Europe

As a British national, you can gain access to emergency medical treatment in Poland.  In general, medical facilities in Poland are of an equivalent standard to those in the UK.  Private medical facilities are comparatively inexpensive and of a good standard.  Polish doctors and nurses are well qualified but English is not always widely spoken and UK patients may face communication difficulties.

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Polish nationals.  You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

Tick-borne encephalitis is common to Poland, especially if you are planning to visit forested areas in the summer months.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 19,000 adults aged 15 or over in Poland were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS. 
 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Poland and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in Poland (including some human to human transmission).  The incidence of Swine Flu in Poland is still relatively low. There has been an increase in cases in recent weeks but with only mild symptoms and quick recovery. The Polish Government continues implementation of contingency plans.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

The Polish Government has previously confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) wildfowl in several locations in northern and north western Poland.  The Police authorities introduced precautionary measures in the affected areas.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.

 

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. 

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.