In 2025, the value of the private healthcare services market in Poland reached several dozen billion zlotys, recording double-digit growth of approximately 10% year-over-year. Patients’ growing willingness to pay for treatment out of pocket goes hand in hand with a high level of awareness about preventive care—as many as 83% of them agree that preventive screenings help detect disease at an early stage. By comparison, 60% of respondents report undergoing such screenings regularly. These findings come from our latest report, “The Private Healthcare Market in Poland 2026.”

Demographics and waiting lists at the National Health Fund are driving the market

The main drivers of growth in Poland’s private healthcare sector remain the aging population and limited access to services in the public system, which results primarily in long wait times for appointments funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ). These factors lead patients to seek alternative solutions—both by paying for individual services on the spot (under the fee-for-service model) and by using subscription plans or private health insurance.

– The private healthcare market in Poland is growing, and its value in 2025 increased by approximately 10% year-over-year. Forecasts for 2026–2031 indicate that the private healthcare market in Poland should continue to see favorable demand. At the same time, however, this will be a challenging period for operators in terms of costs, staffing, and competitive pressure.

Marta Marszałek

Head of Pharma & Healthcare Market Analysis

A
private visit is more than just a single consultation

A study by PMR Market Experts by Hume’s shows that, under the fee-for-service model, private medical expenses do not always consist of a single, isolated visit.

• The largest group—28% of respondents—consists of individuals representing the “specialist” type, that is, those who combine medical consultations with private diagnostic services.
• The second-largest group consists of patients who seek only specialist care (24%), and the dental segment remains an important pillar of the market (19%).
• The remaining, smaller shares are accounted for by self-diagnosis, rehabilitation, and comprehensive treatment.

This structure shows that, under the fee-for-service model, for a significant proportion of patients, their out-of-pocket expenses do not end with the doctor’s visit alone, but naturally entail the need to pay for related diagnostic tests.

Local Dispersion: An Opportunity for Consolidation

On the Polish private healthcare market, the LUX MED Group maintains its position as the undisputed leader. Despite the presence of several large, nationwide players, the entire sector remains highly fragmented, especially at the local level. Patients in small and medium-sized cities have a wide selection of smaller facilities and private practices at their disposal.

Such a high degree of fragmentation creates a natural opportunity for further acquisitions. The largest operators are growing in two ways: organically, by expanding their own facilities and broadening the range of services they offer, and through mergers and acquisitions of smaller healthcare providers. In this environment, the scale of operations, access to medical staff, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to maintain the quality and availability of services are of critical importance.

The preventive care gap: We know how important screenings are, but we rarely get screened

Our report also reveals a clear discrepancy between Poles’ attitudes and their daily habits. As many as 83% of people who use private healthcare agree with the statement that preventive screenings allow for the early detection of disease. However, only six out of ten respondents (60%) report undergoing regular screenings. This points to a clear gap between knowledge and practice: patients understand the importance of preventive care, but often seek medical care only after symptoms appear.

Women, older adults (aged 55 and older), and patients with a college education stand out for their most consistent and responsible approach. At the opposite end of the spectrum are men and the youngest age group, among whom an exclusively reactive approach to health care predominates.

– The message alone that it’s worth getting screened is no longer enough, because Poles have already learned that lesson. For the market, this means that the potential of preventive care no longer lies solely in communicating its benefits, but above all in lowering barriers to action—through reminders, simple screening packages, convenient scheduling, and clear recommendations.

Marta Marszałek

Head of Pharma & Healthcare Market Analysis

Hume’s Institute stands for knowledge. PMR Market Experts stands for experience. When we join forces, you gain a competitive edge. See how we can support your business.

Hume’s Institute stands for knowledge. PMR Market Experts stands for experience. When we join forces, you gain a competitive edge. See how we can support your business.

Marta Marszałek

Head Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Market Analyst

Industry Report

Pharma & Healthcare

Private healthcare market in Poland 2026

Market analysis and development forecasts for 2026-2031

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