How Expats Get Blood Tests in Poland: Public vs Private Healthcare Guide

Yes, expats can get blood tests in Poland easily - walk into any private lab like Diagnostyka or ALAB, pay 50-200 PLN ($12-50), and get results in 1-2 days without a referral. If you have employer insurance (Medicover, LuxMed), you can also get tests free through their referral system, though it takes longer.

The Polish Medical System: Two Options

• Public system (NFZ): Free but slow, requires GP referral
• Private system: Pay out of pocket or through insurance, much faster

Most expats in Warsaw use private labs because they're affordable and fast compared to home countries.

Option 1: Private Labs (Fastest)

No referral needed. Walk in, choose your tests, pay, and get results.

Best Private Labs in Warsaw

How It Works

1. Find nearest lab location
2. Walk in or book online
3. Tell receptionist which tests you need
4. Pay (50-300 PLN typically)
5. Blood draw takes 5-10 minutes
6. Results online in 1-2 days

Option 2: Employer Insurance (Medicover/LuxMed)

If your employer provides health insurance, you can get tests free or with minimal copay:

1. Call your insurance provider
2. Request telephone consultation with a doctor
3. Explain which tests you need
4. Doctor approves and puts referral in your app
5. Book appointment at their facility
6. Results in 1-3 days via app

Downside: Takes 1-2 weeks vs same-day at private labs.

Option 3: Public System (NFZ)

• Cost: Free with PESEL number
• Process: See public GP first, get referral, wait for lab appointment
• Wait time: Can take weeks or months
• Reality: Doctors under quota restrictions may deny requests

Most expats skip this option unless they have no other choice.

Typical Costs at Private Labs

• Basic blood panel: 50-150 PLN ($12-35)
• Complete blood panel: 200-400 PLN ($50-100)
• Specialized tests: 300-500+ PLN ($75-125)

Comparison: Often 10-20x cheaper than the same tests in the US.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Scenario 1: You Need Tests Fast

Go to Diagnostyka or ALAB. Pay 50-200 PLN. Get results tomorrow. Done.

Scenario 2: You Have Employer Insurance and Time

Call Medicover/LuxMed, get referral, book at their facility. Free or minimal copay.

Scenario 3: You Want the Cheapest Option

Check SwissLab.pl prices, order online, get blood drawn at ALAB. Can save hundreds of PLN on comprehensive panels.

Important Notes

• English speakers: Diagnostyka and ALAB have English-speaking staff in Warsaw
• Results: Available online, can be shared with any doctor
• No appointment needed: For basic panels, just walk in
• Payment: Visa/Mastercard accepted at most labs

Living in Warsaw? Browse expat services and healthcare providers or check our Poland guides for more practical tips.