Poland sanatorium treatment: eligibility and wait times

In Poland, the National Health Fund (NFZ) reported that over 208,000 people utilized sanatorium treatments in the first half of 2025, with the fund spending more than 895 million PLN. Despite high demand, patients face significant wait times, which can reach up to a year in regions such as Lower Silesia and Silesia.

Certain groups may bypass standard waiting lists. Priority is granted to war invalids, military veterans, combatants, and honored blood or organ donors. Additionally, patients can sometimes secure earlier appointments through “returns,” which are slots vacated by patients who cancel their scheduled stays.

However, the NFZ maintains strict eligibility requirements. To qualify for NFZ-funded sanatorium treatment, patients must be sufficiently mobile and independent. The fund does not provide transportation or continuous care outside of treatment sessions; therefore, individuals who require constant assistance from another person or are unable to perform basic self-care tasks are not eligible for this specific type of medical rehabilitation.