ZUS Changes Medical Board Rules: Insured Persons May Face Travel to Another City

Starting August 1, 2026, ZUS medical board cases from Bydgoszcz and Toruń are redirected to Gdańsk and Łódź due to doctor shortages, introducing temporary rules until the end of 2026.

New Rules for ZUS Medical Boards

From August 1, 2026, some cases handled by ZUS medical boards may be directed to a different city than before. The change applies to insured individuals from two ZUS branches, and in the event of a mandatory personal examination, the summons may entail an additional journey. Cases from Bydgoszcz are now directed to Gdańsk, and from Toruń to Łódź. However, not every insured person will be required to attend an examination.

Scope of the Jurisdiction Change

The change covers cases from the territory of two ZUS branches: in Bydgoszcz and Toruń. Until July 31, 2026, appeals against the rulings of certifying doctors and allegations of defectiveness were handled by the medical board operating at the ZUS Branch in Bydgoszcz. From August 1, 2026, a different division applies.

Reasons Behind the Relocation

The change is related to staff shortages in the positions of doctors who are members of medical boards. Appeals, allegations of defectiveness, and cases conducted under the supervision of medical certification that remained unresolved by July 31, 2026, were also transferred to Gdańsk and Łódź.

Procedure for Disputing ZUS Rulings

The change does not affect all individuals undergoing the certification procedure at ZUS. A case reaches the medical board only when the insured files an appeal against the certifying doctor’s ruling or when an allegation of defectiveness is raised. Certifying doctors still adjudicate in the first instance at previous locations, including Bydgoszcz, Toruń, Włocławek, and Grudziądz.

In-Person Examination Requirements

The mere fact that a case is examined by a medical board in another city does not automatically mean an obligation to appear in person for an examination. If the medical documentation in the case file is sufficient, the board can issue a ruling without a direct examination of the insured, in absentia. However, if the board deems an in-person examination necessary, the insured may be summoned to appear at a location indicated by ZUS.

Filing an Appeal Within the Deadline

The insured has 14 days from the date of receiving the ruling to file an appeal. The appeal can be submitted at any ZUS branch or sent to the institution. In justified cases, ZUS may reinstate the deadline upon the request of the interested party.

Submitting Documents Without Traveling

An important piece of information for individuals who disagree with the ruling: the appeal does not have to be submitted to the medical board that will review the case. The document can be filed at any ZUS branch or sent to the institution. There is no need to personally travel to Gdańsk or Łódź just to submit an appeal.

Travel Cost Reimbursement Rules

If the medical board summons the insured for an examination in another city, the individual can count on the reimbursement of travel costs. ZUS reimburses travel costs from the place of residence to the examination site and back based on the ticket price of the cheapest public transport.

Temporary Nature of the Regulations

The new jurisdiction of the medical boards was introduced temporarily and will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, a much broader change regarding the method of adjudication by ZUS will take effect.

Upcoming Reforms in 2027

As of January 1, 2027, the rule will be single-person adjudication both in the first instance and upon re-examination of the case after filing an appeal or a defectiveness allegation. In particularly complicated cases, however, it will be possible to refer the case to be reviewed by three certifying doctors.