Places by lakes are often chosen as destinations for weekend or holiday trips. When combined with spa treatment, it results in a truly beneficial stay. But can we expect a refund from the National Health Fund (NFZ) in this case? It turns out that the matter is complex.
Referral to a sanatorium and the choice of facility. Can you choose a sanatorium with NFZ in 2024?
As explained by the prawo.pl portal, new regulations were supposed to come into force in 2024, allowing patients to decide, either alone or with a doctor, where their spa treatment would take place. However, these changes were ultimately not implemented, meaning we cannot choose the facility ourselves. After receiving a referral to a sanatorium, the place and time of treatment will be determined based on our individual health needs and availability at the various centers. Although it is possible to suggest a specific spa, the final decision is made by the NFZ branch.
It is different in the case of a private stay at a sanatorium. In this case, we do not even need a doctor's referral, and the place and time of treatment are entirely up to our preferences. Of course, this comes with higher costs. Regardless of which type of sanatorium trip we choose, it is worth considering two lakeside centers that have very positive reviews. Perhaps the treatments they offer will match our needs, and we can benefit from NFZ.
Rehabilitation stays by the lake. These spas are loved by patients
The first highly regarded sanatorium is the palace in Płazy. Interestingly, the center is located in a 19th-century neo-Renaissance palace by Lake Niesłysz, adding a unique charm to the stay. The facility is distinguished by its high standard of services and beautiful natural surroundings. A stay at the palace in Płazy is especially recommended for patients with upper respiratory tract diseases, but it also treats the circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, epilepsy, diabetes, and neurological diseases. "Wprost" recalls that until March 2023, as many as 250 people could receive free treatment there. Although the program has ended, it may return in the future.
The Kamień Pomorski Health Resort is also very popular, where patients have been receiving spa treatment and rehabilitation for over 50 years. The center specializes in treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system and circulatory system, rheumatic, neurological diseases, as well as early cardiac, orthopedic rehabilitation, and post-mastectomy rehabilitation. Among the available facilities, the historic Mieszko Spa Hospital from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries stands out. Also worth noting are the picturesque spa sanatorium in Augustów and the one located in Polańczyk.
