Hungary

Contact a doctor who has an agreement with the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő, NEAK). You can recognise such doctors by the following description in Hungarian: “a társadalombiztosítás egészségügyi szolgáltatásaira szerződött szolgáltató” (service provider under contract).

In Hungary, the first point of contact for treatment is a general practitioner (háziorvos). You can see a specialist after receiving a referral from a general practitioner. Specialist treatment is usually available at an outpatient care unit (szakrendelő). However, referrals are not required for dermatologists, gynaecologists, urologists, otologists, laryngologists, ophthalmologists, oncologists, or surgeons.

Specialists operating in Hungary will accept referrals from doctors in Finland or other EU countries, provided they are written in English. A patient may be required to obtain a new referral from a doctor in Hungary only if the original referral lacks the necessary information or contains unclear items.

Doctors practising in Hungary are only required to provide treatment in Hungarian. However, many doctors also speak English.

You can see a dentist without a referral. Go directly to the practice of a doctor who has a contract with the NEAK.

Emergency dental care, specialis-referred treatments, procedures that preserve the tooth, treatment of gum diseases, and dental surgeries are provided free of charge. However, patients are usually responsible for the cost of materials. Please note that most dentists who advertise their services do not have contracts with the NEAK.

Usually, contract dentists only offer the above services. Dental care is free for patients under the age of 18 or over the age of 60, as well as for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth.

Show your European Health Insurance Card and identity card when collecting your prescribed medicines at a pharmacy (gyógyszertár). This will entitle you to a reimbursement, the level of which depends on the illness and the type of medicine.

The reimbursement is deducted from the price of the medicine at the pharmacy, which means that you will only pay the deductible. However, you may be required to pay the full price for certain less essential medicines.

Medical prescriptions are valid for three months in Hungary, while prescriptions for medical aids or devices are valid for 90 days.

Public hospital treatment (outpatient or inpatient care) usually requires a doctor’s referral. In case of urgent illness attacks, you can go directly to a public hospital. Present your European Health Insurance Card and identity card at the reception.

Hospital treatment is free of charge, except in the following cases:

• You do not have a doctor’s referral for hospital care
• You seek treatment at a different facility than the one your doctor referred you to
• You see a doctor who is not on duty at the time

If you require services above the standard level at a hospital (such as a larger room or special meals), you will be liable for all costs.

You will be liable for all costs of treatment at a private hospital.

Hospitals and clinics in Hungary typically require payment prior to the start of treatment. Payment is most often requested in advance via wire transfer or in cash upon arrival.

Ambulance transport is free in urgent cases upon presentation of your European Health Insurance Card and identity card.

Remember to make sure that your patient data is transferred between countries. You can provide those responsible for your follow-up care or your health centre with the patient records concerning the treatment you received abroad. If the patient records need to be translated, you will be responsible for arranging that yourself.

In the event of a treatment injury, the legislation and patient insurance of the country providing the treatment always apply. If you are dissatisfied with the treatment you received, you should first try to resolve the matter directly with the treatment provider. The national contact point can assist you in finding the appropriate authority if you wish to make a complaint.

Healthcare service providers in Hungary are legally obliged to carry out internal quality control. More information on the quality and safety standards for treatment is available on the website of Hungary’s National Contact Point.

The Hungarian healthcare system is mainly financed through the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő, NEAK) and taxes. NEAK coverage is universal and grants access to both ambulatory and secondary healthcare. Healthcare is generally free of charge.

Patients are required to make co-payments for certain services, such as pharmaceuticals, dental care, and rehabilitation. Non-Hungarian nationals who are uninsured are entitled to essential health services free of charge in cases of emergency or acute conditions.