Over a million people in Poland are battling cancer. This number is constantly growing. One of the challenges facing cancer patients is financing their treatment. Some of them can take advantage of therapies reimbursed by the National Health Fund, while others, for various reasons, opt for commercial treatment. How much does cancer treatment cost in Poland? What expenses should patients be aware of?
Is cancer treatment free?
Cancer patients can choose between oncological treatment covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) or private (commercial) treatment. This choice depends on several factors. In order to benefit from the reimbursement of oncological drugs, you must have health insurance. However, it is worth remembering that not all drugs recommended by the European Society for Medical Oncology are reimbursed in Poland.
Many people, despite the possibility of starting standard therapy covered by the National Health Fund, decide to undergo private treatment using innovative methods. Another reason for choosing commercial treatment may be... time. In the case of oncological diseases, the sooner therapy begins, the better. Let's return to oncological treatment covered by the National Health Fund. Does this type of therapy cover all the costs of cancer treatment? Unfortunately, no.
Is cancer treatment fully reimbursed by the National Health Fund?
Insured persons are eligible for public healthcare benefits. The National Health Fund (NFZ) covers basic forms of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In many cases, it is also possible to take advantage of modern treatment methods, such as immunotherapy. Access to therapy depends, among other things, on the type and stage of cancer.
It is worth noting that even in the case of treatment reimbursed by the National Health Fund, the patient may incur cancer treatment costs. These mainly include expenses not directly related to diagnosis and treatment, including expenses for:
- medical transport,
- specialized catering,
- supportive medications (e.g., protective medications during chemotherapy),
- prostheses, wigs, specialized underwear (not all of which are fully reimbursed),
- rehabilitation equipment,
- hygiene products.
How much does cancer treatment cost in Poland? NFZ reports
Every year, spending on oncology in Poland increases. In 2018, it was PLN 9.6 billion, and in 2020, it was already over PLN 11 billion. Okay, but how is this broken down into individual treatment components? The costs of cancer treatment in Poland depend on several factors – in addition to the type of disease, the chosen treatment method and the length of therapy are also important. It is difficult to provide detailed data for each disease entity. Let's take the data on the treatment of patients with cervical cancer as an example. In 2022, the average cost of treating one patient was approximately PLN 28,000. The total cost of treating this type of cancer in Poland during this period amounted to over PLN 90 million.
How much does monthly cancer treatment cost in Poland?
When it comes to private cancer treatment, the cost ranges from a few thousand to several thousand PLN, but it can be much higher. Much depends on the type of cancer and the chosen method of treatment. How much does chemotherapy or radiotherapy cost privately? The average amount ranges from a few to several thousand PLN per session. Immunotherapy is more expensive – one dose costs an average of PLN 15,000.
How much does cancer treatment abroad cost?
The costs of cancer treatment abroad are higher than in Poland. They include not only diagnosis and treatment of the patient, but also their flight to the country, food, and accommodation. Of course, a significant part of this amount is made up of fees related to the use of innovative therapies, which are often unavailable or not reimbursed in Poland.
The total cost of cancer treatment abroad can reach several million zlotys, and in some cases even tens of millions.
Cancer treatment costs and PIPAC treatment
Until recently, many patients decided to seek treatment abroad and undergo PIPAC therapy, for example in Israel. PIPAC is a form of pressurized aerosol chemotherapy, an experimental treatment method that is not currently recommended by scientific societies. The cost of a single PIPAC treatment in Israel averaged $60,000. However, from 2025, it will be possible to undergo this treatment in Poland. The procedure is performed in Poznań, free of charge for a specific group of patients.
The cost of cancer treatment in Poland – the RDTL procedure
The RDTL procedure offers hope to patients who have exhausted available reimbursed treatments or for whom such treatments have been ineffective. In some cases, it is possible to finance further treatment of the patient from public funds and introduce innovative solutions into the therapy. The RDTL procedure increases the cost of cancer treatment in Poland. In 2021-2023, the National Health Fund spent PLN 594 million on it, of which over PLN 440 million was allocated to the oncological treatment of patients.
How can I get financial support for cancer treatment?
The costs of cancer treatment place a significant burden on the patient's household budget. One solution to this situation is to apply for financial support from various institutions. For insured persons, this includes certificates and benefits for cancer patients, which are paid by ZUS/KRUS. Financial assistance can also be obtained from MOPS, and even directly from your employer.
Fundraising for medical treatment is a popular solution. These fundraisers are often organized by the patient's loved ones—family, friends, and colleagues.
Check out: how to organize a fundraiser for medical treatment.
Proven aid portals are a safe place to set up a fundraiser. Foundations are usually responsible for their operation.
Do foundations cover the costs of cancer treatment?
Cancer foundations provide cancer patients with many forms of support, including financial support. This takes various forms, from subsidizing diagnostics, through paying for medical transport and social assistance, to supporting treatment. Those under the care of the foundation can cover the costs of cancer treatment by collecting funds from donors. Many people decide to set up a fundraiser for cancer patients on the fundraising website provided by the foundation. It is worth remembering that some organizations may charge a commission on the funds raised.
Do you need financial support for cancer treatment? Contact us and become a beneficiary of the foundation. Cancer Fighters is a place where we help children and adults with cancer. You can also join our support groups or encourage your loved ones to seek psychological help.
Bibliography
- Jarosław Gośliński, Health insurance contributions – financing the healthcare system in Poland, zwrotnikraka.pl, accessed on December 2, 2025.
- We are spending more and more money on cancer treatment and oncological drugs, nfz.gov.pl, accessed on December 2, 2025.
- 1.5 million per patient under RTDL. NFZ presented the costs, newsmed.pl, accessed on December 2, 2025.
- Jarosław Gośliński, PIPAC treatment – pressurized aerosol chemotherapy, zwrotnikraka.pl, accessed on December 2, 2025.
- Prevention of HPV-related diseases is significantly cheaper than their treatment, onkonet.pl, accessed on December 2, 2025.
