Healthcare in Hungary

TAJ

If you are a scholarship holder (SH, Diaspora or SCYP), you are entitled to have a TAJ card (social security card) that grants you free access to Hungarian public healthcare. As a fee-paying student, you may also apply for a TAJ card to access the same benefits (for a fee). Remember that some doctors may not speak foreign languages, so you might need to rely on Hungarian-speaking friends or mentors to translate. You can read more on this topic here.

Private insurance

The university also provides private health insurance. For scholarship holders, it is free of charge; for fee-paying students, you have to pay for the services. They can book you English-speaking doctors that can prescribe you the right treatment or refer you to specialists, all free of charge. If you get a prescription from a doctor, you may even get a refund for the medicine. You just need to get an official invoice indicating your full name. Please be aware that the call centre can be a bit busy at times, but still, they should be your primary contact whenever you are in need of medical assistance. Keep calling them until they answer your needs! If you haven’t signed one, please do so immediately! You can read more on this topic here.

Pharmacy

With mild conditions (such as mild fever, runny nose, cold, flu, indigestion, cough, minor pain, etc.), you should simply visit any pharmacy to get some over-the-counter medication. Note that pharmacists are trained medical workers and can give you medical advice.

General practitioner

If your symptoms persist despite home treatment, you should visit your general practitioner (GP). GPs provide treatment, prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialist, but have limited working hours, and you can only visit the one assigned to you based on your address.

Specialists deal with specific aspects of your health, and in most cases, you will first need to visit your GP for a referral.

Doctor on duty

If you need to see a doctor outside the working hours of your GP, each district has so-called doctors on duty. They can provide help, but their actions are restricted by law: they can’t give you referrals or sick leave papers.

Traumatology

Traumatology is for recent victims of serious accidents, which caused sprains, fractures and/or deep wounds. This is where to go if you are injured, and not when you are sick.

Emergency

Emergency rooms should be visited in case you experience life-threatening symptoms, such as choking, signs of heart attack, signs of seizures, loss of consciousness, etc.

What sort of health insurance do you have?

The private insurance’s call centre should be your primary contact whenever you need to see a doctor! They cover most medical needs and always arrange appointments with English-speaking doctors! Sign your contract at the “SH Office”, in room 101 on the first floor of building R
(Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-13).

Private Insurance

You need a valid TAJ card to get access to comprehensive healthcare in public hospitals and clinics. If you do not have this card yet, apply as soon as you can. 

TAJ card

Other health related information

Psychological problems

Neither TAJ nor most private insurances can provide you with adequate psychological treatment. However, the university offers such services.

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EMERGENCY

In emergency situations you can find here how to find quick medical help!

General tips for a healthy stay in Budapest

  • Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Hungary has 4 separate seasons, a warm (sometimes hot) summer, moderate (and rainy) spring and autumn, while winter can get very cold, so prepare with clothes in advance accordingly! You can easily catch a cold if you do not pay attention to it!
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after the use of public transport.
  • Spend plenty of time outside and exercise regularly.
  • Consume plenty of fruit and vegetable, and follow a balanced diet.
  • Don’t worry if you catch a cold, it is common and completely natural. Before visiting a doctor, try home remedies, such as warm tea with honey and lemon, cough syrups, and throat lozenges (sore throat candies).
  • Always follow doctors’ instructions and take the prescribed medicine in the recommended quantities!
  • Check out our video on how to avoid, and treat stomach problems in Hungary!
  • Caught the cold? Experiencing flu-like symptoms? Check out our tips on what to do in our latest video!

Contact us

If you have any questions please check the FAQ or contact us using the form below! We aim to provide answers as detailed as possible, which can take some time. Please be patient; we cannot respond immediately.

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