School insurance is not mandatory, but giving it up may not be worth the risk

For many Polish parents, the start of the school year brings another decision beyond buying books, notebooks and school supplies: whether to purchase accident insurance for their children.

Nearly 5 million students began or resumed school on Sept. 1. Official figures for the 2023/24 school year recorded 25,012 accidents involving students across Poland, an average of 133 incidents for each of the 188 school days.

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The start of the school year is when the effect of returning to the school routine is most visible. From one day to the next, children return to an intensive daily schedule involving school, sports activities, commuting and greater independence, which naturally affects the number of accidents. This is a very good time for parents not only to complete their children’s school supplies, but also to arrange suitable insurance protection.

The insurer Compensa reported that September marks a sharp rise in claims under school policies, with reported losses increasing by 79 percent compared with the summer months. Anna Bałuka, Compensa’s school insurance expert, said children suddenly return to a demanding routine involving school, sports, commuting and greater independence.

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Unforeseen events can happen both during lessons and in free time, so more parents are looking for solutions that will support their children. This is not only about financial support, but also about arranging medical assistance after an accident.

PZU, Poland’s largest insurer, also points to the connection between children’s increased activity and the risk of injury. Children account for more than 19 percent of patients in hospital emergency departments, according to the article. Małgorzata Skibińska, a PZU managing director, said unforeseen incidents can happen during lessons or free time, and insurance can offer not only financial assistance but help arranging medical support.

Experts from PKO Ubezpieczenia argue that child safety now extends beyond helmets and protective equipment. Children divide their time among school, sports activities and online life, they say, making physical injury and mental well-being part of a broader protection question. School accident policies generally cost several dozen złoty a year and operate around the clock throughout the year, including school holidays. Although schools often present the payment as necessary, the insurance itself is not compulsory.

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Today, a bicycle helmet or protective gear during training is no longer enough to ensure children’s safety. Young people function simultaneously in worlds connected with school, sports activities and online life, so child safety now has a much broader dimension and is no longer limited to protection against injury, but also includes mental well-being.