World Country Guide

Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Hepatitis A and B and diphtheria occur. Freshwater fish from the Baltic Sea area could contain fish tapeworm, causing diphyllobothriasis. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forested areas. Vaccination is advisable. Campers and trekkers should wear long trousers when walking near long grass in order to avoid tick bites.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care
European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland:
If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to an EEA country or Switzerland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Each country has different rules about state medical provision. In some, treatment is free. In many countries you will have to pay part or all of the cost, and then claim a full or partial refund. The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which will no longer be valid after 31 December 2005. Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality.
Healthcare in Poland is provided by units that have a contract with the National Health Fund (Centrala Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia or NFZ). In an emergency, go to the nearest basic healthcare GP and make sure they are contracted to the NFZ. If they are not contracted to the NFZ, you will be charged as a private patient and will not be able to get a refund. Check that the dentist you go to is contracted to the NFZ, otherwise you will be charged privately. Only basic emergency dental care is provided free of charge. Depending on the medication, you will have to pay between 30 and 50 per cent of the price of prescriptions, the full amount, or a fixed price. These charges are not refundable. You can go directly to a state hospital in an emergency and get free treatment. A GP can also refer you to a hospital and decide if you need an ambulance. Medicines provided in a hospital are free of charge. More information can be obtained from Central NFZ (National Health Fund) and regional branches, Ul. Grójecka 186, 02-390 Warszawa (tel: (22) 572 6036 or 6112; fax: (22) 572 6330; website: www.nfz.gov.pl/ue).