Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Poland’s public healthcare system is experiencing increasing financial strain, with the National Health Fund (NFZ) reporting significant shortfalls in its projected budget for the coming years. According to official documents, the NFZ’s 2025 financial plan shows a funding gap of approximately PLN 14 billion, alongside health-insurance contribution revenues that are PLN 3.5 billion lower than expected. Current estimates indicate that the deficit could expand to around PLN 23 billion in 2026 if no additional corrective measures are taken.
Analysts note that rising medical costs, higher prices for pharmaceuticals and technologies, and wage increases in the healthcare sector are contributing to the pressure on the public payer. Data also confirm the presence of “medical inflation,” where the cost of healthcare grows faster than general inflation, reducing the real purchasing power of NFZ funding.
Hospitals and outpatient providers have warned that NFZ reimbursement levels often do not cover the actual cost of services, increasing the risk of longer waiting times and postponed procedures. Several healthcare associations report that facilities are already limiting service volumes because of underfunded contracts.
Public debate has included claims that the financial strain is caused by increased use of the system by foreigners, particularly Ukrainian refugees. However, according to NFZ expenditure and contribution data, healthcare spending on individuals with PESEL-UKR is fully offset by the insurance contributions they pay, representing a small share—around 0.4 percent—of total NFZ expenditure.
Experts point out that Poland is facing the same challenges affecting healthcare systems across Europe, including an ageing population, growing demand for services, and rising pharmaceutical costs. However, Poland’s centralized funding structure means that fluctuations in NFZ revenue are felt quickly across the system.
Official strategies for long-term reform have not yet been published, though discussions include expanding state-budget transfers, revising reimbursement models, and updating the benefits package to match available funding.
Source: WEI
