MMR and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is found in Masurian woodlands, so insect repellent and long sleeves are recommended when hiking.
- Legal obligations: registration with local authorities is mandatory within 48 hours if your stay in Poland exceeds 14 days. Failure to do so has resulted in fines for some travellers in major cities like Warsaw.
- Environmental hazards: Poland’s forests present a higher risk of tick bites between April and November, particularly in Białowieża National Park. Medical services are less reliable in rural eastern regions.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Poland.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Poland?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian citizens traveling to Poland for stays of up to 90 days.
While not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, which can be costly, especially in rural areas where care is limited.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Poland, mainly because large medical bills are possible even though Poland is considered a very safe country in Europe.
Why take out travel insurance for Poland?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Poland.
In Poland, foreigners often need to use private clinics in major cities such as Medicover Hospital in Warsaw or join a queue for emergency care at large hospitals like Szpital Bielański. Costs can be significant, especially for urgent procedures or specialist consultations, and public facilities may have limited English-speaking staff or longer wait times.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Poland.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Medicover Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 5,200 PLN (CA$1,730) | up to CA$1.5M |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,200 PLN (CA$730) | up to CA$1.5M |
| I need to be repatriated | 40,000 PLN (CA$13,300) | up to CA$1.5M |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 13,500 PLN (CA$4,500) | up to CA$1.5M |
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.
What travel insurance for Poland should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Poland.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🩺 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, treatments, and outpatient care. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$1.5M due to private clinic costs in big cities. |
| 🚑 Hospitalization | Covers overnight stays, surgery, and intensive care if hospitalized after an accident or sudden illness. Minimum: CA$1.5M. |
| ✈️ Emergency evacuation | Pays for medical transport to the nearest qualified centre or, if necessary, back to Canada. Minimum: CA$500,000. |
| 💊 Medications | Reimburses prescribed drugs needed for treatment during your trip. Minimum: CA$5,000. |
| 🏥 Repatriation to Canada | Covers transport costs home if you experience a severe accident or illness. Minimum: CA$100,000. |
| 🎒 Baggage insurance | Covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal items. Minimum: CA$2,000. |
| 🛑 Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. Minimum: CA$1M. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to covered events. Minimum: CA$5,000. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$1.5M due to private clinic costs in big cities.
Minimum: CA$1.5M.
Minimum: CA$500,000.
Minimum: CA$5,000.
Minimum: CA$100,000.
Minimum: CA$2,000.
Minimum: CA$1M.
Minimum: CA$5,000.
Many local or bank card insurance options only offer limited coverage, low reimbursement ceilings, or exclude common risks. For your peace of mind, choose a well-known insurer with robust guarantees. You can compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Poland
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$32 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$49 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$77 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$184 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for Poland depends on several key factors: your age, the duration of your trip, your desired coverage amount, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Considering these elements is crucial for choosing a policy that provides adequate protection for medical emergencies and fits your budget, ensuring a worry-free trip.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | High medical costs or repatriation from Poland can be costly for Canadians. | Choose essential medical, evacuation, and liability only for the best value. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age can significantly impact premium costs with many insurers for Poland. | Some providers, like Heymondo, do not increase prices for those over 62, so compare age-specific rates. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Insurance cost rises with longer trips, especially for stays over 31 days in the Schengen zone. | Opt for exact dates of travel, not the maximum allowed by your visa or ticket. |
| 🏥 Deductible/Excess | A higher deductible lowers premiums, but you pay more out of pocket in case of medical need. | Select the highest deductible you can comfortably afford for larger savings. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travelers | Group or family policies for Poland can provide a lower per-person rate than individual plans. | Choose group insurance if traveling with family or friends to maximize discounts. |
| 🌍 Multi-trip/yearly insurance | Frequent travelers to Europe may find annual plans for Poland more economical than single trips. | Consider an annual policy if you plan more than two trips in a year. |
