Poland considers sanctions for missed sanatorium treatments

The Polish Ministry of Health is considering new regulations to increase patient responsibility regarding sanatorium treatments. Under a proposed amendment, patients who fail to attend a scheduled sanatorium stay without prior notification to the National Health Fund (NFZ) could face a minimum 12-month waiting period before they can submit a new referral for treatment.

To prevent unused slots, the NFZ proposes a system where patients receive an automatic reminder 30 days before their stay and must confirm their participation at least 21 days in advance. While the specific details of the sanctions and the process for justifying absences remain undecided, the goal is to ensure more rational use of medical benefits.

Additionally, travelers planning to bring pets to sanatoriums face specific conditions. While private stays often offer more flexibility, stays funded by the NFZ frequently prohibit animals, with exceptions made for certified assistance dogs. For those permitted to bring pets, facilities may charge daily fees ranging from 20 to 120 PLN and may require a security deposit.