Private mammogram: 2026 price, NFZ, how often and how long it takes

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

A private mammogram in Poland most often costs PLN 150 for both breasts, while half of facility price lists fall within the range of PLN 140 ‑ 180. Women aged 45 to 74 can have a free mammogram under the NFZ breast cancer screening programme, without a referral. Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) can be considerably more expensive than a conventional mammogram.

A mammogram is one of those examinations where the first question is not ‘how much?’, but ‘do I have to pay at all?’. Some women can have it free under the NFZ programme, while others pay at a private facility because they are outside the programme’s age range, do not want to wait or need the examination soon after a medical appointment. We collected prices from public facility price lists and compared them with the costs of tests that commonly accompany mammography.

How much does a private mammogram cost?

A private mammogram most often costs PLN 150 for both breasts, according to 5 price lists collected by indekscen.pl. Half of facilities charge PLN 140 ‑ 180, with the cheapest offer in the comparison at PLN 80 and the most expensive at PLN 250. The price usually includes a complete set of images, two views of each breast, and a radiologist’s report.

Price differences between facilities are due to three factors:

1. Type of examination. Conventional digital mammography is cheaper than tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, which builds an image from multiple layers. Tomosynthesis can cost roughly 50% more.
2. Scope. A price list may cover one breast or both, with two or more views. Always compare examinations of both breasts.
3. City and type of facility. Large diagnostic centres in voivodeship capitals usually charge more than smaller facilities.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Can you have a mammogram without a referral?

You can have a mammogram without a referral in two ways: free under the NFZ breast cancer screening programme, if you are within the programme’s age range, or for a fee at a private facility, where no referral is required. For a private examination, you simply book an appointment and pay, usually PLN 140 ‑ 180.

A doctor’s referral is required for an NFZ-funded diagnostic mammogram outside the programme, for example if a doctor has felt a change in the breast. The examination is then free, but the waiting time depends on the facility.

Mammography through the NFZ: who is eligible and what are the waiting times?

Women aged 45 to 74 are entitled to a free mammogram under the NFZ programme once every 2 years, without a referral. You only need an identity card and an appointment at a facility participating in the programme or at a mobile mammography unit. The NFZ helpline and pacjent.gov.pl provide lists of facilities and the earliest available appointments.

Waiting times under the screening programme are usually shorter than for diagnostic examinations because the programme covers healthy women without symptoms. If the nearest appointment is a long way off, it is worth checking for a mobile mammography unit, which regularly visits smaller localities.

A private examination may be worthwhile when:

• the woman is outside the programme’s age range and a doctor has recommended a mammogram,
• less than 2 years have passed since the previous examination under the programme and a follow-up is needed,
• she wants an appointment within a few days or tomosynthesis, which is not covered by the programme.

How often should you have a mammogram and at what age?

Screening mammograms are usually performed every 2 years, and under the NFZ programme from the age of 45 to 74. How often should you have a mammogram after the age of 50? The standard remains every 2 years, unless a doctor recommends more frequent checks, for example because of a family history.

Women under 40 usually have denser breast tissue, in which mammography is less effective. Doctors more often start with a breast ultrasound in this group, while a mammogram at the age of 30 is generally performed for medical indications rather than screening. It is worth discussing the age of the first examination and the intervals between examinations with a doctor, particularly if breast or ovarian cancer has occurred in the family.

If there is a family history, the doctor may recommend bRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test. According to laboratory price lists, it typically costs PLN 565 ‑ 640, and the result takes several weeks.

Breast ultrasound or mammography: which is better?

Breast ultrasound and mammography are not interchangeable, but complementary examinations. Mammography is better at detecting small calcifications and forms the basis of screening after the age of 45. Ultrasound provides a clearer view of changes in the dense breast tissue of younger women and helps distinguish a cyst from a solid lump.

In practice, a doctor often orders both examinations: mammography as the primary test and ultrasound as a supplement, particularly when the mammogram report indicates dense breast tissue. We do not yet have breast ultrasound prices in the index, so we do not provide a figure here. If the result is unclear, the next step may be mRI scan, which costs around PLN 690 privately for one area without contrast and around PLN 940 with contrast.

Examination	Median private price	When it is performed
Mammogram of both breasts	PLN 150	screening after the age of 45, monitoring changes
MRI without contrast	PLN 690	unclear result, medical indications
MRI with contrast	PLN 940	assessment of changes, usually with a referral
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test	PLN 590	family history
Gynaecologist appointment	PLN 300	discussing the result, breast examination

How long does a mammogram take and what happens during the examination?

