New regulations in Poland, effective March 5, 2026, have limited free healthcare access for some Ukrainian citizens unable to work due to illness.
Changes to Healthcare Access for Ukrainians
Regulations governing access to healthcare benefits for Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland changed on March 5, 2026, based on the Act of January 23, 2026, phasing out solutions related to assistance for Ukrainian citizens due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Under the new rules, only employed and insured Ukrainian citizens are eligible for free medical care, with exceptions for those requiring special protection, such as children and pregnant women.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Lawmakers have reported that some seriously ill Ukrainian citizens, unable to work due to their health conditions, have lost access to free healthcare. These include patients undergoing dialysis, cancer treatment, post-transplant care, and those with chronic illnesses.
Kamil Wnuk, a member of parliament, emphasized that the loss of treatment could lead to a rapid deterioration of health and even pose a direct threat to life, and requested data on affected patients.
Ministry of Health Response: Data Unavailable
The Ministry of Health stated that determining the number of Ukrainian citizens who have lost healthcare benefits due to the new regulations and are unable to work because of illness or disability is impossible.
The National Health Fund (NFZ) only holds disability data in specific cases as defined by law, according to Deputy Minister of Health Tomasz Maciejewski.
Alternative Routes to Healthcare Coverage
Ukrainian citizens not belonging to vulnerable groups can access public healthcare through alternative means other than employment.
These include receiving retirement or pension benefits (including from Ukraine), being students, or receiving certain social assistance benefits like a permanent allowance. They can also be covered as family members of insured individuals in Poland.
Family Member Coverage Details
Children, spouses, and parents living in the same household can be included in health insurance coverage. Coverage for children extends to age 18, or 26 if they are still in school, and is unlimited for those with a significant disability.
Verification of Entitlements: eWUŚ System
Lawmakers inquired about the procedures for verifying the healthcare status of Ukrainian patients, particularly for NFZ-funded services.
Citizens with a PESEL number can have their insurance status verified through the Electronic Verification of Beneficiary Entitlements system (eWUŚ), similar to Polish patients. If eWUŚ does not confirm eligibility, supporting documentation is required.
Acceptable Supporting Documentation
Acceptable documentation includes monthly reports from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) issued by the employer, unemployment certificates, retirement or pension cards, or decisions from social assistance centers regarding permanent allowances.
Documentation for Vulnerable Groups
Ukrainian citizens eligible for healthcare based on Article 112c of the Act on Healthcare Provision (victims of torture or rape, residents of collective accommodation centers, pregnant or postpartum women, minors) must present identification and a PESEL number with UKR status.
Additional documentation, such as certificates from the Office for Foreigners, residence confirmations, or medical certificates confirming pregnancy, may also be required.
Emergency Healthcare Access
Ukrainian citizens requiring immediate healthcare due to a sudden health threat should present identification and a PESEL number with UKR status.
