Do I Need Travel Insurance For Poland?

Poland boasts plenty of fantastic countryside to explore as well as some of the continent’s most vibrant up-and-coming cities. The country is steeped in history, the tales of which are reflected in the Gothic cities and 13^th-century castles, but the cities like Warsaw and Krakow now feature 24-hour pubs, clubs, and cafes - making it a match for any big European city. 

Trips to Krakow and onwards to Auschwitz may prove challenging given the tragic history of Poland under Nazi occupation during World War II, when it was at the center of some of the Holocaust’s worst atrocities, but can be an enlightening and thoughtful experience and timely reminder of a history that contrasts with the modern, vibrant Poland of today.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Poland - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Poland and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Poland cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Poland?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Poland. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Poland visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Polish visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Poland your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Poland - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if heading off the beaten track.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Poland?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Poland?

Security: The Russian invasion of Ukraine means that military strikes have taken place within 20km of the Polish border. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland and listen to instructions from the authorities. But it’s also best to avoid the border regions near Ukraine while the war is ongoing as necessary operations like accepting refugees may mean matters are far from normal. 

Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but you should be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft, and keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. There is a higher risk of robbery at main rail stations and on trains, while you should avoid unregulated taxi drivers as they often overcharge. Only use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and the top of the taxi. Check your bill carefully when buying drinks in bars and nightclubs. 

Public transport: In the large cities in Poland, the public transportation system is well developed. Traveling around a city is easily done using buses or trams or metro line (in Warsaw only). In small towns, local and regional bus services are widely provided. Poland's national passenger rail network links all the major cities including Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. 

Opening hours: In general, shops are open in Poland from 8 or 9 am until 6 pm, Monday to Friday - but may open later in major cities. Poland has strict Sunday trading laws - so most shops will be shut on Sunday throughout the year - so best to make sure you have everything you need.

Driving license: You can drive in Poland with a photocard driving license, otherwise, you may need an international driving permit.

Restaurants: Poles often have their dinner, or ‘obiad’, from 3-5 pm. On weekends, it customarily comes earlier, i.e. anywhere between noon and 2 p.m. It is typically a two-course meal, with soup and then a meat dish with potatoes. A light meal is often taken later in the evening. Restaurants in major cities are often open until 11 pm.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Poland and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Poland you can find out more, here.