How refugees abroad can undergo a functional health assessment without returning to Ukraine
For Ukrainian refugees who were forced to leave the country because of the war, the issue of their own health is particularly acute. Changing the place of residence did not eliminate the need for medical support, but in many cases made health care even more urgent. Elderly people, patients with chronic diseases or those who have persistent limitations in everyday life are faced with the question: how to get state support if returning to Ukraine is impossible or undesirable? The answer was the reform of the system of medical and social examination: now it is possible to pass a functional assessment of the state of health remotely – from another country.
What is a functional health assessment and why is it needed?
Functional assessment is a new model of determining disability, which is based not only on a medical diagnosis, but on a person’s ability to perform everyday activities: moving independently, caring for oneself, interacting with others, working, studying, etc. This approach makes it possible to more accurately and objectively assess a person’s needs and determine the level of his functional capacity. This is especially important for Ukrainians abroad, because, despite the change in the country of residence, limitations in life remain — and, therefore, there is a need to obtain disability status or social guarantees from the state.
Thanks to the reform, Ukrainians outside the country are now able to submit an application for functional assessment remotely — without the need to be physically present in Ukrainian hospitals or medical and social commissions. This means that even those who cannot return due to security, old age or health reasons can protect their rights.
How is the functional assessment for Ukrainians abroad
In 2025, a reform was launched in Ukraine that opened up new opportunities for such people: now it is possible to undergo a functional health assessment without returning to Ukraine. It’s not just a matter of changing the procedure — it’s a new philosophy of assessing a person’s condition, which takes into account not only medical papers, but first of all, the real impact of the disease on everyday life.
The mechanism depends on the country in which the applicant is located. If a person lives in a state with which Ukraine has valid agreements in the field of social protection (in particular, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and some other EU countries), the procedure is significantly simplified. An authorized institution of the host country (local medical or social service) helps to collect all the necessary package of documents. These materials are transferred to the Pension Fund of Ukraine, and then to the Ukrainian Functional Assessment Center. There, if necessary, documents are translated into Ukrainian, after which a special commission decides on the applicant’s status and determines his needs.
If a person is in a country with which there is no such agreement, he can still exercise the right to a functional assessment, but he must be more proactive. The applicant needs to independently collect confirmation of his condition: statements, medical certificates, examination results and specialists’ conclusions. These documents must be translated into Ukrainian, preferably through the consulate, which certifies the translation free of charge. After that, the documents are sent to the Ukrainian medical institution or directly to the doctor who forms a referral for functional assessment.
At the same time, personal presence is not mandatory. If the package of documents is sufficiently informative and meets all the requirements, the evaluation can be carried out in absentia. In cases where the commission needs additional information or considers it necessary to see the patient, telemedicine is used. A person goes on a video call with experts who can clarify the necessary details. This is especially convenient for those who have limited mobility or cannot come to the medical facility for other reasons.
What you need to know and prepare before the assessment
The most important thing is quality medical documentation. It should not just fix the diagnosis, but reflect in detail how exactly the disease or injury affects a person’s ability to lead an independent life. Medical reports must contain specific descriptions of impairments in mobility, cognitive functions, self-care, communication, professional or household activities.
If a person already has a valid MSEK certificate (received before 2025), it remains valid until the end of the term specified in the document. Re-evaluation is required only if the health condition has deteriorated or the certificate has expired.
Where to turn for help and advice
First of all, you should contact the Ukrainian consulate in the country of residence. They will provide up-to-date information about the procedure, help with the translation of documents, and, if necessary, contact the relevant medical institution in Ukraine. Consulates also play an important role in ensuring communication between Ukrainian citizens and state institutions.
The functional health assessment procedure for Ukrainians abroad is part of a new state policy focused on respect for human dignity and real needs. Thanks to remote tools, international agreements and the possibility of interaction through telemedicine, Ukrainians outside the country are not alone with their problems. The main thing is to use the right in time, collect a complete package of documents and apply for help. Timely and competent preparation is the key to getting support even in the new realities of life.
