Atypical and fungal pneumonia occur less frequently than typical pneumonia. However, its potentially severe course, possible complications, and difficult diagnosis may be challenging for a physician. Treatment with β-lactam antibiotic will not lead to recovery. None of the regimens of empiric antibiotic therapy advised in community- or hospital-acquired pneumonia are therapeutic in a disease of fungal etiology. Palliative care patients are at higher risk of pneumonia than the general population, while impaired immunity together with structural changes in lungs predispose to infection with atypical flora. The following article presents information concerning routes of infection, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of atypical and fungal pneumonia useful in palliative medicine practice.