A mammogram usually takes 10 to 15 minutes including preparation, while taking the images itself takes a few minutes. The technician positions the breast on the machine’s plate and compresses it with a second plate to produce a clear image. The compression lasts a few seconds for each image, usually two per breast.

How to prepare for a mammogram:

1. Choose a date in the first half of your cycle if you menstruate. The breasts are less tender then, so the compression is less painful.
2. Do not use deodorant, powder or body lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the examination. Particles may appear similar to calcifications on the image.
3. Bring your previous results (the report and disc or online access). The radiologist will compare the images, making it easier to assess any changes.
4. Wear a two-piece outfit, as you only undress from the waist up.
5. Tell the staff about breast implants, breastfeeding or a possible pregnancy.

You usually wait from a few days to two weeks for the report. It is best to discuss a BI‑RADS result with a doctor rather than interpreting it yourself.

Is mammography safe?

Mammography uses a low dose of X-rays, and screening every 2 years is considered safe for women within the programme’s age range. Safety is often discussed on online forums, but the benefits of detecting changes early outweigh the risks associated with the radiation dose. If you have concerns, particularly about frequent examinations, discuss them with the referring doctor.

How much does a medical appointment after a mammogram cost?

According to price lists, a private gynaecologist appointment typically costs PLN 250 ‑ 350, with a median of PLN 300. Prices vary between cities: the median is PLN 275 in Kraków, PLN 260 in Łódź, PLN 350 in Wrocław and PLN 350 in Poznań. No referral is needed to see a gynaecologist through the NFZ.

Medians in cities, median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

If the result requires further investigation, the doctor usually refers the patient to a breast clinic, where tests are free through the NFZ. According to clinic price lists, private breast lump removal typically costs PLN 2,600 ‑ 4,100, but breast cancer treatment through the NFZ is free for the patient.

How can you avoid overpaying for a mammogram?

• Check whether you qualify for the NFZ programme. If you are aged 45 to 74 and 2 years have passed since your last examination, it is free.
• Compare the same service. The price for one breast or for tomosynthesis is not comparable with a conventional mammogram of both breasts.
• Ask whether the report is included in the price and how long it will take. It is included at most facilities, but a disc containing the images may cost extra.
• Do not pay for an examination that your doctor has not recommended. For women under 40 without symptoms, a breast ultrasound is more often sufficient.

As with other imaging examinations, prices vary considerably between facilities, as shown in our articles on private chest X-rays and PET‑CT scans. You can find more examination prices in the health category.

„Badanie mammograficzne – 4 projekcje (MMG dwóch piersi), MAM2, 150,00 zł”

CSK UMED, source

„MAMMOGRAFIA STANDARDOWA, 180”

ECZ Otwock, source

„zapłacimy za rentgenowskie prześwietlenie piersi około 80 do 100 złotych”

dimedic.eu, 2026-06, source

„Mammografia obu piersi. 250”

walowamed.pl, source

The prices in this article come from public price lists of medical facilities and articles. Each has a source, date and verbatim quotation on the mammography page. This article is not a substitute for medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private mammogram cost?

Prywatna mammografia obu piersi kosztuje zwykle PLN 140 ‑ 180, a mediana z 5 cenników placówek to PLN 150. Najtańsze oferty zaczynają się od PLN 80.

Does a mammogram hurt?

Mammografia dla większości kobiet jest nieprzyjemna, ale krótka: ucisk piersi trwa kilka sekund na każde zdjęcie. Mniej dokucza, gdy badanie wypada w pierwszej połowie cyklu, kiedy piersi są mniej tkliwe.

Does a mammogram always detect cancer?

Mammografia nie wykrywa każdej zmiany, zwłaszcza w gęstej tkance piersi u młodszych kobiet. Dlatego lekarz może dodatkowo zlecić USG piersi albo rezonans magnetyczny, który prywatnie kosztuje około PLN 690 za okolicę bez kontrastu.

When should you not have a mammogram?

Mammografii zwykle nie wykonuje się w ciąży, a w czasie karmienia piersią i przy implantach trzeba uprzedzić personel. W każdej wątpliwej sytuacji decyzję podejmuje lekarz kierujący albo radiolog.

How much does private breast lump removal surgery cost?

Prywatne wycięcie guzka piersi kosztuje według cenników klinik zwykle PLN 2,600 ‑ 4,100. Leczenie raka piersi w ramach NFZ jest dla pacjentki bezpłatne.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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