As President of the Healthcare Poland Foundation (HCPL) and President-Elect of the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC), I am deeply concerned by the recent article in “Rzeczpospolita” highlighting the National Health Fund’s (NFZ) funding shortfall, estimated at up to 20 billion PLN in 2025. This chronic underfunding, with official projections indicating a 14 billion PLN deficit in 2025 rising to 23 billion PLN in 2026 despite increased budget allocations to 27.3 billion PLN, underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to sustain Poland’s healthcare system. The cumulative deficit could exceed 150 billion PLN by 2027, exacerbating hospital debts already at 8.8 billion PLN and leading to longer waiting times – the longest in 12 years – and potential disruptions in patient care.
However, this challenge presents a profound opportunity. At HCPL, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Polish healthcare diplomacy, medical travel, and innovation – as outlined in our Statute – we see medical tourism as a transformative force. Poland’s high-quality, affordable healthcare, combined with our strategic position in Europe, positions us to become a global leader in this sector. By expanding cross-border collaborations, we can generate substantial revenues to offset domestic pressures, foster innovation, and enhance patient outcomes worldwide.
Source: Rzeczpospolita
Growth in medical tourism arrivals in Poland, showcasing the sector’s rapid expansion from recent years.
Source: statista.com
Poland’s Rising Star in Global Medical Tourism
Poland’s medical tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, driven by world-class facilities, skilled professionals, and costs 50-70% lower than in Western Europe or the US. In 2024, over 700,000 non- resident tourists visited Poland for healthcare, a significant increase from previous years, generating billions in revenue for providers. The Polish inbound medical tourism market is projected to add USD 2.85 billion from 2023 to 2028, with the broader healthcare providers market reaching US$36.92 billion in 2025 and growing at a CAGR of 3.86% through 2030.
Key specialties like dental, cosmetic, orthopedic, and fertility treatments are leading the charge. For instance, Poland’s dental tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.9% from 2025 to 2033, attracting patients from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia who praise the quality, affordability, and modern infrastructure. On a European scale, the medical tourism market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 40.99 billion by 2032 – Poland is well-positioned to capture a larger share through strategic partnerships.
Success stories illustrate this potential: Advanced rehabilitation programs in Poland boast up to 85% efficacy in stroke recovery, drawing international patients seeking cutting-edge care. By attracting foreign patients, Polish hospitals can offset NFZ deficits through private revenues, potentially adding 5-10 billion PLN annually to the system. This not only reduces the burden on public funding but also aligns with the Ministry of Health’s 2025-2027 plans for digital transformation and cross-border cooperation, as discussed in recent parliamentary sessions.
Source: marketdataforecast.com
The Role of GHTC: Ethical, Sustainable Global Leadership
As President-Elect of GHTC – an international non-profit representing 56 member countries and organizations across all continents – I am committed to upholding the highest standards in global healthcare travel. Our Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct Handbook emphasizes transparency, patient-centered care, and sustainable practices to build trust and credibility. Under my leadership starting in 2026, GHTC will prioritize ethical, uninfluenced collaborations that promote fair medical travel worldwide.
HCPL, endorsed by the Polish Ministry of Health for GHTC presidency, bridges domestic strengths with global networks. Our mission includes advancing international visibility of Polish healthcare, supporting digital transformation, and enhancing medical exports – directly addressing funding gaps while ensuring equitable access.
Join Us: An Open Invitation to Global Partners
We invite hospitals, clinics, travel agencies, insurers, and healthcare innovators from around the world to partner with HCPL and GHTC. By collaborating, you can tap into Poland’s burgeoning medical tourism market, co-develop innovative programs, and contribute to a resilient global healthcare ecosystem.
Benefits of partnership include:
- Access to Networks: Connect with GHTC’s 56 member countries for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and market expansion.
- Revenue Opportunities: Leverage Poland’s cost-effective, high-quality services to attract your patients, with projected global medical tourism growth from $144.5 billion in 2024 to $704.8 billion by 2033.
- Innovation and Sustainability: Participate in projects aligned with our Statute, such as telemedicine initiatives and green healthcare models, fostering long-term growth.
- Ethical Alignment: Ensure compliance with GHTC’s code, enhancing your reputation in transparent, patient-focused travel.
To become a partner, complete our Declaration of Partnership form. Provide your organization’s details (name, tax ID, address), representative information, and proposed contributions, Share what you can offer, such as expertise in specific treatments or marketing channels. Submit electronically to global@healthcarepoland.pl for prompt review and onboarding.
A stethoscope on the world map, representing
interconnected care worldwide.
Source: cedars-sinai.org
Whether you’re a European clinic seeking cross-border referrals, an Asian insurer exploring affordable options, or a North American innovator in digital health, your collaboration can drive mutual success. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, building a sustainable future for global healthcare.
Contact us today at global@healthcarepoland.pl to start the conversation. Let’s collaborate for a healthier world!
