What To Do If You Have Swimmer's Ear in Zakopane

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Zakopane

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as swimmer’s ear or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at €20, so tourists in Zakopane needing treatment for swimmer’s ear can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about swimmer's ear treatment online.

Hospitals in Zakopane

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like swimmer’s ear adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Zakopane

Szpital Powiatowy im. dr Tytusa Chałubińskiego w Zakopanem – Szpitalny Oddział Ratunkowy (SOR)
Address: ul. Kamieniec 10, 34‑500 Zakopane, Poland
Access: Open 24/7 for adults and children facing life‑threatening emergencies or severe injuries. Ambulance arrivals (dial 112 or 999) enter via a dedicated trauma entrance; walk‑in patients register at reception and are triaged immediately. The emergency unit handles internal medicine, surgery, trauma, orthopedic, pediatric, ICU stabilization, and diagnostics. No referral is required.

Night & Holiday Medical Clinic – At Szpital Powiatowy Campus
Address: Same site: ul. Kamieniec 10, 34‑500 Zakopane
Access: Available weekdays from 18:00 to 08:00, and 24/7 on weekends and public holidays. Provides urgent primary care for non-life-threatening conditions like fever, mild injuries, cold or digestive complaints. Walk‑in patients accepted; triage performed on arrival. Referrals to SOR arranged if needed.

TOPR Mountain Rescue HQ – Pre‑Hospital Emergency Response
Address: Zakopane (TOPR Headquarters, near town centre)
Access: Operates 24/7 as Poland’s Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue Service. Provides mountain rescue and pre-hospital stabilization via rescuers or helicopter. In case of serious injury on trails or slopes, call 999 or 112 and specify TOPR response. Patients are usually transported directly to the hospital’s SOR.

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in Zakopane, Poland

In Zakopane, pharmacies are called apteka. They are typically marked with a green cross or signage that says “apteka” and are located near the town center, tourist areas, and medical clinics. Due to the town’s popularity with international visitors, many pharmacies offer basic English-speaking service.

Antibiotic Policy in Zakopane

In Zakopane, antibiotics legally require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Pharmacists are not allowed to dispense antibiotics over the counter without a prescription.

Emergency Number in Zakopane, Poland

In Zakopane, the main emergency number is 112. This EU-wide number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services, and should be used in all life-threatening situations.

Calls to 112 are free of charge and available 24/7 from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. In tourist destinations like Zakopane, operators typically speak Polish and may also assist in English, especially during peak seasons.

Please remember: 112 is for life-threatening emergencies only. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, telehealth services like Doctorsa provide fast access to licensed English-speaking doctors.