In Hungary, navigating health insurance coverage can be complex, especially for certain categories of foreign workers. According to the Social Insurance Act (Act CXXII of 2019), specific groups of individuals may not be covered by the Hungarian health care system under particular circumstances.
One such group includes foreign nationals affiliated with diplomatic missions or consular posts of foreign states accredited to Hungary. This category encompasses diplomatic staff, their domestic workers, and family members residing in the same household, provided they are covered by the social security system of their sending state or another country.
Similarly, officials of international organizations, along with their family members living with them, may be exempt from Hungarian health insurance if covered by their organization’s social security scheme under an international treaty.
Members of the European Parliament and individuals specified under Article 1/B of the Income Tax Act also fall under this exemption.
Additionally, the law outlines exclusions for certain employment relationships. For instance, foreign nationals employed in Hungary by non-Hungarian employers, typically in temporary roles not exceeding two years, may not be covered. The same applies to individuals in student employment or specific work-for-remuneration contracts.
The distinction lies in the scope of coverage. Those falling under Paragraph 17(1) are not covered by Hungarian insurance upon establishing any employment relationship in Hungary. Conversely, those under Paragraph 17(2) are not solely exempt from insurance obligations in their current employment but may face these obligations if entering into subsequent employment arrangements.
For example, a staff member of an international organization venturing into additional contractual engagements, such as partnership, may find themselves excluded from Hungarian health insurance coverage. While this exemption might initially seem advantageous in terms of contribution payments, it could also mean limited access to quality health care compared to Hungarian insurance.
Access to comprehensive Hungarian health care services primarily hinges on agreements specified in the law (Tbj. Section 49). However, such arrangements come at a notably higher monthly cost compared to standard health service contributions.
It’s essential to note that exclusions from Hungarian health insurance do not automatically guarantee access to equivalent health services elsewhere. This nuanced understanding underscores the importance of carefully evaluating health care coverage options when engaging in employment or contractual relationships within Hungary.
The implications of these exclusions extend beyond mere administrative procedures. They can significantly impact individuals’ access to health services and necessitate informed decision-making regarding insurance coverage and health care provisions while living and working in Hungary.
If you have any questions regarding the above-described matters, please feel free to contact our colleagues, who can provide expert assistance with confidence.