As of March 5, 2026, the current regulations providing broad access to medical services for individuals with a PESEL number and UKR status will cease to apply. The new regulations significantly narrow the group of individuals eligible for publicly funded medical care. It can be used without any changes by persons covered by compulsory or voluntary health insurance. 

Who still retains the right to benefits?

Under the new regulations, only specific groups of patients will be entitled to healthcare on terms similar to those of insured persons. These include minors under 18 years of age, pregnant women, women in labor and delivery, and those living in collective housing facilities with appropriate certification. Individuals who experienced particularly difficult situations during wartime, such as torture or sexual violence, will also retain this right.

Other Ukrainian citizens with UKR status will no longer be automatically covered by free healthcare to the same extent as before.

Range of available benefits

People who meet the statutory requirements will still be able to access publicly funded services. However, it's worth noting that some benefits have been excluded. Spa treatments and rehabilitation, infertility treatments, endoprosthetic procedures, cataract surgery, and medications available under the Ministry of Health's health policy programs will not be available.

What does this mean in practice?

For many adult patients, this means having to regulate their insurance status to continue using public healthcare. Failure to do so may result in fees for visits, tests, and hospital treatment.

If your insurance status has recently changed (e.g., after starting a new job, registering with the employment office, or applying for insurance as a family member), it's a good idea to bring proof of insurance to your doctor's appointment. This could be, for example:

• ZUS ZUA/ZZA form,
• certificate from the employer,
• current health insurance application,
• confirmation from ZUS or from the Patient's Online Account.

This will help avoid confusion during registration and possible costs for the services provided.

Therefore, it's worth checking your legal situation now. This is especially important for chronically ill individuals who require constant medical supervision or medication. Checking your eligibility early will help avoid interruptions in treatment and unnecessary stress.