Starting from March 5, 2026, most medical services in Poland will be available to Ukrainian citizens only with the presence of medical insurance. This applies to both primary care and specialized treatment. This is reported by inPoland.
New rules stipulate that Ukrainians residing in Poland must take care of obtaining insurance in advance to access the public healthcare system.
Medical Insurance for Ukrainians in Poland through NFZ or Employers
Insurance can be obtained in several ways. The most common options are:
through the National Health Fund (NFZ)
through an employer, provided there is official employment
To apply, you need to provide a document confirming legal residency in Poland, such as a PESEL number or a temporary residence card, as well as proof of residence.
After submitting the documents, the insurance takes effect immediately or within a few days, depending on the voivodeship.
If you are interested in working in Poland, we recommend checking 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
Access to Healthcare in Poland Depends on Contributions and Residency Status
In the case of official employment, the employer pays contributions to the NFZ, which automatically grants the employee the right to use medical services. If additional contracts are concluded with private clinics, the list of services may be expanded.
Ukrainians are advised to monitor updates in the legislation, as the terms of insurance in 2026 may be adjusted according to decisions by the Polish government and support programs.
Please note that for Ukrainians in Poland, the application deadline for PESEL UKR will be limited.