In brief

• The amendment would allow the NFZ to pay reimbursement for treatment abroad to intermediaries' accounts instead of to patients.
• The Polish Ophthalmological Society fears an increase in commercial trips for cataract surgery, especially to the Czech Republic.
• The Ministry of Health and the NFZ argue that the change does not create a new financing mechanism.

What the new rules change

On 22 October 2026, the Sejm passed a law providing for the NFZ to pay reimbursement for treatment provided in another European Union, EFTA or United Kingdom country to intermediaries' accounts. Until now, the money went to the patient. The Fund describes the change as clarifying and assures that it does not create a new financing mechanism (Zabiegi za granicą, powikłania w Polsce. Alarm w sprawie zabiegów zaćmy w Czechach – Bankier.pl) (NFZ szybko zwraca koszty leczenia za granicą. Polskie szpitale czekają na pieniądze nawet rok. PTO: nowe przepisy zagrażają polskiej okulistyce – infor.pl) (Wyjazdy na zaćmę za państwowe pieniądze? Okuliści ostrzegają przed "skokiem na kasę" NFZ – Rzeczpospolita).

Ophthalmologists' concerns

The Polish Ophthalmological Society opposes the amendment. In its view, the change may increase the number of commercial trips for cataract removal surgery, which are most often performed in the Czech Republic (NFZ będzie płacił za operacje za granicą. Okuliści oburzeni – salon24.pl). Ophthalmologists also warn of the lack of mechanisms for controlling spending and of problems in ensuring patients receive postoperative care.

Complications return to Poland

The Society points out that after surgeries performed abroad, patients who develop complications are admitted to Polish hospitals. It is these hospitals that must treat the consequences of those decisions, and they wait a long time for reimbursement, even up to a year.

Position of the ministry and the NFZ

The Ministry of Health believes the new regulations respond to how patients actually use the services of specialised intermediaries. NFZ spokesperson Jakub Gołąb stresses that the rules do not introduce a new payment pathway.

What's next

The changes concern primarily intermediaries offering cataract surgery in EU countries. It is not known how long the dispute will last or whether the amendment will be introduced in its current form.