Private Health Insurance and its Role in Building Public Health System Security

Purpose: Private health insurance is playing an increasingly important role in the Polish health care system. Although the public health system is based on the National Health Fund, which is still the main source of funding for health care, private health insurance is becoming an important complement to it. The following article presents some key aspects demonstrating that private health insurance is increasingly contributing to the security of the public health system in Poland. It also shows their impact on specific elements of the overall system, including accessibility and prevention. Design/Methodology/Approach: Own research, analysis of source data. Findings: It is a matter of creating a social awareness conducive to a change of mentality in which market-based (competitive) solutions embedded in the principle of social solidarity, which is important for the health care system, must apply. Practical Implications: There should be one health system in Poland, based on both public and private financing. For the safety of all citizens, the state should be the organizer of this system. However, the role of insurers in the Polish health care system should be complementary, because any efficiently organized private health insurance system will reduce the burden on state expenses. Originality/Value: Private health insurance means more prevention, earlier diagnoses and fewer people requiring care that is many times more expensive.