On 27 October 2026, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft amendment to the reimbursement law. It changes the rules under which the state subsidises medicines, foods for special medical purposes and medical devices. The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Health and announced by government spokesman Adam Szłapka.
The most noticeable change: over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are to be removed from reimbursement. The draft also introduces a legal definition of an orphan medicine, that is a medicine for rare diseases, and a new way of setting its price.
The existing emergency access to drug technologies (RDTL) is to be replaced by “bridge funding for drug technology”. It is meant to help children and adults who have run out of other publicly funded treatment options. According to TVN24 and PAP, if the doctors’ opinions are positive and the NFZ (National Health Fund) does not respond within 7 days, funding is deemed to be granted.
A new reimbursement category is also being created for non-oncology medicines in outpatient specialist care. This will allow some therapies from drug programmes to be provided in a clinic instead of a hospital. Applications to bring in a medicine from abroad (targeted import) can be submitted through the Internet Patient Account (Internetowe Konto Pacjenta). Patient representatives will gain the right to take part in price negotiations with the Economic Commission.
At the same meeting, the government also dealt with, among other things, capital market deregulation and raising direct payments to farmers in 2027 to the 2026 level. The reimbursement bill now goes to the Sejm.
What it means for Poles in the UK
If you receive treatment in Poland or buy medicines there during visits, the changes may affect you. Over-the-counter medicines that are reimbursed today may become more expensive. On the other hand, people with rare diseases and their families may gain a faster route to therapy. Parents of children treated in Poland should follow the work in the Sejm.
Our assessment
The draft waited almost two years to reach the government, so its adoption is an important step. Fast routes for rare diseases are good news. Removing OTC medicines from reimbursement may provoke opposition from some patients. Key details – exceptions and the date of entry into force – will be decided in parliament.
What to do
- If you use a reimbursed over-the-counter medicine in Poland, ask your doctor about a prescription alternative.
- Set up or check your Internet Patient Account: pacjent.gov.pl.
- Follow the draft on the Ministry of Health website: gov.pl/web/zdrowie.
Sources: TVN24 / PAP (27 October 2026); Rynek Zdrowia (27 October 2026); Portal Samorządowy / PAP (27 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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