Poland’s Ministry of Health announces new obligations for healthcare facilities treating Ukrainian refugees as free healthcare benefits end on March 5, 2026.
New Healthcare Regulations for Ukrainian Patients
Poland’s Ministry of Health has submitted for consultation a draft amendment to the regulation of September 8, 2015, concerning general conditions for contracts to provide healthcare services. The proposed provisions aim to adapt this legal act to new solutions resulting from the expiration of free healthcare granted to Ukrainian refugees under a special law of 2022.
Change in Status and Healthcare Benefits
This change is related to the new status of Ukrainian citizens as provided by the law of January 23, 2026, on the expiration of solutions from the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens. This regulation, awaiting the president’s signature, takes effect on March 5, 2026, marking the end of free healthcare in the National Health Fund (NFZ) for Ukrainian refugees.
Who Retains Healthcare Rights
The right to benefits will be retained by Ukrainian citizens who work and pay contributions to the NFZ, as well as children, pregnant women, victims of violence, and persons in collective accommodation centers. All must have a PESEL number and UKR status.
Verification Requirements for Healthcare Facilities
Facilities providing healthcare services to these patients must verify their right to free medical care and properly document these rights in medical documentation. The amendment obligates them to make copies of documents confirming the right to free services or extract relevant information.
Responsibility of Healthcare Providers
Service providers will bear responsibility for the correctness and completeness of data included in extracts. For services related to pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum, medical documentation kept by the facility may serve as confirmation of rights.
Implementation Date
The new regulation is scheduled to enter into force on March 5, 2026.
