Free lung cancer screening in Poland: who qualifies for NFZ CT
Short answer: NFZ's lung cancer programme offers a free low-dose chest CT, with no referral, to smokers and recent ex-smokers aged 55-74 with 20+ pack-years, or 50-74 with extra risk factors.
Poland has added a free lung cancer screening programme to the services funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ). It uses low-dose computed tomography of the chest (NDTK in Polish) and is aimed at current and former smokers. According to NFZ, the first agreements with providers were signed in early October 2026, and the first patients are expected in the second half of October. This guide explains who qualifies and how to take part, based on NFZ announcements of 11 September and 2 October 2026 (updated 6 October). Status as of 15 October 2026.
What the programme is
NFZ announced competitions for providers in all 16 voivodeships in September. The Ministry of Health extended the list of preventive programmes financed by NFZ, and the new one covers lung cancer prevention. The key element is the low-dose CT scan of the chest, an imaging test that, according to NFZ, can find cancer at a very early stage. The service is to be provided at fixed sites and in a mobile mode. The aim is for the programme to be available across Poland. NFZ says it first signed agreements with an initial group of providers, so not every region or clinic will be ready at once.
* Photos: "CA Dean Hospital CT Scanner" (USDA, public domain) and "Bed sheets artifact on lateral chest radiograph" (Wikimedia Commons, CC0).
Who can take part
The eligibility criteria are set in a regulation of the Minister of Health. NFZ lists two groups:
- People aged 55 to 74 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, who still smoke or stopped no more than 15 years ago.
- People aged 50 to 74 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, who still smoke or stopped no more than 15 years ago, and who have additional risk factors defined in the regulation.
A pack-year is a measure of smoking history. NFZ's pages refer to the criteria in the regulation and in the "Profilaktyka na NFZ" section for patients on its website, so check the exact wording there before you book.
How to sign up
According to NFZ:
1. No referral needed. The programme is free and a patient does not need a referral. You report directly to a medical facility that has an NFZ contract for this programme. 2. Find a provider. NFZ says the "Gdzie się leczyć" search tool will soon list the facilities carrying out the programme, by voivodeship, and will be updated as new ones are added. 3. Unlimited services. The programme's services are not subject to a limit, which means NFZ pays for every examination performed.
What this means if you are an expat
NFZ programmes are open to people covered by the public health insurance. If you work in Poland under a contract that pays health contributions, or are otherwise insured, you should be covered, but the sources above do not describe how insurance status is checked for this programme. Ask the provider when you book. If you are not insured through NFZ, the announcements do not say you can use the programme.
Practical points:
- Know your smoking history before you call, including the years you smoked and the daily amount, because eligibility depends on pack-years.
- The programme is for people at higher risk because of smoking. It is not a general check for everyone.
NFZ runs a patient information line at 800 190 590, listed on its notices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for the lung cancer screening in Poland?
No. According to NFZ, the programme is free and no referral is required. You contact a facility with an NFZ contract for the programme.
Who is eligible?
People aged 55 to 74 with at least 20 pack-years of smoking who still smoke or quit within the last 15 years. People aged 50 to 74 with the same smoking history and extra risk factors from the regulation also qualify.
When does it start?
NFZ says the first patients can join in the second half of October 2026. Providers are being added, so availability differs by region.
How do I find a clinic?
Use the NFZ "Gdzie się leczyć" search. NFZ says a list of programme providers by voivodeship will be added there.
