A record 134,000 seniors canceled their publicly funded sanatorium stays in 2025, creating growing problems for Poland’s National Health Fund (NFZ).
Seniors Massively Resign from Sanatoriums
A record 134,000 seniors canceled their sanatorium stays in 2025, the highest number in the system’s history. This marks a significant shift from previous years when a sanatorium visit was a highly anticipated reward for seniors.
This isn’t an isolated incident but a growing trend impacting wait times, NFZ finances, and the condition of sanatorium facilities. Seniors still need treatment, but their decision-making process has changed.
Why Are Seniors Increasingly Canceling Sanatorium Stays?
A decade ago, canceling a confirmed sanatorium stay was rare. Today, it’s becoming commonplace across the country, indicating a systemic issue, according to NFZ data.
The reasons are often practical: fear of leaving homes unattended during winter, sanatoriums not being located by the sea, or complicated travel arrangements involving multiple transfers. Some seniors simply state they prefer to stay home.
Record Cancellations in 2025
The NFZ data confirms the trend. In 2024, 127,055 cancellations were recorded, increasing to 134,031 in 2025 – a year-over-year increase of 6,976.
This affects all demographics – both men and women, younger and older seniors – suggesting the problem isn’t limited to lifestyle choices but reflects systemic flaws.
How Cancellations Block the System
More cancellations don’t necessarily mean shorter wait times. When a patient cancels shortly before their scheduled stay, the NFZ lacks time to find a replacement, and those on the waiting list often can’t prepare quickly enough, leaving beds empty.
This results in a double loss for the system.
What Does a Cancellation Cost the Patient?
Canceling a sanatorium stay isn’t neutral for the patient. In many cases, it means returning to the beginning of the process, requiring a new referral and placement at the end of the waiting list, extending the wait by months.
For individuals with chronic conditions, this can lead to a real deterioration in their health, as they forgo a potentially beneficial treatment.
Impact on the NFZ: Empty Beds and Increased Costs
Each cancellation represents more than just a statistic for the NFZ. It also translates to wasted resources and increased costs.
The Fund is attempting to address the issue by offering quick departures for those on the waiting list, but not everyone can pack and leave within days.
Sanatoriums Suffer from Cancellations
Sanatoriums operate based on a certain occupancy rate. Empty beds reduce profitability, increase unit costs, and make it difficult to maintain a full range of treatments.
This could lead to reduced service availability, decreased quality, and pressure to shift towards more commercial services.
Why Were Cancellations Rare in the Past?
A decade ago, receiving a referral meant a commitment to attend. Today, seniors increasingly question whether a sanatorium stay is worthwhile.
Winter Sees the Highest Cancellation Rates
The largest number of cancellations occurs during the winter months. In some regions, like the Łódź Voivodeship, up to 60-70 cancellations were recorded daily.
The reasons are linked to the season: increased stress, higher risk of illness, and the inability to travel when sick.
Can Cancellations Be Stopped?
Solutions exist but require systemic changes, including greater flexibility in scheduling and location, improved transportation communication, and earlier notification of appointments. Incentives for off-season travel could also help. Without these changes, cancellations may continue to rise, further straining the system.
