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How is the health care system in Hungary today?

How is the health care system in Hungary today?

How is the health care system in Hungary today?
  • What are the history and current realities of the Hungarian health care system?
  • How is access to emergency and planned medical care in Hungary?

History of the Hungarian health care system

Hungary is renowned for its highly developed medical care system, which dates back to the 13th century, when the first hospitals began operating in the country. A century and a half later, the first health insurance society was organized in the 19th century, which marked the beginning of a gradual improvement in the availability of medical services to the general public.

The health care system underwent significant changes in the 20th century: after 1944, a national social insurance institute was established, which became the cornerstone for the creation of a unified health insurance system covering the whole of Hungary. By 1938, all the necessary social protection institutions had been introduced in the country, making Hungary a leader in health insurance among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and these successes continue today.

Modern medical services

Modern Hungarian medicine provides its citizens and residents with access to health services using insurance policies paid by employers for their employees, both local and foreign. These insurance policies provide access to an extensive range of medical services, but some specific procedures may not be covered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Fitting of dentures
  • Psychotherapy

Insurance policies may also provide for partial reimbursement of the cost of medicines. For people who do not have a regular income, it is up to them to take out their own health insurance.

Problems faced by patients

When patients are planning surgeries, they sometimes face long waits to receive the necessary medical care. Foreigners in Hungary can choose from a variety of available insurance programs, varying in both content and cost. For example:

  • Basic programThe average annual cost of outpatient treatment and diagnostics is 500 euros.
  • Exclusive packagesfor long-term cancer treatment can cost between €150 and €300 per month, including a wide range of medical services.

Choosing an attending physician

In addition, the Hungarian medical system provides the option to choose the attending physician, which significantly increases the comfort of treatment. Each polyclinic has several district physicians, and the patient has the right to choose the specialist who will treat him or her. A district doctor refers patients to specialized institutions and for additional examinations if necessary.

This creates a convenient and flexible structure in the organization of medical care, which makes Hungary's health care system one of the most efficient in its region.

Availability of emergency medical care

In Hungary, the availability of emergency medical care is always at a high level. When a doctor is called, he or she makes an initial assessment of the patient's condition and decides on further treatment or refers the patient to the appropriate hospital. If the patient does not need help on the spot and is able to get there on his/her own, he/she is given a referral for hospitalization to the appropriate medical institution.

Types of health care facilities

Both public and private medical institutions operate successfully in the country, each offering a wide range of treatment services. Private clinics, as a rule, have higher standards of service, but the qualification of doctors is the same everywhere - high-class surgeons perform operations in both public and private institutions.

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It is worth mentioning that the cost of medical services in Hungarian private clinics is significantly lower than in similar institutions in other European countries.

Surgery prices

For example, hip prosthetics, popular among the elderly, cost around €5,500, which includes:

  • a three-day stay in a private room at the clinic;
  • nutrition
  • a full range of necessary preoperative tests.

At a public hospital, the surgery may be covered by health insurance, but it is worth bearing in mind that you will need to wait your turn to receive services.

Balneology and treatment

Balneological areas are actively developing in Hungary due to the large number of therapeutic mineral springs - there are over 1300 of them. One of the specialized areas is the treatment of musculoskeletal apparatus diseases and rheumatic diseases, as well as rehabilitation in these areas. The capital, Budapest, is home to a continent-wide renowned center dedicated to the treatment of infantile paralysis, which accepts children with such diagnoses for outpatient treatment not only from Hungary but also from other countries.

Mineral springs and dental treatment

Some Hungarian mineral springs are famous for the high quality of their water and are used for therapy of cardiovascular diseases and digestive system disorders. The country also attracts many tourists seeking dental treatment due to its affordable prices compared to other European countries.

Tourism and treatment

Travelers can find suitable resorts with excellent mineral water and book accommodation in a hotel or boarding house. All major springs offer boarding houses and hotels with a variety of medical services, massage procedures and other treatment programs - in fact, it is an analogue of our sanatoriums.

Savings on medical procedures

To save money, tourists often choose inexpensive accommodation options in boarding houses and purchase packages for treatment in spa facilities, which significantly reduces the total cost of treatments compared to single payments.

How is the health care system in Hungary today?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hungary's medical system is an amazing example of integrating traditional healthcare principles with modern standards. Numerous achievements in the field of health insurance and affordable access to quality medical services make this country one of the attractive destinations for patients not only from Central and Eastern Europe, but also from far corners of the continent. The employer-sponsored health insurance system provides protection and support for both local citizens and foreign workers, creating an effective model where health coverage has become the norm.

Key features of Hungarian medicine

One of the key features of Hungarian medicine is its balance between public and private institutions. Despite the different levels of care, patients can be confident in the qualifications of their doctors, making the choice between public and private clinics less critical. This also opens up a wide range of options for patients seeking specialized care, such as treatment using Hungary's unique mineral springs, which provide comprehensive recovery.

Attractiveness to medical tourists

Thanks to its developed infrastructure and variety of medical packages, Hungary is becoming more and more popular among medical tourists every year. Low prices for treatment, high quality of medical services and availability of quality resorts for recovery make it one of the most favorable destinations for those who need medical care abroad.

Benefits of Hungarian medicine

  • Quality treatment:Extensive selection of medical facilities with highly qualified specialists.
  • Availability:A variety of health insurance packages suitable for different population categories.
  • Treatment using mineral springs:Possibility of rehabilitation at resorts with unique therapeutic properties.

Thus, by turning to Hungarian medicine, one can not only receive professional treatment, but also enjoy the favorable climate and cultural heritage of the country. I believe that Hungary can be rightly proud of its medical system and its ability to attract people from all over the world who want to improve their health and quality of life. In line with modern requirements and patient expectations, Hungarian medicine continues to improve, proving that caring for the health and well-being of the nation is a priority that only gets stronger over time.

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