Poland expands list of medical specialists accessible without referrals

In Poland, the list of medical specialists accessible without a referral from a primary care physician (POZ) has expanded. Recent updates allow patients to bypass the initial GP visit for specific services to reduce queues and prevent unnecessary administrative visits.

As of 2026, patients can access psychiatrists, gynecologists and obstetricians, oncologists, venereologists, dentists, psychologists, optometrists, and sports medicine doctors directly through the National Health Fund (NFZ). This follows an expansion in late 2025 that added psychologists, optometrists, and sports medicine specialists to the list.

Other groups entitled to direct specialist access include individuals with tuberculosis, HIV, war invalids, combatants, certain military personnel, and former anti-communist opposition activists. Additionally, those seeking addiction treatment or rehabilitation for co-dependency can access services without a referral. The Ministry of Health has indicated that it does not currently plan further expansions to this list for 2027, maintaining that referrals remain a necessary component of the healthcare system.