Hungary Health Insurance for Expats

International health insurance is essential for expats in Hungary, ensuring access to high-quality medical care. While the state-run NEAK provides basic health services, expats choose international insurance for broader, private healthcare access, reduced wait times, and English-speaking assistance.

This guide gives an overview of how the public healthcare system works in Hungary as well as answers whether international health insurance is necessary. It answers common questions, such as how expats can access the system, and outlines the key Hungarian health insurance plans available.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Hungary

The Healthcare System in Hungary

Public and private healthcare in Hungary encompasses a wide range of services and facilities, including those for dentistry, primary care, home health, preventative medicine, hospitalization, and the use of various medical devices.

The key difference is that public healthcare is covered by statutory health insurance and is subject to bottlenecks and queues. Private healthcare provides more specialized treatment and access to English-speaking doctors.

Public Healthcare in Hungary

Hungarian public healthcare (NEAK) provides basic health services and is subject to queues; private healthcare offers reduced wait times and access to English-speaking doctors. Modeled after the social insurance systems of Germany and France, it ensures universal healthcare for citizens.

As a result, all citizens receive comprehensive, publicly funded healthcare, covering doctor visits, hospital treatments, and medically necessary surgeries. Note that all treatments prescribed by physicians and considered essential are covered by the HIF.

Public Hospitals in Hungary

Listed below are some notable public hospitals in Hungary:

• Szent Imre Hospital (Budapest): Known for its comprehensive inpatient services and high standards of care​.
• Peterfy Sandor Hospital (Budapest): A major emergency and trauma center with extensive surgical and medical services​.
• Uzsoki Hospital (Budapest): Offers specialized care, including oncology and orthopedics​.
• Semmelweis University Clinics (Budapest): Affiliated with the university, this center is known for its advanced treatments and medical research contributions.
• Duna Medical Center (Budapest): Though smaller, it’s highly regarded for its modern facilities and high patient satisfaction​.

Private Healthcare in Hungary

Private healthcare in Hungary is known for high standards and streamlined services that attract both locals and medical tourists. The private system offers shorter wait times and modern facilities with English-speaking staff, often preferred by expats for convenience and ease of communication.

With universal healthcare as exhaustive as the one in Hungary, it is no wonder that wait times at public facilities can be excruciatingly long. With an international private insurance plan, expats are able to enjoy drastically shorter wait times at private clinics and hospitals.

Listed below are some of the key aspects associated with Hungary’s private healthcare:

• English-Speaking Staff: Many private clinics in Hungary employ English-speaking staff, helping expats and tourists overcome language barriers and receive clear communication during appointments​.
• Shorter Wait Times: Private facilities generally offer faster access to specialist consultations and treatments, with wait times significantly shorter than in the public sector. This is especially valuable for non-emergency and elective procedures​.
• Modern Facilities and Technology: Private hospitals and clinics in Hungary often have modern, well-equipped facilities, making them attractive to patients seeking high-quality care with advanced medical technology​.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Private healthcare in Hungary usually requires upfront payment or valid health insurance, as treatments are not subsidized by the government. Having international health insurance can reduce these costs for expats.
• Variety of Specializations: Many private clinics in Hungary offer a wide range of specialties, from general medicine to more specialized fields, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care under one roof​.

Private Hospitals in Hungary

Listed below are some private hospitals in Hungary offering high-quality healthcare services, catering to both locals and international patients:

• Róbert Private Hospital (Budapest): his state-of-the-art hospital specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, and fertility treatments but also provides urology, general surgery, and internal medicine services. It is part of the TritonLife group, which operates private healthcare facilities across Hungary.
• Buda Health Center (Budapest): This private institution offers a range of services, including orthopedics, plastic surgery, and fertility treatments. It’s popular among expats due to its luxurious facilities, personalized care, and support for international patients.
• TritonLife Debrecen (Debrecen): Located in Hungary's second-largest city, Debrecen, this hospital is a comprehensive healthcare provider offering specialized inpatient and outpatient services. It has modern facilities and is part of the broader TritonLife network.

