Hospitals
Not all hospitals offer the same healthcare services throughout Hungary. This can make finding a hospital that offers the right treatment or procedures difficult. For non-emergency treatment, you should visit the hospital closet to your place of residency.
You can research a full list of hospitals in Budapest online; however, many expats choose to get feedback from the expat community to make their choice.
Accident and emergency departments in hospitals are for serious problems only. These hospitals treat serious injuries or illnesses. Accident and emergency departments are always open and no appointment is needed.
There are ambulances available for transportation to the hospital.
- Ambulance - 104
- Police - 107
- Fire service - 105
Outpatient centers can be found in each district and town of Hungary. Referral is not needed if the treatment relates to gynecology, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, urology, oncology or any general surgery.
Pharmacies
There are several 24-hour pharmacies throughout every town in Hungary. Several pharmacies are open everyday, where some are only open during certain hours or day. A full listing of pharmacies can be found in the Hungarian Yellow Pages.
Most medicines require a prescription. However, there are over-the-counter medicines, but you must ask the pharmacist for it since over-the-counter medicine is stored behind the desk.
Update 25/08/2015
Expatriate health insurance in Hungary
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Budapest is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Hungary So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Hungary. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Hungary, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.