Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) details access to subsidized medical rehabilitation in sanatoriums or outpatient settings starting in 2026, outlining eligibility and application processes.
ZUS-Funded Rehabilitation: Who Qualifies?
Individuals insured by ZUS who are at risk of losing their ability to work, but have a chance of recovery through rehabilitation, are eligible for ZUS-funded medical rehabilitation. Specific conditions include being employed, receiving sick leave or rehabilitation benefits, or receiving a periodic disability pension.
Rehabilitation is also available during sick leave assessments if a medical practitioner deems it necessary, or for those applying for rehabilitation benefits or disability pensions. Active pensioners with social insurance coverage may also qualify.
Applying for Sanatorium Treatment
A referral for medical rehabilitation (form PR-4) can be issued by any licensed physician. The referral can be submitted electronically during the issuance of an e-ZLA (electronic sick leave) via the ZUS Electronic Services Platform (PUE/e-ZUS), eliminating the need for in-person submission.
The application must include the patient’s name, PESEL number, address, contact information, medical diagnosis in Polish, an assessment of potential work recovery, medical documentation, and confirmation that it pertains to ZUS preventative rehabilitation.
Submission and Qualification Process
Applications can be submitted in person at any ZUS office, by mail, or online through the PUE/e-ZUS platform. Physicians can also submit electronically via PUE/e-ZUS or the mZUS for Doctors application.
A ZUS medical practitioner determines eligibility for rehabilitation. Upon a positive assessment, applicants receive a notification with treatment dates, the rehabilitation center address, and logistical details.
Rehabilitation Duration and Covered Conditions
Rehabilitation typically lasts 24 days, but the rehabilitation center physician can adjust the duration with ZUS approval. Following completion, patients receive a medical report detailing their progress.
ZUS-funded rehabilitation is available in both inpatient (24-hour stay) and outpatient settings. Eligible conditions for inpatient rehabilitation include musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, psychosomatic illnesses, post-breast cancer treatment, voice disorders, and central nervous system conditions. Outpatient rehabilitation covers musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions, with telemedicine monitoring.
Funded Treatments and Costs
Rehabilitation center physicians individually determine treatments and activities within physiotherapy (kinesitherapy, physical therapy, massage), psychological interventions, and health education (nutrition, risk factors, disease knowledge, workplace safety, addiction prevention, and post-rehabilitation care).
Rehabilitation is free for insured individuals, with ZUS covering all costs including accommodation, meals, and transportation via the most affordable public transport option. The rehabilitation period does not require the use of vacation days; a medical certificate is issued for the duration.
2026 Sanatorium List
ZUS does not operate its own rehabilitation centers. It contracts with facilities meeting specific legal, staffing, and medical requirements. These centers are located throughout Poland, often in popular spa towns like Wysowa Zdrój, Iwonicz Zdrój, and Krynica Zdrój.
A list of rehabilitation centers cooperating with ZUS in 2026, categorized by condition, is available at: [https://www.zus.pl/documents/10182/167791/Wykaz_O%C5%9Brodk%C3%B3w_2026.pdf/eeb34e19-1ac6-c0c2-744e-9299b3023f51?t=1767776534203]. A map of these centers is available at: [https://www.zus.pl/documents/10182/167791/Mapa_2026.pdf/9a14e7ce-320c-7d82-5cf1-edee9604618c?t=1767776430356]
