The healthcare system in Hungary
Hungary has an all-inclusive health system for every tax payer and financed by health insurance contributions and it is free to all who are insured via the National Health Insurance Fund, shortly via the HIF. Healthcare services shall be used at the healthcare provider having a financing contract with health insurance for the given service. Contribution to the HIF can be proven by presenting your social security card (‘TB’-card) which is issued by the state. Patients make co-payments on certain services, including pharmaceuticals, dental care and rehabilitation.
Non-Hungarians who are not insured are only entitled to essential health services free of charge, in the case of an emergency or acute condition. This includes basic services, out-patient services and in-patient treatment. Highly recommended to arrange some kind of travel/health insurance before visiting Hungary.
Patients from member states of the European Union is entitled to ambulant treatment in Hungary. Costs are being reimbursed by their health insurance up to the quantity the same treatment would amount to in their home country. First aid and emergency treatment is free for everyone, including tourists. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in Hungary for emergencies, both at walk-in clinics and at hospitals if they are contracted with the National Health Insurance Fund. Most pharmacies accept the card, although some have been known to refuse it. Highly recommended to arrange some kind of travel/health insurance before visiting Hungary.
Both private system (that works on a treat and then pay basis) and public institutions play an active role in the healthcare system and market. International patients receiving Dental treatments, Cosmetic and Aesthetic treatment, Ophthalmological interventions, Fertility treatments are mainly provided by private clinics but other procedures like Joint Surgery, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmologic operation, Cancer treatment are mainly provided by public health institutions. The private hospitals and dentist surgeries are equipped with state of the art modern technology and facilities, largely due to the influence of the German clients who have been visiting the country for over fifteen years to take advantage of the very competitive prices for their dental and surgery needs. Hungarian dentists and surgeons’ qualifications are internationally acknowledged.
