Getting medical care in a foreign country can be complicated when you don’t speak the local language or know how to access healthcare. You might not know what to do if you need a doctor. Read this guide to public and private healthcare in Hungary to learn about the medical treatment options available to you.

Navigating Healthcare in Hungary

A quick overview of the Hungarian healthcare system

Hungary offers appropriate healthcare for all, including foreign visitors. This includes primary and secondary care as well as emergency services. State-owned medical facilities are generally the most affordable and accessible, but they may not offer the same range of treatments as private providers. Furthermore, public care doesn’t cover specific medications, medical equipment, or additional services. Private clinics and hospitals in Hungary charge at the time of service, but private health insurance may reimburse their costs.

Is healthcare free in Hungary?

Public healthcare in Hungary is state-financed by social security contributions; therefore, it is generally free for Hungarian citizens, foreigners employed by a local company, and students. It’s important to know that this applies only to treatments at public healthcare institutions, and charges may apply for specific medications, medical equipment, or additional services.

Foreigners in Hungary, including tourists, automatically receive emergency first aid care at public facilities. In practice, this means that if a sudden illness or accident occurs, you will receive treatment at a state-owned hospital. However, the treatment will be free for you only if your home country has a special agreement with Hungary. Otherwise, you may be charged for the services you receive.

Do EU citizens have access to free healthcare in Hungary?

EU citizens visiting Hungary are eligible for free treatment at public health institutions with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, this covers only urgent medical care and emergency treatment that can’t wait until you return home, such as acute illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, childbirth, or chronic health conditions. It is not a substitute for travel insurance, as it doesn’t cover specific treatments, like private hospital care or non-emergency services.

How to get medical treatment in Hungary

If you need medical assistance, visit your nearest on-duty public hospital (ügyintézet kórház) or clinic (rendelőintézet). You can find information on the surgossegi.info website. In cases of emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance. The hospital will provide treatment and then send you a bill. Remember to bring your passport and insurance card. You can also access quality care for urgent and acute conditions at various private clinics and hospitals in Budapest, but you’ll need to pay a higher fee for these services.

Why choose private medical treatment in Hungary?

Benefits of private healthcare in Hungary

Hungary has many high-quality private medical facilities, and locals often choose to receive treatment there rather than through the state system. Many foreigners also prefer the private sector in Budapest, the capital. In Budapest, various private institutions offer both outpatient and inpatient care. They offer shorter wait times, a wider range of specialists, and state-of-the-art facilities. However, the options are much more limited if you seek English-speaking medical help.

When choosing your healthcare provider, consider the following key factors:

Find a doctor you trust

Under public healthcare, referrals restrict you to specific local healthcare providers. Private clinics offer greater flexibility, allowing you to choose the physician you trust. At FirstMed, we offer English-speaking doctors across 20+ specialties, along with in-house diagnostic screenings for adults and children. This allows us to serve as a one-stop shop for patients with diverse medical needs.

Minimize waiting time

Waiting can cost you time and delay important diagnoses or treatments. In Hungary, patients often deal with long waitlists at public healthcare providers. Meanwhile, private healthcare providers can schedule appointments much more quickly. In 2022, patients waited an average of 8 days for a doctor’s appointment at private clinics, compared to 30 days in the public sector.

Even if you have an appointment at a public health center, there is no guarantee you will be seen on time. In public healthcare, you might wait 25 minutes for an average treatment of 13 minutes. Patients at private clinics are usually seen and treated within 10 minutes, compared with 20-minute waits for the same care at public institutions.

Break down language barriers

Clear communication of symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. In Hungary’s public and private hospitals, there are few doctors who speak English. At FirstMed, every staff member is fluent in English, making it easy to discuss concerns, book appointments, and understand complex medical information. If English is not your first language, our multilingual doctors will make sure you feel comfortable during your visits.

Modern facilities

Government-owned medical institutions are generally well-equipped, but some may not be as modern as private clinics. Private healthcare providers in Budapest tend to invest in the latest technology, resulting in improved patient care. At FirstMed, we are committed to providing high-quality facilities and treatments using the most current medical equipment.

Control your medical costs

Leverage your private health insurance

Although private healthcare can be costly, options exist to reduce these expenses. Private medical insurance can help cover the medical expenses of foreigners staying in Budapest. Many people are surprised to learn that private health insurance can be used outside their home country. If you have an international plan, it may cover some or all of your medical expenses in Hungary. A private provider like FirstMed can seamlessly coordinate your high-quality medical care, and your private health insurance may even cover the full cost, depending on your policy terms.

At FirstMed Budapest, we have concluded direct billing agreements with over 110 private insurance providers. That means we can submit your claim directly to your insurance company if your plan includes this option and covers the medical service you received. So you may leave the clinic without needing to open your wallet! If we cannot accept your insurance, we will provide the necessary paperwork so you can file a claim yourself.

Avail special offers

For those without private health insurance or with high copays or deductibles, FirstMed offers cost-effective healthcare plans for long-term stays in Hungary. These provide access to high-quality medical care from English-speaking doctors, including special packages for expectant mothers and their newborns.

Summary

Navigating health care in a foreign land can be challenging, and language barriers make it even more difficult. However, with FirstMed, you’re in safe hands. Our full-service, English-speaking clinic is here to ensure your health needs are comprehensively met while you’re in Hungary. We want you to feel comfortable and safe, regardless of the medical situation.

Book an appointment with us today, and feel the FirstMed difference!

Published on: September 30, 2022

Last updated: August 13, 2023