Hungary

Hungary operates a mixed public healthcare system funded primarily through the central government budget and the Health Insurance Fund, with services accessible either through insured status, legal entitlement, paid contribution, or special agreements.

Participation in social security is mandatory for residents, and access to public healthcare is mainly governed by affiliation to Hungary’s National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK).

The public healthcare system provides a wide range of services including GP visits, maternity care, specialist outpatient treatment, dental care, hospital care, rehabilitation, emergency transport, and patient mobility.

Medical Emergencies While Travelling in Hungary

EU/EEA citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens that are covered under some EU/EEA country’s social security system can receive medically necessary treatment during their stay by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Treatment includes acute illnesses, accidents, childbirth, and other urgent conditions such as dialysis and chemotherapy.

• Care must be provided by public healthcare institutions.
• EHIC does not cover planned treatments, private healthcare (unless the private hospital is associated with the public healthcare system), or repatriation.
• If EHIC is not presented, individuals may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.

EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens that are not covered under any EU/EEA social security system must use private travel health insurance unless a bilateral agreement exists.

Healthcare Services When Living in Hungary

1. Employed Individuals

All employees—regardless of EU/Non-EU nationality—are automatically enrolled in the Hungarian social security system.

• Employers handle registration with NEAK and issue the employee a TAJ number (social security ID).
• Employers pay 13% and employees 18.5% of their salary toward social security.
• Coverage includes full healthcare benefits and begins at the start of employment.

2. Self-Employed and Freelancers

Self-employed persons and freelancers are covered by Hungarian health insurance once they:

• Register their activity legally in Hungary.
• Pay their own contributions based on income or tax category.

Freelancers may fall under:

• KATA system (small taxpayers): fixed monthly contributions with access to healthcare.
• General self-employed status: full insurance for registered professions such as lawyers, pharmacists, vets, etc.

3. Pensioners

Pensioners are entitled to public healthcare if:

• They are Hungarian citizens with a permanent address,
• Or they are EU/EEA citizens receiving pensions and holding long-term residence in Hungary.

Non-EU pensioners may access healthcare only if:

• Their country has a bilateral agreement with Hungary, or
• They enroll via special agreement or use private insurance.

4. Students

Insured students include:

• Scholarship recipients,
• Those under international agreements,
• Students with additional legal status (e.g., employment).

Uninsured students:

• EU/EEA students staying in Hungary temporarily can use their EHIC for necessary care.
• Others must pay a monthly healthcare contribution (11300 HUF in 2024) to access services.
• Alternatively, they can enter into an agreement for broader coverage (see Section “Voluntary Health Insurance” below).

5. Family Members (Dependents)

Since 2007, dependents of foreign workers (e.g., children) are not automatically insured.

• A separate agreement with NEAK must be arranged for their healthcare coverage.

6. Posted Workers

EU citizens posted temporarily to Hungary:

• Must carry an A1 certificate from their home country proving insurance.
• May use their EHIC for medically necessary care.

Non-EU posted workers with valid permits and residence:

• Are enrolled in the Hungarian system and receive full healthcare access.

7. Remote Workers

Remote workers are not covered under EHIC or foreign insurance.

• If residing in Hungary for over a year, they must pay a monthly contribution fee (11300 HUF) as domestic uninsured individuals.
• Alternatively, they can register under a health insurance agreement based on age and residency status.

8. Nomads and Individuals on Sabbatical

Digital nomads or individuals on sabbatical are not automatically covered.

• If residing over 183 days, they must pay taxes and health contributions.
• If no employment relationship exists, they may enter a formal agreement with NEAK to receive care.

Monthly contributions under agreement:

• Adults: 133,400 HUF (50% of minimum wage)
• Minors/Students: 80,040 HUF (30% of minimum wage)

Coverage begins fully only after 24 months unless paid upfront.

9. Au Pairs

EU au pairs with EHIC can receive necessary treatment but not full coverage.
It is common for host families to arrange private insurance.

If formally employed with a work permit, host families must register the au pair and pay contributions, entitling them to full coverage.

10. Voluntary Health Insurance

Individuals not covered under any category may enter into an agreement with NEAK.

• Adults pay: 133,400 HUF/month
• Minors/Students: 80,040 HUF/month

Documents required include proof of identity, residency, prior insurance, and a health assessment.

Full coverage begins after 24 months, or immediately if the full 24-month fee is prepaid.

Note: Chronic pre-existing conditions declared during assessment are not covered.

Last updated on 28 May 2025