Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary offers universal healthcare to its entire population, including expats, as long as they are paying taxes and contributing to the system. Funded through taxes, payroll contributions and co-pays, the healthcare system is administered by the National Insurance Fund (NEAK).

The quality of healthcare in public healthcare facilities is generally good with well-trained staff, a range of services, and a plentiful supply of hospitals & clinics available. With a system that is 100% free for many citizens and covers many forms of treatment, the worry of large healthcare expenses is often removed. However, not all treatments are covered by the public system. Where they aren’t, they are heavily subsidised. As a result, waiting times in public healthcare facilities can be long, and the further you move from cities and large towns, the waiting times rise significantly, with standards going the opposite way. Staff shortages are also common, with many underpaid medical professionals moving to the private sector thanks to better pay and working conditions.

To register for public healthcare services in Hungary as an expat is simple.  If you are legally working or studying in Hungary, visit your local NEAK office with your passport, residency permit, address card, and work contract. You’ll then be issued a TAJ Kartya (National Insurance Card) and health insurance number. If you are a British citizen, thanks to a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you will be entitled to free healthcare in Hungary with a GHIC for temporary stays or by taking an S1 form to the local NEAK office to receive your TAJ card. Suppose you have moved to Hungary from outside the EU. In that case, you can voluntarily enrol in the public healthcare system by paying a monthly fee. However, if your home country has a social security agreement with Hungary, you can register with NEAK the same way as other expats do.

Expats should not have a problem accessing public healthcare in Hungary, but there is a clear difference between what you experience in Budapest and what you experience in rural areas. Overcrowding, fewer services, and the language barrier are just a few reasons many consider private coverage.

Private healthcare in Hungary is of a high standard and is often taken by Hungarian residents alongside the public healthcare they receive free of charge. With enhanced facilities, a greater level of patient comfort and significantly shorter waiting times compared to those in public facilities, it is no surprise that approximately 40% of the country choose private healthcare.

The costs of private healthcare vary depending on the treatment required. A GP appointment could cost 10,000 HUF to 20,000 HUF (£25-£45), whereas a consultation with a specialist could easily cost double that. More advanced care, including surgery, can soon run into hundreds of thousands of Hungarian Forints, which, while cheaper than in the USA and many European countries, will still be a significant sum. Costs are further increased if overnight stays or specialist care are required. Because of these high costs, many expats secure a comprehensive private medical insurance plan. Throughout Hungary, there are several notable private healthcare facilities. Robert Private Hospital specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology, while also providing general surgery treatments. Duna Medical Center in Budapest is equipped with internationally recognised specialists and provides a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostics and surgery. The FirstMed Centers around the country are also highly regarded, with the one in Hattuhaz in particular singled out for its English-speaking staff and focus on high standards.

Health insurance in Hungary is mandatory for expats, either through the public system or private coverage. Whilst the public system provides free and extremely low-cost care of a good standard, exemptions or a lack of eligibility mean it isn’t always the most suitable option. This leaves private facilities as the only option, and as we have seen, the costs can quickly get excessive. Without appropriate coverage, these expenses will all be out of pocket.

Expats have three health insurance options to choose from. The public system, a local private plan or a comprehensive international health insurance plan. Of course, public healthcare is the cheapest option, but it may come with some limitations. A local plan is the cheapest of the private plans available and can be found throughout Hungary with various providers. Coverage is comprehensive but can be limited and can only be used in the country. An international plan, on the other hand, allows expats to receive care in Hungary and abroad. Particularly beneficial if you travel often or require specialist treatment not available in the country.

Private plans will typically cover hospital stays, surgery, emergency care, consultations and advanced dental care. However, many take these policies for the additional treatments they offer, such as optical care, cosmetic surgery and rehabilitative practices. Some policies may not be as inclusive and will have exclusions in place, so it is always worth checking in advance. Pre-existing conditions, for example, are frequently excluded from any policy.

