Spending on Health Insurance Policies Soars. Nearly 6 Million People Have Them Now

Poland's private health insurance sector is experiencing robust growth, with key figures released by the Polish Chamber of Insurance (PIU) highlighting a substantial rise in both premiums and the number of insured individuals. This trend underscores a growing reliance on private healthcare solutions to supplement the public system and address evolving health needs.

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Health insurance is gaining popularity because it meets the real needs of individuals and employers.

The data reveals that gross premiums collected from private health insurance sales reached PLN 2.65 billion, marking a significant 14.8% increase year-on-year. Concurrently, the number of people covered by these policies surpassed 5.8 million, an 8.6% rise from the previous year. PIU advisor Dorota Fal attributes this surge to the policies effectively meeting the real needs of both individuals and employers, positioning private insurance as an increasingly vital component of the national healthcare landscape.

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We see gradual stabilization of market operating costs after a period of increases related to, among others, strong wage growth for medical staff and operating costs of medical facilities.

While the sector demonstrates strong growth, it is not without its challenges. The rising costs of medical treatment, which contribute to a significant deficit in the public National Health Fund (NFZ), also impact the private sector. However, Fal notes a stabilization in operational costs following a period of increases related to medical personnel wages and facility expenses. The increasing cost of fee-for-service private care makes transferring health risks to insurers a more attractive option for many consumers.

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The increase in treatment costs, causing a nearly PLN 30 billion gap in the NFZ budget, is also a challenge for the private healthcare and health insurance sector.

Looking ahead, PIU sees considerable potential for further development. Private health insurance is increasingly viewed not just as an employee benefit but as a fundamental part of the healthcare system, particularly in supporting access to services and promoting preventive care. The high utilization of preventive programs among the insured, significantly exceeding general population statistics, highlights the value these policies bring in proactive health management. This trend suggests a future where private insurance plays an even more integral role in Poland's healthcare ecosystem.

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It is understandable because the costs of private treatment paid fee-for-service are also increasing, so transferring health risk to the insurer becomes an interesting option for many clients.