E-prescription for foreigners and IKP: step-by-step instructions

E-prescription in Poland is an electronic document that replaces the traditional paper prescription. The key thing for many people coming to Poland is that filling a prescription at a pharmacy is not about „translating a piece of paper,” but about providing access data. Most often, this is e-prescription code (4 digits) and the patient's identification number. For Poles, this is sometimes the PESEL, and for foreigners - depending on the situation - another identifier or document indicated by the facility.

The second pillar of digital care is IKP Internet Patient Account. It's a portal and app where you can view e-prescriptions, e-referrals, medical event history and authorizations issued. In practice, IKP helps you not to lose codes, makes it easier to contact your doctor and allows you to clear up misunderstandings at the pharmacy faster. Below you will find instructions on how e-prescription for foreigners works, how to use myIKP and what to do if you are interested in how to set up an IKP without a PESEL.

When a doctor in Poland issues an e-prescription, it goes into the system and the patient gets information on how to fill it. Most often there are two convenient forms: SMS with a 4-digit code, e-mail with prescription information or access in IKP. At the pharmacy you enter e-prescription code and patient ID, and the pharmacist retrieves the details from the system and dispenses the drug.

For foreigners, the most questions are about ID. If you have a PESEL, the matter is simple. If you don't have a PESEL, the medical facility usually uses data from your ID, and at the pharmacy you may be asked to show your passport or other document. The rules can vary depending on whether you receive public care under the National Health Service or a private visit. It's a good idea to ask already at registration how exactly you will receive the code and what data you will need at the pharmacy.

The code usually comes via SMS, but you can also find it in IKP or in the app myIKP. If you don't have access to IKP, ask your doctor or registration to confirm that your phone number and email are correct. A minor error in the number could mean that the code will go to someone else or will not arrive at all.

IKP Internet Patient Account is your medical document management center in the Polish e-health system. For a foreigner, the biggest value is that all e-prescriptions are in one place, and you don't have to search for SMS. In IKP you will also set up authorizations, i.e. who can pick up medicines on your behalf or who can view your data.

IKP also comes in handy when you need to access to treatment history - For example, to show the doctor what drugs were previously prescribed, or to document continuity of treatment when changing facilities. It is worth remembering that the extent of visible information may depend on whether the benefit was registered in the system and whether it was performed under public billing. Nonetheless, as a practical tool for collecting e-prescriptions and e-referrals, IKP is one of the easiest ways to „get your documents in order.”.

MyIKP application allows you to quickly show your e-prescription to the pharmacy, check dosage details and fulfillment history. It's good practice to turn on notifications, because then you'll see a new prescription or status change right away. In the app, you can also generate access for a loved one (such as your partner) if you want someone to pick up the medications for you.

Phrase how to set up an IKP without a PESEL comes up frequently, as many people live in Poland for a long time without a number assigned. In practice, access to the IKP is linked to the method of logging in, and this is usually based on identity confirmed in Polish systems (e.g. through a Trusted Profile or e-card). Therefore, the simplest way is to first obtain a PESEL, if you have a basis for it (such as registration or other entitlements), and only then fully activate IKP.

If you don't have a PESEL, don't assume in advance that „nothing can be done.” It's worth separating two issues: (1) the ability of a doctor to issue an e-prescription, and (2) the ability of a doctor to see this data himself in the IKP. An e-prescription can also be issued to a person without a PESEL, but access to the full IKP may require additional formal conditions. It is best to contact your chosen facility or patient information center and ask what options you have for logging in and confirming your identity in your situation.

Cross-border prescription is a solution for people who need to buy a drug in a country other than the one in which the prescription was issued. There are rules in the European Union that allow such prescriptions, but in practice there are limitations: not every drug, dose or reimbursement works identically in every country. Often the drug will be available, but under a different brand name, and the reimbursement may not apply.

If you plan to buy a drug outside Poland, ask your doctor to tell you if the prescription is suitable for cross-border processing and what data must be on it. It's also a good idea to have an informational printout or access in IKP, as a pharmacy abroad may require clear data on the active substance and dosage. When a problem arises at the pharmacy, it usually helps to have a calm verification: the correctness of the patient's data, the validity of the prescription, the availability of the drug and the compatibility of the dosage.

Problems usually involve three things: missing codes, inconsistent data, or a situation where someone tries to pick up the medicine for you. That's when authorizations in IKP and ID are key. If the code has not arrived and you have access to myIKP, show the prescription in the app. If you don't have the app, contact the facility that issued the prescription and ask them to resubmit the e-prescription information.

E-prescription and IKP Internet Patient Account can greatly simplify your treatment in Poland, especially if you frequently change your place of residence or use several facilities. Remember that at the pharmacy you most often need a e-prescription code and identity document, and the application myIKP Helps store prescriptions in one place. If you are interested in how to set up an IKP without a PESEL, approach the subject practically: first check what methods of identity proofing are available to you, and in parallel consider obtaining a PESEL if you meet the conditions.

Finally, remember the financial aspect. With private treatment or uncertain insurance status, costs can surprise, so it's worth checking out protection solutions and comparing options for foreigners.