Free lung cancer screening without referral: where to sign up in Poland

In brief

• Poland's NFZ now funds low-dose CT lung cancer screening, which requires no referral.
• Eligibility depends on age and smoking history, with some other risk factors also taken into account.
• Sign-ups have opened in several cities, including Olsztyn, Poznań and Siemianowice Śląskie.
• Privately, the scan costs roughly 300 to 550 zloty.

Who qualifies for the free lung scan

Patients aged 50 to 74 with a long smoking history can have a low-dose computed tomography (NDTK) of the chest paid for by the National Health Fund (NFZ) (Nowoczesne badanie płuc za darmo i bez skierowania. Te szpitale już zapisują - Wiadomości Radio ZET – radiozet.pl) (Jeśli palisz papierosy, NFZ zrobi ci bezpłatną tomografię płuc. Bez skierowania i co 12 miesięcy – bezprawnik.pl). The program covers current and former smokers at elevated risk, and the rules depend on age. Other risk factors, such as occupational exposure or family history, can also count toward eligibility (Bezpłatne badania dla wieloletnich palaczy. Sprawdź, gdzie je wykonasz – rmf24.pl).

Where and how to sign up

Sign-ups opened on 2 November in several cities, including Olsztyn, Poznań and Siemianowice Śląskie (Bezpłatna tomografia płuc 2026. Zapisy ruszyły 2 listopada. Kto skorzysta z NDTK na NFZ? - GazetaPrawna.pl – gazetaprawna.pl). In Olsztyn, the Warmian-Masurian Centre for Lung Diseases set aside 2 November for phone registration. No referral is needed.

Why the scan matters

Lung cancer is a major health problem in Poland. Smoking is the main risk factor. The scan is quick and non-invasive, and it can detect small nodules at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to succeed. Patients with suspicious findings can be referred for further diagnostics.

Cost outside the program

Privately, the same scan typically costs between 300 and 550 zloty, depending on the facility.

Program rules

The scan was added to the NFZ catalogue of guaranteed services by a Ministry of Health regulation dated 14 July 2026. It took effect on 23 July.