For those coming from outside the European Union who wish to settle in Hungary, access to healthcare services can be an important question. Both the state healthcare system and the primary care system offered by private insurers are available for choice.
A significant difference between the two is that private hospitals are only authorized to provide primary care (including surgeries involving a one-day hospital stay), while more complex treatments are exclusively available in state institutions. Private hospitals offer services that are nearly world-class, which can be accessed either by a one-time payment or a monthly insurance fee, whereas the state service falls significantly below the standard commonly expected in Europe.
Foreigners residing in Hungary can access state healthcare services through a separate contract. Those with employment in the country do not need to take this option. However, it is worth considering state services alongside or instead of market-based insurance systems for those staying without employment in Hungary, albeit with the understanding that the quality of state healthcare in Hungary is considerably lower than the European average.
Individuals who do not have at least one year of Hungarian residency can enter into a healthcare service agreement. This group includes individuals temporarily residing in Hungary, foreign students, or foreign performers who are not covered by Hungarian social security during their short stay in Hungary. This agreement can be made for oneself and one’s cohabiting child. Additionally, a foreign national studying at an educational institution in Hungary in full-time education can also enter into a healthcare service agreement.
The agreement must include personal details (name, address), the basis or amount of the contribution to be paid, and the date of the contract. It is important to clarify the individual’s health status when making the agreement, including chronic or pre-existing illnesses, and related conditions or groups of conditions, and healthcare services that the agreement will not cover. The individual must present proof of identity, residence, or accommodation, and in the case of foreign nationals, a residence permit issued by the immigration authority. Exceptions include a residence permit for medical treatment purposes and a small border traffic permit.
The agreement can be made at the relevant government office. To conclude the agreement, proof of identity is required (identity card or valid passport, driver’s license in card format, residence, accommodation, or accommodation documents). For foreign nationals, a residence permit issued by the immigration authority (except for a residence permit for medical treatment purposes or a small border traffic permit). For full-time students, a certificate of enrollment. A health status assessment questionnaire is also required.
The healthcare service agreement cannot cover healthcare services related to pre-existing conditions at the time of the contract.
The monthly contribution for those under 18 years old or full-time students is HUF 80,040 in 2024, while for those over 18, the monthly fee is HUF 133,400 in 2024.
During the first 24 months of the agreement, the beneficiary is only entitled to emergency care unless the contribution is paid in full for 24 months at the time of the agreement. For adults, the total amount for 24 months is HUF 3,201,600, while for students or children under 18, it is HUF 1,920,960.
Individuals entering into the agreement are not entitled to foreign medical treatment (including cross-border healthcare services), and dental care can only be accessed on a limited basis. They cannot be placed on the transplant waiting list.
Before entering into the agreement, one must undergo a general internal medicine examination, an extensive laboratory test (including HIV, HCV, HBV tests), a chest X-ray, and an ophthalmology examination. The examinations required for the initial health assessment are subject to a fee.
If you need further information regarding health insurance in Hungary, please contact our staff, who will be happy to provide you with the details.
Please note that this article was written in September 2024, so its validity and relevance may not be guaranteed in the future. The above does not constitute tax or social security advice and is for informational purposes only.
