Healthcare in Hungary

The quality of healthcare in Hungary is up to the standards of most Western countries. This, combined with the relatively low cost of medical treatment in the country, has made Hungary a burgeoning medical tourism destination.

Healthcare in Hungary is financed by the Health Insurance Fund (HIF), which allows access to various treatments in public hospitals. The HIF is funded by the state and public contributions. 

Public healthcare in Hungary

Although treatment is generally excellent, public healthcare services in Hungary still have their fair share of challenges. Doctors in the public sector are not well paid, and many of the best physicians opt to work in the private sector instead.

This has led to the public sector being understaffed and overburdened, so waiting times for non-essential surgery can be long. In rural areas, finding English-speaking medical staff in public hospitals can be more challenging. Issues like limited diagnostic equipment and hospitals being understaffed are also particularly pronounced in rural areas. 

Useful links

• Ministry of the Interior
• National Public Health Centre

Private healthcare in Hungary

Although the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK) grants access to subsidised or free medical care and prescription medications, some expats still prefer private health insurance and treatment. This allows them admission to private hospitals with shorter waiting times and usually more English-speaking staff than in public hospitals.

Hungary's combination of affordability and technical prowess in the private sector has led to its rise as a popular medical tourism destination. Dental, cosmetic, eye and joint surgery and rehabilitative practices are all popular.

Health insurance in Hungary

If you are studying or working in Hungary, mandatory contributions cover you under the NEAK. Applying for a health insurance card, known as a Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jelet (TAJ) Card, at the local health authority in your residential area is relatively simple once a work permit is in order.

Once you have your TAJ Card, you must register with a local general practitioner. All foreigners, including tourists, are automatically covered for first aid and emergency treatment in Hungary.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during a short-term visit. UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit. 

The card does not give cardholders access to medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, but covers chronic conditions. Travelling to another country for the sole purpose of medical treatment (i.e. medical tourism) is also not covered by the EHIC. Therefore, private health insurance is necessary for those visiting Hungary for medical tourism purposes.

Working in Hungary
Work Permits in Hungary

Useful links

• NEAK

Pharmacies and medication in Hungary

Hungary has a large pharmaceutical industry. As a result, medications are plentiful, and the country has a high concentration of pharmacies. 

Pharmacies in the public sector provide subsidised prescription medication, so while patients must contribute, the fee is generally nominal. Pharmacies in the country are easily identifiable with their green cross and the word 'Gyógyszertár'. Emergency pharmacies (ügyeletes gyógyszertár) are marked for night and weekend service. 

Vaccinations for Hungary

There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Hungary, but there are several recommended vaccines, including the Covid-19 vaccine. Some recommended vaccines include: 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Polio
• Influenza
• Pneumonia 
• Meningitis 

Those who will be travelling to western and northern Hungary should consider getting a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, as ticks are prevalent in these areas. Chickenpox and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) are also recommended. 

Emergency services in Hungary

Emergency services are largely adequate in Hungary – they usually arrive on the scene within 15 minutes of receiving a call. There will typically be someone who speaks English on staff at the main emergency call centre to handle calls. Otherwise, expats can dial the EU emergency line on 112.

Emergency numbers:

• Ambulance: 104
• Police: 107
• Fire department: 105
• EU emergency line: 112