Healthcare in Hungary - Healthcare abroad

Accessing healthcare in Hungary

You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of Hungary. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK.

It is important that you ensure that you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Non-EEA nationals are not covered in Hungary.

Where to get information while in Hungary

Contact the 'Orszagos Egeszsegbiztositasi Penztar' (Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund) for information.

Orszagos Egeszsegbiztositasi Penztar(OEP)
Department of International Relations and EU Integration,
Váci Street 73/a
1139 Budapest

Tel: 0036 1 350 1618

E-mail: sajto@oep.hu or nemzetk@oep.hu

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Hungary, dial 104. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs

Doctors

You will only receive medical treatment from surgeries contracted with the Orszagos Egeszsegbiztositasi (OEP). However, a fee is charged of HUF 600 per visit.

A fee of HUF 1000 is payable for any treatment given at night time or during out-of-office hours. Some medical centres (szakrendelo) charge HUF 1000 if you require treatment without a doctor's referral. These charges are non-refundable in Hungary but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

There are exemptions from the payment, which include children under the age of 18, treatment for pregnancy and childbirth and some emergency medical care.

Dentists

You will only receive dental treatment from a dentist who is contracted with the OEP.

Hospital treatment

Hospital treatment is provided through a referral from a doctor (háziorvos). You will be asked to pay a fee of HUF 300 per visit for an outpatient treatment. You do not need a doctor's referral in case of emergencies.

A charge of HUF 300 a day is generally made for inpatient treatment. This will cover the first 20 days of treatment.

A 30% additional charge will be made where hospital treatment has been obtained without a referral from a doctor, when using a healthcare provider other than the one specified in the referral, or if you choose to be treated by a doctor who is not on duty at the time of the treatment. The maximum fee you can be charge for is HUF 100, 000. These charges are non-refundable in Hungary but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Prescriptions

Medicines on prescription are generally available for a fee of HUF 300. However, depending on the medication concerned you may either be charged a reduced fee or have to pay the full price of the prescription. This is non-refundable in Hungary but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Ambulance

Ambulance travel is free of charge.

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the OEP to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.

Orszagos Egeszsegbiztositasi Penztar (OEP)
Department of International Relations and EU Integration,
Váci Street 73/a
1139 Budapest

Tel: 0036 1 350 1618

Oxygen therapy is free for UK residents who need medically necessary treatment. However, you must have a prescription from a doctor or hospital. Hyperbaric chambers are not available in Hungary.

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Hungary nearest to where you will be staying. However, the provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Hungary.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Hungary

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

There are no reimbursements paid in Hungary, as you will only be charged the proportion of your healthcare costs for which there is no refund.

Living in Hungary

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Hungarian health authorities.

However, if you move to Hungary to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

Contact the OEP (regional health insurance fund). The OEP issues a Hungarian insurance number (TAJ-szám), which can be used directly to access healthcare. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.