The latest Provident Barometer study presents a mixed picture of the health condition of Poles at the start of 2026. On the one hand, preventive discipline remains relatively strong, with more than 67% of respondents having undergone medical check-ups in the past year. On the other hand, well-being is increasingly undermined by stress and financial pressure. For nearly one in three respondents (32%), financial issues are the main factor negatively affecting health and overall well-being, ahead of a fast-paced lifestyle (24%) and lack of physical activity (22.2%). In response to these challenges, Poles plan to save more over the coming year and to develop better stress-management skills.
Data from the Provident Barometer show that 67.3% of respondents found time in the past year for basic preventive examinations. Seniors lead in responsible health behavior: more than 85% of people aged 65 and over underwent medical check-ups in the past twelve months. In contrast, among the youngest adults aged 18–24, as many as 15.3% do not undergo preventive tests at all—the highest proportion among all age groups.
“On the one hand, it is encouraging to see the high level of awareness among seniors, who set an excellent example for younger generations. On the other, the attitude of the youngest adults is worrying, as they often see no need for prevention until the first symptoms appear. It is worth emphasizing that regular, basic examinations are not only a response to illness but, above all, a way to stay in control of one’s health and avoid more serious problems in the future,” says Karolina Łuczak, Press Spokesperson for Provident Polska.
Stress and finances: the main barriers to well-being
What affects well-being most negatively? The Provident Barometer points clearly to high stress levels (37.5%) and financial situation (32%). These factors outweigh even a fast pace of life (24%) and a sedentary lifestyle (22%). Particularly striking are the results for Generation Z (aged 18–24), for whom stress is the dominant burden—indicated by more than 59% of respondents in this group. Seniors, meanwhile, more often than other age groups point to geopolitical instability as a key concern (35.4%).
Economic barriers and the insurance paradox
For many Poles, costs remain a significant obstacle to taking care of their health. 16.3% of respondents admitted that in the past year they had given up a doctor’s visit for financial reasons, while nearly 13% did not fill a prescription due to cost. A sense of financial security in the face of sudden medical expenses is very low—only just under 6% of Poles declare that they are fully prepared for such costs. At the same time, a clear majority (61.8%) do not have any additional private health insurance.
“Our findings reveal a certain paradox. Although most people feel financially unprepared for unexpected medical expenses, they still rarely opt for additional health insurance. Such policies are often perceived as unnecessary costs, even though their price can be lower than a single private specialist visit. In a crisis, the lack of adequate coverage may place the greatest strain on household budgets and generate additional stress,” comments Karolina Łuczak.
For Poles, the main sources of health-related information remain medical professionals (43.6%) and professional medical portals (25.4%). At the same time, the Provident Barometer shows that a significant share of respondents seek support from less formal sources. One in three respondents (33.3%) admits to using general internet resources for an initial assessment of their health condition. Meanwhile, 13.5% of respondents declare using artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT or Gemini) as a source of medical information. This trend is strongest among the youngest adults (18–24), where nearly one in four people (24.9%) treats AI as a tool supporting health self-diagnosis.
Financial pessimism encourages saving
As they enter the new year, Poles are clearly divided over expectations for improvements in their financial situation. According to the Provident Barometer, 34% of respondents express moderate optimism and expect positive changes in their finances. However, pessimism prevails—almost 49% do not believe their financial situation will improve. These differences are particularly visible across age groups. The most optimistic are young people: 53% of those aged 18–24 expect improvement, while among those aged 25–34 the figure rises to nearly 60%. Sentiment among seniors is markedly different. In the 65+ group, 72% assess the chances of improvement negatively, and none of the respondents expressed strong confidence in better financial prospects.
This lack of optimism directly translates into declared budget discipline. Nearly half of respondents (47.6%) plan to increase their savings, with the strongest determination seen among the youngest group (77.4% of those aged 18–24). Those planning to save intend to do so mainly by reducing spending on eating out (50.8%), everyday purchases including groceries (38%), clothing and footwear (36%), and entertainment (30.5%).
At the same time as tightening their belts, Poles want to invest more in mental health. One of the main personal development goals for the coming year is learning how to cope with stress and practicing relaxation techniques. This need is declared by 28.7% of all respondents, but the figure is significantly higher among Generation Z (39.7%) and millennials (38.8%). This is a clear signal that amid uncertainty surrounding external economic conditions, Poles are seeking stability internally—through better self-care and more effective management of their personal resources.
About the study
The Provident Barometer is a recurring survey of Poles designed to better understand consumer financial behavior and decision-making. The study was conducted by Danae sp. z o.o. using the CAWI method on a sample of 1,001 adult Poles in December 2025.
Source: CEO.com.pl
