From March 2026, PESEL UKR no longer guarantees free healthcare in Poland

Abolition of special access terms to hospitals

Starting from 5 March 2026, previous special provisions in Poland that allowed Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection to freely use the state healthcare system have ceased to be in force. Previously, having a PESEL identification number with UKR status was sufficient grounds for receiving a wide range of free medical services.

The situation has now changed: this number alone is no longer an automatic guarantee that a patient can see a doctor for free, receive a consultation, or undergo a scheduled examination. For many adult Ukrainians, the key factor has become the presence of health insurance or other legal grounds for receiving care funded by the state budget.

If a Ukrainian citizen resides in Poland but does not have official employment and is not insured, they need to verify whether they retain the right to services funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ).

Who retains the right to free care

Despite the general narrowing of access, the legislation provides special conditions for certain categories of citizens. This applies to children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other individuals defined by Polish regulatory acts.

In case of an immediate threat to life or health, medical care is provided under separate rules. However, for routine consultations, preventive examinations, and planned treatment, the presence of insurance coverage becomes decisive.

Impact of the transition to the CUKR card on medical rights

In 2026, Ukrainians who meet the established criteria can apply for the special CUKR residence card. This document grants permission for temporary residence for a period of three years and free access to the labour market.

It is important to understand that obtaining the CUKR is not merely a change of status document. After the transition, a person loses their temporary protection status, and the entry in the register changes from UKR to CUKR. Therefore, before applying for the card, it is critically important to clarify on what specific grounds the patient will be able to use state healthcare in the future.

For individuals who are officially employed, access to NFZ services is usually ensured through health insurance. Those who do not work should check for the presence of other possible grounds for insurance or receiving medical care at state expense. Similar questions arise when applying for other types of residence permits.

It is necessary to consider that legal residence in Poland does not imply the automatic presence of health insurance.

Options for remote medical care

The need to see a doctor may arise unexpectedly: for example, when prescription medications run out, a sick leave certificate (L4) needs to be issued, or a referral for additional diagnostics is required. Some of these issues in Poland are already resolved remotely, without the need to visit a medical facility in person.

In particular, the Zdrowo Medical service offers patients online consultations, the issuance of electronic prescriptions, sick leave certificates, referrals, as well as services related to laboratory tests.

However, the issuance of relevant documents depends on the doctor's decision. The specialist is obliged to assess the patient's condition and determine whether there are medical indications for prescribing treatment, issuing a prescription, or granting sick leave.

What can be obtained during an online appointment

After a remote consultation, the doctor, if there are grounds, can issue the necessary electronic medical documents:

• An e-prescription, which allows purchasing prescribed medications in Polish pharmacies.
• An electronic sick leave certificate L4, which can be issued on the day of the visit if the state of health justifies it.
• A referral for additional diagnostic examinations if necessary.

During an online appointment, a patient can describe symptoms, receive recommendations, and find out whether it is necessary to see a doctor in person. However, it is worth remembering that remote consultations cannot fully replace an in-person examination and are not intended for providing emergency medical care.

Recommendations for Ukrainians in 2026

Given the legislative changes, Ukrainians are advised to clarify in advance whether they have the right to medical care at state expense. First and foremost, it is necessary to ensure that the UKR status remains valid and to check for the presence of insurance in the NFZ system.

Separately, it should be clarified whether contributions to health insurance are being paid, and how access to medical services will change after obtaining the CUKR or another residence permit. It is also advisable to determine in advance where to turn if a doctor's consultation, prescription, or sick leave is urgently needed.

The main point is not to equate having a PESEL UKR with a guaranteed right to all free medical services. The conditions for receiving them depend on the person's status, the presence of insurance, and other grounds provided for by Polish legislation.

It is worth noting that from 27 April 2026, an updated MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) system is in force in Poland, which allows foreigners to submit applications for temporary or permanent residence permits, as well as EU long-term resident status, in electronic format. To apply for a residence permit for a child or a person under guardianship, the applicant must use their own account and create a special sub-profile.