Health Insurance Options In Hungary for Expats

There are two types of insurance available for expats living in Hungary. Please note that statutory health insurance is mandatory for all persons working in the country. However, private health insurance will cover clinic visits and more in high-quality private institutions.

Public Health Insurance

All Hungarian nationals are covered under Hungary’s exceptional statutory health insurance, the Health Insurance Fund (HIF). Local and federal income taxes are automatically deducted from every employee’s salary, a percentage of which goes into funding the public healthcare system.

If you’re a European citizen, then you’re in luck! Its coverage also extends to citizens of the EU. Make sure you have your EUIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you at all times. Expats who are working at a Hungarian company or studying also qualify for the HIF.

Private Health Insurance

If you prefer personalized healthcare with shorter wait times, less bureaucracy, and English-speaking staff, international private health insurance would be perfect for you. International health insurance guarantees that you have the best treatment available no matter where you are in the world.

In Hungary, several prominent international insurers offer tailored health coverage options for expats. Here’s an overview of some key providers:

• Cigna: Offers flexible plans (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) with options for outpatient care, wellness services, and medical evacuation. Cigna's network supports coverage for expats worldwide, with add-on modules for additional coverage needs​.
• AXA: Provides a tiered plan structure (Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, Prestige Plus) with varying levels of international coverage. AXA supports direct billing in many in-network facilities, making it convenient for expats seeking comprehensive global health access​.
• Allianz: Known for its Expat Assistance Program, Allianz offers three plan options (Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro) covering various levels of hospitalization, outpatient care, and preventive services. These plans also include mental health support and emergency evacuation coverage​.
• April International: Ideal for tech-savvy expats, April’s plans feature easy claims filing, telemedicine, and options ranging from basic to unlimited annual coverage. Their services include emergency-only plans as well as fully comprehensive coverage with paperless claims​.
• IMG: Offers customizable plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for individuals, families, and specific groups, like crew members. Coverage levels include maternity, dental, and vision care, plus emergency evacuation and repatriation options​.

The Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Hungary

International insurance providers like Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, and others offer a wide range of coverage options for expatriates in Hungary. Below, we will discuss each provider and provide a summary of the features offered by each plan.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

Cigna offers global health plans with different tiers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that cover services such as hospitalization, inpatient and day patient treatments, emergency evacuation, and preventive care. This flexibility makes Cigna a preferred option for those needing adaptable coverage.

Some examples of shared coverage by all Cigna insurance plans include:

AXA

AXA Global health insurance provides various levels of customizable coverage, including options for hospitalization, outpatient treatments, emergency care, and medical evacuation. AXA’s plans are popular among expats for their flexibility, with coverage for a wide range of health services across multiple levels.

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

Allianz

Allianz offers international insurance plans that can cover hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics, and outpatient care. Expats in Hungary can add riders for dental and optical services to any basic plan, providing a tailored insurance experience that accommodates different health needs.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

April International

April International specializes in health insurance tailored to expats, offering plans that cover hospitalization, outpatient services, dental, and maternity. Known for user-friendly mobile claims and support, April International also has 24/7 telemedicine service and a vast direct billing network.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

IMG Global

IMG provides international health insurance plans for expats in Hungary. They offer comprehensive policies and superior services to their members, like crisis support and preventative care. Their global medical plans come in bronze, silver, gold, and platinum categories.

Some of the shared features across their varied plans are:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Hungary

When selecting health insurance as an expat in Hungary, it’s important to take into account the geographic areas under coverage, the scope of coverage, affordability, inclusion of medical evacuation coverage, and claims support.

