Healthcare in Hungary

Healthcare in Hungary is financed by the Health Insurance Fund (HIF). Anyone who works in Hungary under a local employment contract is able to make use of free or subsidised medical care in Hungary.

The quality of medical care in Hungary is up to the standards of most western countries. In fact, Hungary is beginning to make its mark as a medical tourism destination. The health care system is popular with Austrians, who frequently cross over to Hungary to get quality medical care at more affordable prices than those they are used to in their home country. Nonetheless, some expats do choose to take out added health insurance, mainly because it allows them access to hospitals with more English-speaking staff.

To make use of the public healthcare system in Hungary expats will need to be employed by a local company under a local employment contract. The healthcare system is available to those who contribute social security via salary deductions. Applying for a health insurance card, known as a Társadalomizosítási Azonosító Jet (TAJ) Card at the local health authority in your residential area, is relatively simple once your work permit is in order.

Citizens from the EU are able to make use of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Hungary. The card gives EU and EEC members access to free or subsidised medical treatment at state facilities in any of the EU member states. EU citizens need to apply for the card in their home country, it is available free of charge. The card has a number of practical benefits, but it is mainly used as a means to access state healthcare in other countries across the EU. Some countries do still charge EHI Card holders for medical treatment, but the cardholder is reimbursed by either their host country, or in their home country. The European Health Insurance Card does not give cardholders access to medical treatment for pre-existing conditions but it does allow for chronic conditions. Therefore it is not a ‘free pass’ for those wishing to engage in medical tourism. The card also does not allow cardholders access to private medical facilities.

Hungarians and EU citizens working in Hungary are able to ensure family members at a cost of HUF 4 500 per person per month. Non-EU residents have to pay an extra HUF 70 000 monthly for a second adult dependant and roughly HUF 20 000 per month for each minor dependant. As with most public health care systems across the world, there are sometimes long waiting periods for non-essential surgery.

Even though TAJ cardholders have access to subsidised medical care and prescription medications, private health insurance does suit some expats better than the public system. A visit to a general doctor at a public hospital will cost approximately HUF 500, while a private dentist charges HUF 15 000 for a consultation.