Ukrainians contributed approximately 4 billion zlotys to the NFZ in 2025, while the costs of their treatment amounted to 2.6 billion zlotys. More than 1 billion zlotys from their insurance contributions effectively financed the treatment of Poles.
As of March 5, 2026, some Ukrainians living in Poland were deprived of the right to free medical assistance. This concerns uninsured individuals who are not working — mainly the elderly, sick, and people with disabilities. Estimates suggest their number ranges from several to several tens of thousands.
Previously, since 2022, their treatment was financed from the budget under a special law, but now the authorities believe that the situation has stabilized and such support is no longer necessary.
At the same time, the financial picture shows a different reality: working Ukrainians contribute more to the healthcare system than they receive in services.
In 2025, they paid at least 3.7 billion zlotys in insurance contributions (possibly over 4 billion considering entrepreneurs), while the total costs of medical assistance for Ukrainians amounted to 2.57 billion zlotys. There remains a significant surplus in the system — over 1 billion zlotys, which effectively covers the treatment of other patients, including Poles.
Separately, the costs of treating uninsured Ukrainians under the special law in 2025 amounted to 723.41 million zlotys — still less than the amount of their contributions.
Ukrainians are not only patients but also healthcare workers. Approximately 7,850 doctors from Ukraine work in Poland — nearly 5% of all doctors in the country. Their share in the healthcare system is higher than the share of Ukrainians in the population of Poland.
This data does not support the thesis that Ukrainians overload the healthcare system. On the contrary, they are simultaneously its financial and staffing support.
