From January 1, 2027, the Polish Social Insurance Institution will gain broader powers when assessing the health status of applicants. ZUS will be able to direct people for additional diagnostics and hospital observation, with unjustified refusals impacting the consideration of documents. This is reported by InPoland.
Who will ZUS direct for additional examinations from 2027
The new rules will apply to people applying for retirement due to disability and other benefits that require a medical opinion.
An applicant may be directed to a medical expert, consultant doctor, or psychologist. ZUS will also have the right to demand additional diagnostic procedures if the available documents are insufficient to make a decision.
In justified cases, a person may be directed for observation in a hospital. This is not about treatment by ZUS's decision, but about clarifying the health status and the applicant's ability to work or to independently meet their needs.
If the health condition does not allow a person to come to a medical facility, the examination can be conducted at their location.
If you are interested in working in Poland, we offer you to explore 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
What will happen if you miss the ZUS examination
A person who does not attend the scheduled examination will have seven days to explain the reason and request a new date. If ZUS considers the circumstances valid, a re-appointment will be assigned to the applicant.
Unjustified refusal to undergo an examination, diagnostics, or hospital observation may affect the consideration of the application. This concerns pensions due to disability, supplements for people unable to live independently, and other benefits depending on a medical decision.
Thus, mere certificates from a doctor may not be sufficient. If ZUS experts require additional confirmation, the applicant will need to undergo the prescribed examination or properly justify their refusal.
How medical examinations at ZUS in Poland will change
The reform will also change the organization of medical certification. Some tasks will be allowed to be performed by nurses and physiotherapists, and some cases will be examined by a single specialist instead of a commission. This procedure will also be applied during a re-examination.
Information systems will be more widely used in proceedings. The authors of the changes expect that this will simplify procedures and shorten the waiting time for decisions.
Part of the amendments has already come into effect, the next phase will start on October 1, 2026. The new medical assessment rules will come into force on January 1, 2027.
Let us remind you that in Poland, they want to imprison for 30 years for violations in the army.