Can I get free medicines as a senior or for a child?
Yes, under the free-medicines programme — subject to conditions. Since 1 September 2023, the right to free prescription medicines applies to seniors over 65 and children and youth under 18. A medicine is free if jointly: it's on the list (the so-called "S" list for seniors and "DZ" for children, part of the reimbursement announcement), and the patient has a diagnosed condition within the indications covered by reimbursement. The list is updated — from 1 January 2026 a new one applies, covering thousands of items (including medicines for hypertension, diabetes, insulins). A prescription with the "S" or "DZ" code is issued by an authorised doctor (e.g. GP, paediatrician) or a nurse. Age alone isn't enough — the list and the indication are key.
📋 The rules
- Free medicines: seniors 65+ and children/youth under 18
- The medicine must be on the list (the "S" or "DZ" list)
- A reimbursement indication required (diagnosed condition)
- Prescription with the "S" (seniors) or "DZ" (children) code
- From 1 January 2026 a new list applies
🔓 Exceptions
- A medicine off the list or outside the indication: full or partial payment
- A prescription without the S/DZ code: dispensed on general terms (with co-payment)
- Over-the-counter medicines (OTC): outside the free-medicines programme
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Free medicines are not automatic from age alone — if the medicine isn't on the list or you use it outside the reimbursed indication, you'll pay the full or partial price. A prescription with the right code (S or DZ) must be issued by an authorised prescriber; without the code the medicine is dispensed on general terms. To use the programme: ask the doctor to check whether your medicine is on the current list of free medicines and whether you meet the indication, ensure the prescription has the "S" or "DZ" code, and at the pharmacy give the prescription code and PESEL. Check the medicine list on pacjent.gov.pl or in the Ministry of Health announcement; it's updated, so it's worth verifying.
📎 Official sources
- Pacjent.gov.pl · Free medicines for seniors 65+ and children →
- Ministry of Health · Free medicines →
- ISAP · Medicine Reimbursement Act →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can get free medicines?
People who have turned 65, and children and youth under 18. Free medicines are due if the medicine is on the list (the "S" list for seniors or "DZ" for children) and the patient has a diagnosed condition covered by the reimbursement indications. Age alone isn't enough.
How does the free-medicines list work?
It's a list of specific medicines, foodstuffs and medical devices that entitled patients can get for free. The list is part of the Health Minister's reimbursement announcement and is regularly updated. From 1 January 2026 a new list applies, covering thousands of items.
What must be on the prescription for a medicine to be free?
The prescription must bear the relevant entitlement code: "S" for seniors 65+ or "DZ" for children and youth under 18. The code is added by an authorised prescriber, e.g. a GP, paediatrician or nurse. Without it the medicine is dispensed on general terms, with a co-payment.
Is every prescription medicine free for a senior?
No. Only medicines on the relevant list and used in line with the reimbursed indications are free. A medicine off the list or used outside the indication is subject to payment. Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) aren't covered by the free-medicines programme.
Where can I check if my medicine is free?
On pacjent.gov.pl in the free-medicines list and in the Ministry of Health's reimbursement announcement. The simplest is to ask the prescribing doctor to verify whether your medicine is on the current list and whether you meet the indication. The list is updated, so it's worth checking.
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