Poland to implement new sick leave regulations

The Polish government has introduced a draft project to amend social insurance regulations, significantly changing how sick leave (L4) is managed. Under the new rules, patients will be obligated to undergo treatment or rehabilitation if they have a good prognosis. Refusal to comply may result in the questioning of incapacity for work, a reduction in benefits, or the total loss of sick pay.

Starting in 2026, the definition of gainful employment during sick leave will be clarified to include any activity that generates income, except for specific, justified circumstances. Violating these rules could lead to the loss of benefits for the entire duration of the sick leave.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2027, doctors will be required to issue sick leave for only one type of insurance title upon a patient's request. This change is intended to allow individuals who hold multiple roles—such as a physical job and a sedentary office job—to continue working in one capacity while receiving benefits for the other, provided a physician deems their health status sufficient for the specific duties.