Handy guide to healthcare in Hungary for expats and foreigners
Navigating a new country’s medical system can be tricky, especially when language and cultural differences come into play. Whether you’re moving to Budapest or settling in a quieter town, understanding how healthcare in Hungary works is essential for your peace of mind. Here are some handy tips that might help you in finding the right doctor and deciding between public and private healthcare.
The basics of healthcare in Hungary
Healthcare in Hungary is a mix of public and private services, with the state-run system offering affordable care for residents and expats who contribute to the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK). If you’re employed in Hungary, you’ll likely be covered through social security contributions, giving you access to GPs, specialists, and hospital care.
It’s worth noting that while public healthcare is widely available, waiting times can be long, especially in big cities. It is important to keep a copy of your TAJ card (Hungarian health insurance card) with you, it’s your golden ticket to the public system.
Public or private healthcare?
While public healthcare in Hungary does the job, many foreigners prefer private clinics for quicker service and English-speaking doctors. Private healthcare is more expensive but often worth it for the ease and speed. Many agree that private healthcare offers more conscientious doctors who really care about the patients and usually more modern medical clinics than public healthcare.
If your Hungarian isn’t up to scratch, private facilities are definitely the more comfortable option. You can also get a private health insurance plan to cover these costs, which is a smart move if you want peace of mind.
Finding the right doctor
To see a doctor in the public system, you’ll need to register with a local GP (háziorvos). Your GP is your first point of contact and will refer you to specialists if needed. In smaller towns, doctors might not speak English, so having a local friend or using a translation app can help.
If you go private, you can usually book online and choose your preferred language. Some clinics even offer expat-specific services, which makes navigating healthcare in Hungary much less daunting.
For emergencies
In case of emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance; this number works across the EU. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status, but you may be billed later if you’re not covered. Larger hospitals in cities like Budapest have emergency departments that can handle urgent cases, though be prepared for queues.
If you’re unsure whether to go public or private, remember that in a true emergency, speed is key. Get help first, sort the paperwork later. It’s a good idea to keep emergency numbers and your insurance info handy at all times.
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