Poland’s Ombudsman has intervened with the National Health Fund (NFZ) regarding substantial health insurance fees imposed on Ukrainian citizens seeking voluntary coverage.
Controversial Fees for Ukrainian Citizens
Fees of up to 18,000 złoty (approximately $1350) are being charged for health insurance to Ukrainian citizens. The issue concerns individuals with UKR status who lost access to free healthcare under a special law on March 5, 2026, and now wish to obtain voluntary insurance.
Organizations assisting refugees report that the NFZ is refusing to conclude agreements without the payment of a one-time fee of around 17,000–18,000 złoty, citing a lack of contributions in Poland in recent years.
How the Additional Fee is Calculated
According to Article 68 of the Act on Health Care Benefits, the amount of the penalty fee for a break in insurance coverage depends on the length of the interruption.
NFZ Treatment of Ukrainian Citizens’ Residency
For Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Poland after the outbreak of the war, the NFZ often treats their period of stay (even while receiving treatment) as a “period of non-insurance,” resulting in the imposition of maximum rates.
Ombudsman’s Interpretive Doubts
Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek points out that until March 2026, Ukrainian citizens were legally entitled to healthcare on the same terms as insured individuals.
This raises the question of whether the period during which the state guaranteed refugees access to a doctor can now be considered a “break in insurance.” According to the Ombudsman, the current practice of the NFZ is highly debatable and disadvantages those who demonstrate good faith and wish to finance their contributions independently.
Key Questions for the NFZ President
The Ombudsman has requested that NFZ President Filip Nowak clarify three issues.
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