Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Hungary
- Health insurance is REQUIRED for Hungarian residence permits—you must show valid coverage for visa applications.
- Non-EU expats can join NEAK (public insurance) voluntarily for HUF 83,000/month (~€210)—or use private insurance.
- White Card holders (Guest Worker program) are automatically enrolled in public healthcare through employer contributions.
- Budapest has excellent private hospitals (FirstMed, Rózsakert Medical Center) with English-speaking staff at affordable prices.
- Hungary offers some of Europe's cheapest private healthcare—specialist visits cost HUF 15,000-30,000 (€38-75).
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Hungary?
Hungary requires health insurance for residence permit applications. Options: private insurance meeting Hungarian requirements, voluntary NEAK enrollment (HUF 83,000/month for non-EU), or automatic coverage through employment (White Card workers). EU citizens can use EHIC for necessary care but should consider local coverage for routine healthcare. Insurance must cover the entire residence permit period.
Insurance is required for:
- All non-EU residence permit applicants—insurance is mandatory
- Digital nomads on the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa (White Card)
- Self-employed expats not automatically covered by employer contributions
- Those wanting English-speaking doctors in Budapest
- EU citizens staying long-term (EHIC is for temporary stays only)
Public vs Private Healthcare in Hungary
Public Healthcare
NEAK (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő)
- Access: Hungarian citizens, EU citizens with EHIC, employed residents (through employer), voluntary enrollment for others
- Cost: Employed: ~19.5% of salary (employer pays most). Voluntary (non-employed non-EU): HUF 83,000/month (~€210).
Hungarian public healthcare is functional but underfunded. Wait times for specialists can be 2-8 weeks. Facilities outside Budapest may be dated. English is limited in public hospitals. Many Hungarians use a mix of public and private care—public for serious issues, private for convenience.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local private: HUF 30,000-80,000/month (€75-200). International: €100-200/month.
Budapest has excellent private healthcare at very affordable prices. FirstMed, Rózsakert Medical Center, and Medicover offer English-speaking care. Private specialist consultation: HUF 15,000-30,000 (€38-75). Hungary is popular for medical and dental tourism. Outside Budapest, private options are limited.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Hungary. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Residence permit compliance plus worldwide coverage for Budapest-based professionals
Not ideal for: Long-term Hungary residents—NEAK voluntary enrollment or local private is 60% cheaper
Allianz Care
Best for: EU expats traveling between Hungary and Western Europe who want premium Budapest clinic access
Not ideal for: Budget expats—Hungarian private healthcare is already extremely affordable
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions—critical since NEAK voluntary enrollment excludes pre-existing for 6 months
Not ideal for: Healthy expats under 50—Hungary's low healthcare costs don't justify premium international plans
IMG Global
Best for: Non-EU visa applicants needing residence permit-compliant coverage on a budget
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—NEAK voluntary enrollment offers better value for Hungary-only care
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Hungary
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Residence permit compliance plus | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU expats traveling between | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions—critical since NEAK | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Non-EU visa applicants needing | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Hungary
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Voluntary NEAK enrollment costs HUF 83,000/month (~€210)—this may be more expensive than private insurance for younger, healthy expats.
- Public healthcare quality varies significantly. Budapest hospitals are better than rural areas. English is very limited outside private clinics.
- The White Card (Guest Worker) provides public healthcare through employer, but coverage ends if employment ends—have backup insurance.
- Some residence permits require insurance with specific minimum coverage amounts. Verify requirements for your permit type.
- Hungary is popular for dental tourism—dental costs are 50-70% less than Western Europe, but this is typically out-of-pocket, not covered by insurance.
- Medical evacuation to Vienna or other EU cities is quick if needed—Hungary's central location is advantageous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for a Hungarian residence permit?
You need health insurance covering your entire residence permit period. Options: private insurance meeting Hungarian requirements, voluntary NEAK enrollment (HUF 83,000/month for non-EU), or coverage through employment. Verify minimum coverage requirements for your specific permit type.
What is the White Card (Guest Worker program)?
The White Card is Hungary's guest worker permit for non-EU citizens with job offers from Hungarian companies. White Card holders are automatically enrolled in public healthcare (NEAK) through employer contributions. It is also the basis for Hungary's Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.
Can I join Hungarian public healthcare as a non-EU citizen?
Yes, through voluntary enrollment. Non-EU citizens can join NEAK by paying HUF 83,000/month (~€210). This provides access to the public healthcare system. Alternatively, you can use private insurance—which may be cheaper for younger, healthy expats.
How affordable is private healthcare in Hungary?
Very affordable by Western European standards. Private specialist consultation: HUF 15,000-30,000 (€38-75). Private hospital day: HUF 50,000-150,000 (€125-375). Dental work: 50-70% less than Western Europe. Hungary is a popular medical tourism destination for these savings.
Where can I find English-speaking doctors in Budapest?
Budapest has several expat-friendly clinics: FirstMed (American-style clinic), Rózsakert Medical Center, Medicover, and Dr. Rose Private Hospital. These offer English-speaking staff and modern facilities. Expect to pay HUF 20,000-40,000 (€50-100) for a consultation.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.