Who and what free medicines can be obtained in Poland in 2026

In Poland, a program for free medicines for people aged 65 and over has been in place for many years. It is one of the key forms of state support for pensioners. However, not everyone knows under what conditions medicines can actually be obtained for free and what specifically may change in 2026. This is discussed by inPoland.

The right to free medicines applies to individuals aged 65 and over who are insured in the health insurance system. However, age is not the only condition. The medicine must be included in a special list marked with an S, and the doctor must indicate the corresponding code on the prescription. Therefore, the same medicine may be free in some cases, while it must be paid for in others.

Free medicines in Poland: who and under what conditions can obtain them

Prescriptions with the S code can be issued not only by family doctors but also by specialists, including during private consultations. This means that pensioners do not need to additionally schedule a separate appointment just to obtain a free prescription. It is important that the medicine is intended for the treatment of a disease that is eligible for reimbursement under the program.

The list of free medicines is regularly updated, so the information quickly becomes outdated. Patients can check current data in their online IKP account or in the mojeIKP mobile application after logging into the system.

Free medicines in Poland 2026: what is included in the list

Currently, the list of free medicines for individuals aged 65 and over covers nearly 3800 items. It includes medicines for the treatment of:

• cardiovascular diseases and hypertension;
• diabetes and glucose metabolism disorders;
• respiratory and chronic lung diseases;
• neurological diseases, including epilepsy and Parkinson's disease;
• psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders;
• urological diseases;
• hormonal disorders and thyroid diseases;
• bacterial, viral, and fungal infections;
• chronic diseases of the digestive organs;
• painful and inflammatory conditions.

In addition, the list contains antihistamines, immunosuppressants, immunostimulants, ophthalmological medications, vaccines, and a number of drugs for long-term treatment of chronic diseases.

Earlier, Ukrainians were informed about how much it costs to be admitted to a hospital without health insurance in Poland.