Who can already count on a faster appointment

• Patients with a statutory right to benefits outside the queue can apply for an earlier appointment at NFZ facilities.
• When first reporting to a specialist clinic, the appointment should be scheduled within 7 working days.
• The government is working on extending the rights to adopted children, children in foster care, and holders of the Uniformed Family Card.
• The changes are still in the project stage, and some patients are unaware of their right to shorter waiting times.

Individuals who are granted priority access to services by law can seek an earlier appointment at the National Health Fund facilities (The government wants to extend the right to see a doctor without queuing. These individuals will gain priority – gazetaprawna.pl). The conditions for using this right are defined by law, and its possession is confirmed by the appropriate document. When first reporting to a specialist clinic, the appointment should be scheduled within 7 working days.

Planned changes in regulations

The government is working on an amendment that will expand the group of individuals entitled to priority access to medical care (See a doctor without queuing! New groups of patients are set to gain priority – kobieceinspiracje.pl). As of October 21, 2026, the announced changes remain in the project stage. Among the groups that are to gain additional rights are children growing up in specific family situations, including adopted children and those in foster care.

The project also provides for priority for individuals associated with uniformed services. Holders of the Uniformed Family Card would benefit from this right under the same conditions.

What to know before the visit

Some patients are unaware that they are entitled to a shorter waiting time for an appointment and forgo this right. Before reporting to a specialist, it is advisable to check whether the statutory conditions are met and to prepare a document confirming the right to priority.