OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the indirect costs caused by absenteeism associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - (Crohn's disease – CD;  and ulcerative colitis - UC) from the perspective of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in Poland METHODS: The estimates were based on data provided by ZUS referring to year 2013 and concerning absence from work due to the illness (sick leave), the amount of short-term disability, the sufferers of which claim rehabilitation benefit, and the amount of permanent (or long-term) disability, the sufferers of which claim disability pension. Costs were calculated with Human Capital Approach methodology taking into account Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita equaled €10 278. RESULTS: Total indirect costs of CD, UC in the year 2013 calculated using GDP per capita in Poland were €7 817 156 and €8 990 313, respectively. Total indirect costs of IBD in the year 2012 and 2013 in Poland were €14 220 181 and € 16 807 469, respectively (an increase of nearly 15% because of substantial growth short-term disabilities). The highest component of indirect costs of IBD was sick leave (51%). Long and short-term disability costs constitute 39% (limited period – 19% and unlimited period 20%) and 10% of total indirect costs of IBD, respectively. One sick leave of person with IBD generated the cost of lost productivity equal €779 calculated using GDP per capita. Indirect cost of short-term disability for one entitlement to the benefit of rehabilitation were €7 314. Cost of one long-term benefit were much higher than short-term benefit and equaled for limited period €36 714 and unlimited period  €941. Total long-term disability costs amounted €676 651. CONCLUSIONS: IBD in Poland generated high indirect costs. The main component was sick leave; rehabilitation benefit and disability pension generated lower costs of lost productivity.