Listed below are some key factors to consider when deciding on your health insurance policy:

• Scope of Coverage: Ensure the plan covers essential services such as inpatient and outpatient care, prescriptions, emergency services, and preventive care. Some policies may also include optional benefits like dental, maternity, or mental health care.
• Geographic Flexibility: For those traveling often or splitting time between countries, international health insurance with global coverage is essential. This ensures access to healthcare beyond Hungary, particularly for specialized treatments or emergencies​.
• Provider Network and Language Support: Check if your preferred hospitals, clinics, or specialists in Hungary are part of the insurer’s network. Additionally, ensure the plan includes English-speaking healthcare providers to avoid communication barriers​.
• Cost and Affordability: Compare premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses. While cheaper plans may seem appealing, ensure they don’t compromise on necessary coverage or access to quality facilities​.
• Emergency Services and Medical Evacuation: Look for plans that include coverage for emergency evacuations and repatriation to your home country or the nearest suitable medical facility. This is particularly valuable for severe emergencies​.
• Policy Customization: Choose a plan that allows adjustments based on your specific needs, such as increasing coverage levels, adding family members, or including extras like vision or wellness programs​.
• Claims Process and Customer Support: Opt for insurers with transparent claims processes and 24/7 multilingual support. Quick and efficient customer service is vital for addressing concerns and ensuring a hassle-free experience​.

Health and Safety Tips for Expats and Travellers in Hungary

For expats and travelers in Hungary, it’s essential to stay informed about local customs, healthcare access, and safety measures. This will help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience while exploring the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Hungary.

Listed below are some essential health and safety tips to keep in mind as you live and travel in Hungary:

• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies, including medical assistance and police services.
• Healthcare Access: Hungary has a well-established healthcare system. Expats should consider obtaining private health insurance for quicker access to services. Familiarize yourself with local hospitals and clinics, especially those that cater to English speakers.
• Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, particularly for tetanus, hepatitis A, and measles, especially if you plan to travel to rural areas.
• Food and Water Safety: Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Be cautious with street food and avoid raw or undercooked food from vendors.
• Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies marked with a green cross. They offer over-the-counter medications and healthcare advice, and many staff members speak English.
• Pickpockets and Scams: Stay vigilant in crowded tourist areas, especially in Budapest. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying them. Be cautious of distractions or overly friendly individuals, as these can lead to theft.
• Public Transportation: Hungary has an extensive and reliable public transport system. Validate your tickets to avoid fines and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
• Local Customs and Laws: Familiarize yourself with Hungarian laws and customs. For example, smoking is prohibited in many public spaces, and it is illegal to consume alcohol in certain areas.
• Driving: If you plan to drive, ensure you have an international driving permit. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and be cautious during the winter months when roads may be icy.
• Identification: Always carry valid identification, such as your passport or residence permit, as you may be required to show it to authorities.
• Cultural Awareness: Respect local customs and traditions. Learning a few basic Hungarian phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and show appreciation for the culture.
• Weather Considerations: Hungary experiences various weather conditions. Be prepared for sudden changes, especially in the spring and autumn. If hiking or exploring nature, ensure you have suitable gear and stay on marked paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public and private healthcare in Hungary?

Public healthcare in Hungary, provided by the state-run NEAK, offers basic medical services but often involves long wait times and can lack English-speaking staff. In contrast, private healthcare provides quicker access to specialized treatments.

Is international health insurance necessary for expats in Hungary?

International health insurance is highly recommended for expats in Hungary. It ensures access to comprehensive healthcare services beyond what is available through the public system.

How can expats choose the right health insurance plan in Hungary?

Expats should consider several factors when selecting a health insurance plan, including the scope of coverage (inpatient and outpatient care), the availability of English-speaking providers, the geographic flexibility of the plan, and overall affordability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right private health insurance plan for life in Hungary can be a daunting task as there are numerous options available. One of the best decisions you can make as an expat is to chat with our insurance experts at Pacific Prime.

We have decades of experience in the industry and are committed to finding the perfect insurance plan to suit your budget and needs. Above all, Pacific Prime's experts offer free quotes, leverage our close partnerships with all major insurers, and offer the best plans in our extensive portfolio.

Contact us today so we can help or compare quotes using our online quotation system!