New opportunities for Ukrainians abroad: how to undergo a functional health assessment without returning to Ukraine?

Even when outside Ukraine, citizens can use a new health assessment procedure to establish disability or access state support. Depending on the country of residence, the procedure may be simplified or require additional preparation. Learn more about how to properly organise an assessment of daily functioning abroad

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In 2025, Ukraine launched a reform that changes the approach to determining disability. Instead of focusing on diagnoses and medical records, the main focus is now on how a person's health affects their daily life. This new approach is called ‘assessment of daily functioning.’

Interestingly, the new system provides full access to services even for citizens who are outside Ukraine.

How to take advantage of this opportunity without physical access to Ukrainian medical institutions, what you need to know and prepare — we will tell you more in this article.

Why and who needs an assessment of daily functioning?

It is a procedure that helps determine the extent to which a disease or injury affects a person's ability to perform everyday activities, such as moving around, communicating, working, and taking care of themselves. This opportunity is particularly relevant for Ukrainians abroad: the war has forced many to leave the country, but their health problems remain.

And here it is important to note that obtaining disability status, access to state support, rehabilitation programmes or social benefits is now possible without crossing the border.

How does functional health assessment work for those abroad?

The procedure depends on the country in which the applicant is located.

If it is one of the countries with which Ukraine has valid intergovernmental agreements in the field of social protection (e.g. Poland, Portugal, Lithuania, Spain and others), the process will be as streamlined as possible. The authorised social or medical authority of that country collects the necessary medical documents from the applicant and sends them to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The materials are then processed by the Centre for Functional Assessment in Ukraine — if necessary, the documents are translated into Ukrainian, after which an expert commission decides on the status and needs of the applicant.

For citizens residing in countries without such agreements, a different procedure is provided. It is no less effective, but requires more active participation on the part of the applicant. The person must independently collect a complete set of medical documents (established diagnosis, test results, doctors' conclusions), translate them into Ukrainian (preferably through the consulate, where the translation is certified free of charge), and send them to a Ukrainian medical institution or doctor, who then issues a referral for assessment.

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Is it necessary to be present in person for the functional health assessment?

The answer is no. The assessment can be conducted remotely if all documents are complete and informative. However, if the commission requires additional clarification or wants to see the person, a remote assessment via telemedicine is possible.

This is convenient, especially for those who, for objective reasons, cannot physically visit Ukrainian doctors but have access to video conferencing.

What should you know before undergoing a health assessment abroad?

The most important thing is to collect high-quality documents. They should not only confirm the diagnosis but also describe in detail how the body is functioning.

It should be noted that if you already have a valid MSEC certificate obtained before 2025, it remains valid until its expiry date. Reassessment is only necessary if there are new grounds for it, such as a deterioration in health or the expiry of the certificate.

Where to go for help?

If you have difficulties with the preparation or transfer of documents, do not ignore the possibility of contacting the Ukrainian consulate in your country of residence. They will help you certify the translation, provide information about the procedure and contacts.

In addition, for more in-depth support, you should use the services of Visit Ukraine lawyers. They provide advice on moving and rules of stay abroad, restoration of Ukrainian documents, obtaining medical certificates in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian authorities, etc.

Remember: every step related to protecting your rights and health is worth thorough preparation. Don't face bureaucracy alone — contact the immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine and go through the functional assessment without stress.

Order a consultation on the Visit Ukraine portal and get legal support right now!

Reminder! Ukrainian graduates who complete their studies abroad can obtain a certificate or diploma without returning to Ukraine. How to obtain a Ukrainian certificate in 2025 — read here.

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