The cost of a private healthcare insurance policy in Hungary varies. Many factors are taken into consideration, such as age, medical history and level of coverage required. As a result, there is no “one size fits all” for health insurance costs. Estimated costs mean you might pay 1,187602 HUF per year ($3500/ £2600) for an individual plan and a little under three times that amount for a family plan. You’ll find private health insurance through specialist providers or brokers and in some cases, as part of your employment contract.

In public hospitals, it may be hard to find English-speaking staff, but it is certainly not impossible. Semmelweis University Clinics in Budapest, for example, is the country’s most prestigious public hospital and has many English-speaking staff members within its team. Other city-based hospitals may also have English-speaking staff, but it will be noticeable that the further you move from these locations, the less evident this will be.

In private hospitals, it’s considerably different. Many have bilingual or multilingual staff, and in some cases, provide an interpreter where needed.

There are many great hospitals throughout Hungary. In the public sector, Semmelweis University Clinics, the National Institute of Cardiology, and Honvedkorhaz are renowned for excellent levels of care and providing a range of treatments. In the private sector, Dr Rose Private Hospital, the Swiss Clinic and the Medicover facilities are all well-regarded for the services they provide.

Hospitals throughout Hungary provide a wide range of services, with some specialising in certain areas of care. In both private and public hospitals, you can expect emergency care, maternity services, general surgery and diagnostics. Within private facilities, the treatment offering is enhanced with same-day procedures (in some cases) and specialist departments for specific conditions.

To be admitted to a hospital in Hungary, a doctor’s referral will normally be required. In the public system, this could mean a long wait until treatment is booked. However, in the event of an emergency, both public and private facilities will accept walk-ins and provide immediate care after triage. If you have private healthcare, you can book an appointment at the hospital in advance, and following a consultation, be given the treatment options available to you. If you accept the treatment proposal, admission is normally within just a few days.

Public healthcare in Hungary is free or heavily subsidised, making it affordable for most of the population. Private healthcare, on the other hand, comes at a cost but is significantly cheaper than what is found in the UK, USA, and much of Europe. For example, a hip replacement in Hungary may cost approximately $5,000, whereas in the USA it can exceed $50,000. It is reasons such as this that make Hungary so popular with “medical tourists.”

At the lower end of the scale, A GP check-up can cost anything from 14,200 HUF (£35/$50) to as much as 58,000 HUF (£150/$200). Across the board, the cost of healthcare in private hospitals is seen as cheap when compared to other nations, but it is still a cost many would prefer to avoid, further enforcing the need for appropriate health insurance.

Public hospitals in Hungary are of a good standard, but the disparity between regions is evident. Many hospitals, especially in rural areas, are crowded and noisy, with some offering limited services. Rooms are shared, and facilities can be short-staffed, leading to an uncomfortable and stressful stay for patients. In comparison, the private hospitals across Hungary offer private rooms and hotel-like features. Guest sleeping areas, modern equipment and larger spaces make for a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Most private hospitals in Hungary will accept your international healthcare plan. In some cases, you’ll need to present your ID and insurance information upon admission. You then sign an agreement for direct billing or pay first and claim later. Check your policy in advance, as some insurers require pre-authorisation before any surgery or long-term stays.

Hungary is a relatively safe country in terms of health risks. Visitors are recommended to ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. These would include MMR and DTP.

Rabies and tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations, whilst not required, are recommended for some visitors.

As health advice can change quickly, you should seek guidance from your GP approximately 6-8 weeks before you travel. That way, you can receive the necessary vaccinations and benefit from the most up-to-date advice.

Hungary is a safe country with only minor health concerns for you to be aware of. Illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 can be common, and appropriate measures should be taken against TBE if you live or work in forested or rural areas. In the summer months, Hungary can be very warm, so visitors should take measures to limit their exposure to the sun. You may also notice, especially in Budapest or industrial areas, that air pollution is far more prominent than you are used to. As a result, outside activity may be best enjoyed when particulate levels are low.