A workplace accident can result not only in health problems but also in a temporary or permanent inability to work. People covered by accident insurance in Poland may be entitled to financial benefits paid by the Social Insurance Institution, known as ZUS.
Employees and contractors should know that the accident insurance contribution is not deducted from their salary. It is fully financed by the contribution payer, usually the employer or contracting company.
Accident insurance benefits are available primarily when an inability to work, permanent health damage or death results from a workplace accident or an occupational disease.
Sickness allowance after a workplace accident
Sickness allowance is available when a person receives medical leave because they are unable to work due to a workplace accident or occupational disease.
Unlike standard sickness benefits, the accident insurance sickness allowance is payable:
- from the first day of incapacity for work,
- without a qualifying waiting period,
- at 100% of the benefit assessment basis.
It is generally payable for up to 182 days. When the incapacity for work occurs during pregnancy, the benefit period may last up to 270 days.
Rehabilitation benefit
A rehabilitation benefit may be granted when the insured person has used the full sickness allowance period but is still unable to work.
There must be a reasonable expectation that further treatment or rehabilitation will restore the person’s ability to work.
The benefit may be granted for the period necessary to recover, but no longer than 12 months. When the incapacity results from a workplace accident or occupational disease, the rehabilitation benefit amounts to 100% of the sickness allowance assessment basis.
The application should preferably be submitted at least six weeks before the sickness allowance period ends.
Compensatory allowance
The compensatory allowance is available only to employees working under an employment contract.
It may be granted when an employee’s salary has been reduced because they are undergoing vocational rehabilitation. This may happen when a person needs to adapt to a different position or learn a new type of work after an accident.
The allowance compensates for the difference between the employee’s previous average salary and the reduced salary received during vocational rehabilitation.
One-off compensation from ZUS
One-off compensation may be granted when a workplace accident or occupational disease causes permanent or long-term damage to health.
Permanent damage means that the impairment is not expected to improve. Long-term damage is an impairment lasting more than six months where recovery may still be possible.
ZUS normally assesses the percentage of health damage after treatment and rehabilitation have been completed.
From 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2027, the compensation rate is PLN 1,781 for each percentage point of permanent or long-term health damage.
For example, if a ZUS medical examiner determines a 10% health impairment, the basic compensation amount will be PLN 17,810.
The application should include medical records, an accident report or accident card and the OL-9 medical certificate.
Accident-related disability pension
An accident-related disability pension may be granted when ZUS determines that a person is partially or completely unable to work because of a workplace accident or occupational disease.
The inability to work may be temporary or permanent. The decision is based on an assessment by a ZUS medical examiner or medical commission.
When a person can no longer perform their previous occupation but may return to employment after retraining, ZUS may also grant a training pension.
Other accident insurance benefits
Depending on the circumstances, accident insurance may also provide:
- a survivor’s pension for eligible family members,
- a nursing supplement,
- a supplement for a fully orphaned child,
- coverage of certain dental treatment costs,
- coverage of preventive vaccination costs,
- financing of orthopaedic equipment.
Eligible family members may also apply for one-off compensation when an insured person dies as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease.
How should a workplace accident be reported?
The accident should be reported to the employer or other responsible entity as soon as possible.
For employees, the employer’s accident investigation team prepares an official workplace accident report. For other insured persons, including certain contractors, an accident card may be prepared.
The injured person should keep:
- medical documentation,
- hospital discharge records,
- test results,
- witness details,
- photographs of the accident scene,
- a copy of the accident report or accident card.
These documents may be essential when applying for sickness benefits, compensation or a pension.
When may ZUS refuse to pay accident benefits?
Benefits may be refused when the sole cause of the accident was a proven intentional breach of health and safety rules or gross negligence by the insured person.
ZUS may also refuse benefits when the insured person significantly contributed to the accident while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or psychotropic substances.
Summary
Accident insurance in Poland may provide important financial protection after a workplace accident or occupational disease. Depending on the consequences, the injured person may receive sickness allowance, a rehabilitation benefit, a disability pension or one-off compensation.
Reporting the accident immediately and collecting complete medical and accident documentation can significantly affect the benefit application.
Legal status and one-off compensation rate: July 2026.