| 🛩️ Activities covered | Adventure and sport coverage increases the cost, not always needed for city trips. | Select only activities you really plan to do in Poland to avoid overpaying. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Poland?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as public or private health insurance or a Canadian credit card, could cover you for a trip to Poland. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. 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 (Provincial health plan) | Never | May cover minimal emergency care, usually reimbursement is not possible abroad. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, plus 24/7 local support and direct payment of expenses. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Some policies reimburse a portion abroad, but no guarantee for hospital stay and no direct payment. | Travel insurance offers up to CA$1,000,000+ in care and hospital coverage, emergency evacuation, and payment direct to foreign providers. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Visa Classic, Scotiabank Value) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical, max CA$25,000–CA$50,000, no baggage loss or cancellation, age limits often apply. | Travel insurance delivers much higher limits (up to CA$1,000,000+), covers trip issues and accidents, and rarely has strict age exclusions. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Gold, World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical emergency CA$100,000–CA$500,000, limited trip delay, loss, strict conditions and exclusions. | Travel insurance can cover up to CA$1,000,000+, include pre-existing conditions, and provide more comprehensive, reliable coverage for all travelers. |
Example
While hiking in Poland, Liam contracted tick-borne encephalitis, leading to a $25,000 hospital bill. His RBC Avion Visa's insurance had a low cap, covering only $2,000. His provincial health plan paid a fraction. Without comprehensive travel insurance, Liam was left with a staggering $23,000 bill for a simple tick bite.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Carefully review your existing policies for exclusions to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Poland. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Other entry requirements, like proof of funds, may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Poland?
Start by comparing plans and prices, ideally using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check each policy’s coverage and exclusions, ensuring it meets your needs and addresses travel risks related to Poland. Buy your chosen policy online, then download or print your official insurance certificate.
What kind of medical coverage should I get for Poland?
You should have coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, as healthcare for visitors is private and can be expensive. Most experts recommend coverage of at least CA$50,000 to CA$100,000 to ensure you are protected in case of a serious incident.
Are there any health risks in Poland that my insurance should cover?
Tick-borne diseases such as encephalitis are a risk in rural and forested areas especially from April to November. Make sure your policy includes emergency medical treatment for insect-borne illnesses, and check that it does not exclude adventure or nature-related activities if you plan those.
What should I do if I need emergency medical assistance in Poland?
You should contact your travel insurer’s 24/7 emergency hotline as soon as possible to start the claims and support process. For immediate help, call Poland’s emergency number 112. Keep your travel insurance certificate and the insurer’s contact details with you at all times.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Poland?
Most insurers allow you to extend coverage while you are still insured and before your policy expires, often with direct online renewal. You should arrange the extension before your existing policy ends to avoid gaps in your coverage and ensure continuous protection.
Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Poland. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Other entry requirements, like proof of funds, may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Poland?
Start by comparing plans and prices, ideally using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check each policy’s coverage and exclusions, ensuring it meets your needs and addresses travel risks related to Poland. Buy your chosen policy online, then download or print your official insurance certificate.
What kind of medical coverage should I get for Poland?
You should have coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, as healthcare for visitors is private and can be expensive. Most experts recommend coverage of at least CA$50,000 to CA$100,000 to ensure you are protected in case of a serious incident.
Are there any health risks in Poland that my insurance should cover?
Tick-borne diseases such as encephalitis are a risk in rural and forested areas especially from April to November. Make sure your policy includes emergency medical treatment for insect-borne illnesses, and check that it does not exclude adventure or nature-related activities if you plan those.
What should I do if I need emergency medical assistance in Poland?
You should contact your travel insurer’s 24/7 emergency hotline as soon as possible to start the claims and support process. For immediate help, call Poland’s emergency number 112. Keep your travel insurance certificate and the insurer’s contact details with you at all times.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Poland?
Most insurers allow you to extend coverage while you are still insured and before your policy expires, often with direct online renewal. You should arrange the extension before your existing policy ends to avoid gaps in your coverage and ensure continuous protection.
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