15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Hungary

"Ask what the capabilities are. Ask for costs up front. If possible don't ask for a "formal bill" as this will increase your out of pocket substantially," said one expat living in Fonyod.

"Healthcare services in Hungary are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Expats in Hungary can use the public healthcare system, but they must first register with the local government office and obtain a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the public healthcare system and receive the same level of care as Hungarian citizens. Expats can also opt to use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but may offer more comprehensive coverage," mentioned one expat in Hungary.

"There may not be the same new offices but the quality of care is as good if not better than in the USA. Had several surgeries (hip replacement, cataract, breast, hernia) with excellent care, all included in the insurance, after care in a rehab center as I live alone with no help - all included. People are people - sometimes they have a bad day - so do I. You live in the real world," wrote one expat.

"In Hungary, medical services are generally of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a network of primary care clinics and specialist medical centers. The quality of care is generally good, with a focus on preventive medicine and patient-centered care. Hungary also has a number of highly-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals," commented one expat who moved to Hungary.

"I worked for an International Organization here in Hungary for 6 years and have since retired, staying in Hungary. I am not yet eligible for national healthcare so I purchased a doctor policy from the clinic where I go (English speaking doctors) and I also purchased a separate hospitalization policy. All together this costs less than $150 a month and there are cheaper plans if you need to limit the number of doctor visits. Note, this does not include the cost of medication, but since I am not on any regular medicine, it isn't an issue. But, when I do need a prescription, I find that it is very inexpensive. Of course, there are more expensive health insurance plans out there, but I find that what I have works very well for me," commented one expat who moved to Hungary.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Hungary can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Public healthcare is generally more affordable than private healthcare, but it may not cover all medical needs. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," said one expat.

"I do have health insurance back in the US. However I discovered that if I ask for an "official" bill (understand one with the required AFA/VAT) then the price jumps disproportionately. Give you an example; I had a toothache and a little swelling. I found out which local dentist had an x-ray. He took an x-ray, relieved the swelling, prescribed antibiotics and recommended a root canal which he didn't do. The price was 10,000 forints (very cheap compared to the US). Figuring that I could file with my insurance company in the US, I asked for a "bill"! Big mistake; the price instantly chanced to 17,000 forints. So now for minor stuff I pay out of pocket," remarked one expat in Fonyod.

"Emergency services in Hungary are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the national emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. The operator will ask for the caller's location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene," said one expat.

"In my case the major medical facility is about 36 to 41 km (Siofok or Kaposvar). Emergency services are slow compared to the US and not so sure about the ambulance medic's qualifications but I tend to think it is less than in the US! Although some ambulances in Hungary actually may have a physician on it but I don't know what the criteria are..," remarked one expat in Fonyod.

"Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of world-class hospitals and clinics, including the Semmelweis University Medical Center, which is one of the leading medical institutions in the country. Other cities in Hungary with a good selection of medical specialists include Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs. Additionally, the towns of Gy?r and Sopron are known for their excellent medical facilities," commented one expat living in Hungary.

"There is a local clinic and they will prescribe you pretty much all routine medication (blood pressure, cholesterol etc.) if you ask them. I used to take my bottle from the US with me but I realized it was not necessary," said one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Hungary. Most medications are available in pharmacies, and some are available over the counter. Prescription medications are regulated by the Hungarian government, and must be prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. In addition, some medications may require special authorization from the government before they can be purchased," remarked one expat in Hungary.

"We are fortunate to live nearby to a hospital. Generally, medical care is cheap in Hungary," said one expat living in Budapest.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Hungary are of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of modern medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Hungary is home to some of the best medical universities in Europe, and the country is known for its excellent medical research and development. The Hungarian government also provides free or low-cost healthcare to its citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to quality medical care," mentioned one expat in Hungary.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Hungary, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of care is generally good, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The system is divided into primary care, specialist care, and hospital care, with a wide range of services available in each area. The public healthcare system is generally well-regarded and is considered to be one of the best in Europe," remarked one expat in Hungary.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Hungary. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of non-essential services and the introduction of a curfew. Healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to provide care to those affected by the virus, and the government has provided additional resources to support them. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Hungary has been able to provide adequate care to those in need. The government has also implemented measures to ensure that those who are unable to access healthcare services due to the pandemic are still able to receive the care they need," wrote an expat living in Hungary.

"I have not contracted COVID but I have gone to the doctor the my yearly check up and the health services are still working well," said an expat in Budapest.