Healthcare Access for Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
Holding a PESEL UKR status does not automatically grant Ukrainian refugees in Poland full access to the state-funded healthcare system. To receive comprehensive medical treatment, securing health insurance is mandatory. Free care under the National Health Fund (NFZ) is primarily available to those for whom social security (ZUS) contributions are paid. Consequently, Ukrainians with official employment have greater access to medical services.
Popular forms of work among Ukrainians, such as contract work (umowa zlecenie), do not always guarantee health coverage. For individuals without formal employment, a voluntary insurance option with the NFZ exists. As of early 2026, the monthly premium for such a policy is 830.58 PLN, though this amount is not fixed and is reviewed quarterly. A key benefit of this system is the ability to include other family members on a single policy at no extra cost. Eligible dependents include:
- a spouse;
- parents living in the same household;
- children under 18, or up to 26 if they are full-time students.
If a child has a confirmed disability, these age limits are waived entirely.
Services Available Without Charge
Emergency medical assistance, as well as pregnancy care and childbirth, remain free for everyone in Poland, regardless of insurance status. As experts from the Wspólnie project note,
“The PESEL UKR status alone is not a basis for full health insurance coverage.”
Furthermore, specialists from the Wspólnie organization emphasize that
“a child does not need a separate policy if they can be registered under an insured parent.”For broader healthcare needs, experts advise considering private insurance packages from providers like Luxmed, Medicover, or Polmed, with plans starting from around 100 PLN per month. Navigating the Polish healthcare system can be complex for newcomers, making it crucial to understand these distinctions.
Given these conditions, Ukrainian refugees in Poland must be proactive about securing health insurance, as the PESEL UKR status does not provide automatic access to all medical services. Understanding the available insurance options and their costs will enable Ukrainian citizens to secure necessary medical support for themselves and their families, avoiding significant financial strain in the event of illness or injury.
As the landscape of healthcare access evolves, it's essential to stay informed about the latest changes affecting Ukrainian refugees. Recent updates indicate that the cessation of free healthcare for working-age Ukrainians introduces new challenges and requirements for those seeking medical services in Poland. Understanding these shifts can help ensure that refugees navigate the healthcare system effectively.