Poland’s National Health Fund (NFZ) expanded access to specialist medical care without a referral from a primary care physician, effective 2026.
No Referral Needed: Where to Access Specialists Directly
New regulations have streamlined access to specialist healthcare for patients, reducing wait times and bureaucratic hurdles. This allows direct booking with certain specialists.
New Additions to the List
As of autumn 2025, three key specialties were added to the list of those accessible without a referral, particularly benefiting those concerned with vision and mental health.
Full List of Specialists Available Without Referral (as of 2026)
Patients needing care from these specialists can directly contact the specialist clinic to schedule an appointment.
Your Rights as a Patient
Patients have the right to choose any healthcare facility in Poland, regardless of their place of residence.
Who Else Has Priority Access?
Certain patient groups, due to their health condition or social status, are exempt from needing a referral to see any specialist.
Important Considerations
While access has improved, a referral from a primary care physician is still required for most specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and dermatologists. The 2025 changes have, however, reduced waiting times for initial consultations where time is critical.
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