Polish seniors can access state-funded sanatorium stays in 2026, with certain groups eligible for faster processing and specific requirements for reimbursement.
How to Qualify for Reimbursement
To receive reimbursement, you must first have an assigned travel date and ensure at least 18 months have passed since your last stay. Information on available reimbursements can be obtained from your provincial NFZ branch or by calling the NFZ infoline at 800 190 590.
Checking Your Sanatorium Travel Date
You can verify your sanatorium travel date using the official NFZ search tool at skierowania.nfz.gov.pl by entering your referral number and date of birth. This is the only free and official online search tool; paid versions are scams.
What’s Covered and What Costs Extra
The NFZ fully covers treatments prescribed by a physician and medical care during the 21-day stay. Additional treatments require extra payment. Sanatoriums provide partially covered accommodation and meals. Supplements for accommodation and meals vary by season (high: May-September, low: October-April). Travel costs to and from the facility are also the patient’s responsibility.
Accommodations for Traveling with Companions
Accommodation with a close person is possible if that person also receives a sanatorium referral. For shared rooms, contact the specific sanatorium directly. Some seniors succeed when two people with similar conditions request simultaneous stays justifying mutual care.
Packing for a 21-Day Sanatorium Stay
Packing for a 21-day sanatorium stay can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. Essential items include personal documents, medications, comfortable clothing, toiletries, and health-related supplies. Optional but useful items include books, slippers, and recreational items.
Eligible Groups for Expedited Processing
Priority is given to war invalids, military veterans, combatants, soldiers, and employees harmed while serving abroad, requiring treatment for resulting injuries. Also prioritized are veterans with disability status, and those holding the title and ID card for Merited Organ Donor or Merited Honorary Blood Donor.