Appointments with doctors in Poland from 2026: how the new electronic system will work and what will change for patients

Poland is changing the rules for making appointments with doctors by introducing a centralized electronic system. Find out how online registration will work from January 1, 2026, which specialists it will cover first, and what this means for Ukrainians

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The Polish healthcare system is preparing for one of the most ambitious digital reforms in recent years. From January 1, 2026, a centralized electronic registration system for doctors will be introduced in all clinics across the country. Its purpose is to simplify the appointment process, reduce queues, and shorten waiting times for appointments with specialists.

The launch of the new system was reported by inpoland.net.pl. The reform affects both Polish citizens and foreigners who legally use Polish healthcare, including Ukrainians.

What is centralized electronic registration?

It is a single digital system that will combine appointments with doctors in all clinics in Poland. Electronic registration will allow you to:

● make an appointment with a doctor online through a single system;

● see available dates and times for appointments;

● find available slots faster;

● avoid repeated visits and unnecessary waiting.

The centralized approach should make access to healthcare more transparent and predictable for patients.

Which specialists will be available online from 2026

In the first stage, from January 1, 2026, electronic registration will not cover all areas of medicine. Initially, the system will work for the most sought-after and socially important services, in particular:

● cardiology;

● cytology;

● mammography;

● certain preventive examinations.

These areas traditionally have long queues, so digitization should have the fastest effect here.

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How online registration will work through IKP

Appointments with doctors will be made through IKP (Internetowe Konto Pacjenta) — the patient's personal online account. The system can be used:

● via the official website,

● via the IKP mobile app.

If there are no available slots at the selected clinic or with a specific specialist, the system will automatically offer the first available appointment. Patients will also be able to indicate their individual preferences — for example, a convenient time or a specific doctor. The algorithm will take this information into account and select the optimal appointment date.

Important: telephone appointments will not be canceled. For those who do not use digital services, the traditional method of appointment will remain available.

Next stages of the reform: what will change next

The reform is not limited to the initial list of specialists. Starting in mid-2026, the electronic registration system will be expanded. Online appointments will also become available for:

● on-call doctors;

● laboratory tests;

● patients with infectious diseases;

● people with endocrinological problems;

● patients with lung diseases.

The full launch of electronic registration for all medical specialists in Poland is planned for the end of 2030.

Important to remember: to stay in Poland, as in any EU country, medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 is mandatory. You can purchase medical insurance for travel abroad online on the Visit Ukraine platform — this allows you to be protected in case of illness, injury, or unforeseen expenses while traveling.

We remind you! The Polish authorities are preparing major changes to the rules for Ukrainians staying in the country, which may change the usual procedure for accessing medical care, social benefits, and legalization. The special status that has been in effect since the beginning of the war is gradually becoming a thing of the past, and general migration requirements are replacing it. Read about how the possible cancellation of special status will affect the lives of Ukrainian migrants in Poland and what steps will help them adapt to the new conditions.

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