Poland's ZUS Rehabilitation Program Marks 30 Years, Offering Free Sanatorium Stays

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in Poland celebrates the 30th anniversary of its rehabilitation programme, which has already assisted nearly 1.8 million people. The scheme targets actively employed individuals and benefit recipients who are at risk of losing work ability, providing free medical rehabilitation that can restore functional capacity and enable a return to work.

Beneficiaries may be referred by a treating physician using form PR‑4, after which a ZUS medical assessor issues a decision. The programme includes fully funded sanatorium stays for spinal conditions at dozens of approved centres across the country, as well as outpatient rehabilitation in major cities. Costs covered encompass treatment, accommodation, meals and public‑transport travel. Eligibility extends to workers, disability‑benefit claimants, pensioners who continue to work, and others whose health condition offers a realistic chance of regaining employability. Appeals against denied referrals can be lodged with a regional court within one month.