With more and more people choosingImmigration to HungaryThe health care system becameimmigrantsHungary is one of the focuses of attention for foreigners. As a country with better healthcare system in Europe, Hungary not only has reasonably priced healthcare services, but also attracts a large number of foreigners to settle there with its high quality public and private healthcare resources. So, after immigrating to Hungary, how can foreigners enjoy local medical services? Can they enjoy free medical care? In this article, we will analyze the Hungarian healthcare system, medical insurance, medical process and the best medical resources for you in detail.

I. Overview of the Hungarian health care system

The Hungarian healthcare system is mainly divided into Public health care (National Health Insurance Fund, NEAK) respond in singing Private Healthcare Two major parts.

1. Public Health System (NEAK)

   • Supported by the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK), all legally staying residents (including foreigners) are entitled to low-cost or even free medical care.
   • It mainly covers general outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency medical care, vaccinations and maternity care.
   • The quality of medical services is high, but queues are long, especially in big cities like Budapest.

2. Private health care system

   • Financially supported by individuals or corporations, it is not subject to NEAK restrictions and is suitable for patients who want fast, personalized healthcare.
   • Treatment is fast, medical equipment is advanced, and English-language services are more prevalent.
   • The cost is high, but most insurance companies offer subsidies.

II. How do foreigners enjoy medical services?

1. Application for Hungarian national health insurance (NEAK)

If you are a legal resident (e.g. work visa,investment immigration(e.g., international students, etc.), can access public health care by contributing to social insurance (TB) through their employer or individually.

✅ Who can apply?

• Foreigners legally working in Hungary (employer's contribution to social security)
• Immigrants with permanent residence status (social security at their own expense)
• Investors in enterprises registered in Hungary (paying corporate social security)
• International students can choose whether or not to purchase public health insurance

✅ How do I pay?

• In 2025, individual contributions to Medicare will be approximately€50-€100 per month(about HUF 20,000-40,000).
• Registration with the **National Administration of Taxes and Customs (NAV)** and payment of social security by the employer or the individual.

✅ What medical services are available?

• General Practitioner (GP) Free Clinic: It is necessary to register with the local community doctor (Háziorvos).
• Specialist referrals: Access to public hospitals is available upon referral by GPs.
• Treatment in public hospitals: General hospitalization and surgery are partially free of charge.
• Basic dental care: Some treatments are free, such as extractions and basic cleanings.
• Maternity Care:: Subsidized or free services are available for maternity check-ups and deliveries.

2. Purchase of private health insurance

If they do not want to wait in the queues for public healthcare, many foreigners opt for private health insurance in order to enjoy quicker treatment in private hospitals.

✅ Private medical insurance costs

• basic insurance: Approximately €500-€1000 per year for general outpatient visits, medical check-ups and light medical needs.
• Advanced Insurance: €1,500-€5,000 per year, covering hospitalization, surgery, dentistry, treatment of special diseases, etc.

✅ Popular Private Medical Insurance Companies

• Generali Hungary(Hungarian general insurance)
• Allianz Hungary(Allianz Insurance)
• Uniqa Insurance(Unica Insurance)
• Cigna Global(International medical insurance)

✅ Advantages of taking out private insurance

• Convenient appointments, no need to wait in line
• English language services generally
• Advanced equipment and quality service

III. Recommendations for major medical resources in Hungary

1. Public hospitals (for those with NEAK insurance)

• Semmelweis University Hospital (SEMUH) - Hungary's top public hospital, specializing in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and more.
• St. István Hospital (Szent István Kórház) - Provides medical services in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and other areas.
• Dubai Hospital (Dél-Pesti Centrumkórház) - One of the main emergency hospitals in the Budapest area.

2. Private hospitals (for those with private insurance)

• MediCover Hospital - The facility is state-of-the-art and offers services in general medicine, dentistry, and diagnostic imaging.
• FirstMed Centers - One of the most popular private medical centers for foreigners, offering services in English and German.
• Buda Health Center - Provides specialized orthopedic and rehabilitation care.

IV. How to see a doctor in Hungary? (on the flow of medical treatment)

1. Public health care (with NEAK insurance)

   
   • Go ahead and register with a general practitioner (GP).
   • The GP assesses and decides whether to refer to a specialist or hospital.
   • Take the referral slip to a public hospital (an appointment is usually required).
   • At the end of the medical service, if there is a self-payment component, you will be required to pay the fee on-site.

2. Private medical care (with private insurance or at your own expense)

   • Contact the private clinic or hospital directly to schedule an appointment.
   • On-site registration and payment (partial or full reimbursement if you have insurance).
   • Enjoy faster treatment and personalized medical care.

3. emergency medical care

   
   • call112(European harmonized emergency number) or104(Hungarian local emergency hotline).
   • Emergency ambulances are free and emergency room services are covered by NEAK or insurance.

V. Are the medical benefits worth looking forward to after immigrating to Hungary?

✅ dominance

• The cost of public health care is low, and free or low-cost health care is available to long-term residents.
• The private healthcare system is well developed and provides high quality English language healthcare.
• The insurance coverage is extensive and suitable for foreigners with different needs.
• Advanced medical technology and favorable pricing in certain specialty areas (e.g., dentistry, cosmetic surgery) attract patients from around the world.

❌ inferior

• Longer waiting times at public hospitals and resource constraints in some areas.
• There are fewer English-speaking doctors and immigrants are advised to learn basic Hungarian or rely on the services of an interpreter.
• Private healthcare is more expensive and requires additional insurance for quality services.

VI. Summary:Immigration to HungaryHow can I access quality healthcare after?

1. Apply for NEAK insurance to ensure public health care is available.
2. Purchase private medical insurance to enhance the efficiency of medical treatment.
3. Familiarize yourself with public and private hospital resources and select appropriate medical treatment options.
4. Know the emergency numbers (112/104) to ensure medical safety.

Overall, the Hungarian healthcare system is suitable for immigrants to live in for a long period of time, with low costs and guaranteed quality. If you are planning to move to Hungary, you may want to plan your health insurance in advance to ensure that you and your family get the best quality health protection!