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Health Insurance for Students in Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum students: free coverage. Self-funded students: insurance from HUF 15,000/month (~€38). EU students can use EHIC.

5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
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Insurance Requirements

  • Health insurance mandatory for all students in Hungary
  • Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship students receive free TAJ card (public insurance)
  • Self-funded non-EU students must have Hungarian health insurance
  • EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Hungarian public healthcare
  • Private insurance accepted for visa if it meets equivalency requirements

Available Insurance Options

TAJ Card (For Stipendium Hungaricum Students)

Free (included in scholarship)

Best for: Scholarship students

Full access to Hungarian public healthcare with TAJ card. Same coverage as Hungarian citizens.

Learn more

Private Health Insurance

From €20/month

Best for: Students preferring private care or faster access

Optional for faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, private clinics.

Learn more

Cost Overview

Item Cost Details
TAJ Card (Scholarship Students) Free Included in Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Full public healthcare access.
Hungarian Insurance (Self-Funded) HUF 15,000/month (~€38) Required for self-funded non-EU students
Private Insurance From €20/month Optional for private clinics and English-speaking doctors
Doctor Visit (Public) Free with TAJ card Public healthcare free with TAJ card. Small prescription co-pays.
Item

TAJ Card (Scholarship Students)

Cost

Free

Details

Included in Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Full public healthcare access.

Item

Hungarian Insurance (Self-Funded)

Cost

HUF 15,000/month (~€38)

Details

Required for self-funded non-EU students

Item

Private Insurance

Cost

From €20/month

Details

Optional for private clinics and English-speaking doctors

Item

Doctor Visit (Public)

Cost

Free with TAJ card

Details

Public healthcare free with TAJ card. Small prescription co-pays.

Visa & Insurance Requirements

  • Student residence permit requires proof of health insurance
  • Stipendium Hungaricum students: TAJ card issued automatically
  • Self-funded non-EU students: Hungarian health insurance required
  • EU students: EHIC sufficient for visa purposes
  • Insurance must cover entire stay duration

How to Get Insured

1

Determine Your Student Status

Are you a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student or self-funded? Scholarship students get free TAJ card.

2

Apply for Insurance (Self-Funded Only)

Self-funded students must purchase Hungarian health insurance (HUF 15,000/month) or private insurance meeting visa requirements.

3

Apply for Residence Permit

Submit residence permit application with proof of insurance (TAJ letter for scholarship, insurance certificate for self-funded).

4

Receive TAJ Card

After arrival, Stipendium students receive TAJ card. Self-funded students receive insurance confirmation.

5

Register with GP (Háziorvos)

Register with a local GP (háziorvos) near your accommodation. This is your primary healthcare contact.

Student Health Insurance in Hungary

Hungary offers affordable healthcare for international students. Your insurance requirement depends on whether you’re a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student (free coverage) or self-funded (paid insurance required).

Stipendium Hungaricum Students — Free Coverage

If you’re studying in Hungary on the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, congratulations! Your scholarship includes free healthcare through the TAJ card (Hungarian social security card).

The TAJ card grants you the same access to Hungarian public healthcare as Hungarian citizens:

  • Free GP visits (háziorvos)
  • Free hospital treatment
  • Free emergency care
  • Prescription medications (small co-pays)

Self-Funded Students — Paid Insurance

If you’re self-funded, you must purchase Hungarian health insurance at approximately HUF 15,000/month (~€38). This insurance:

  • Grants access to public healthcare
  • Covers GP visits, hospital care, emergencies
  • Required for residence permit

Alternatively, you can choose private health insurance (from €20/month) for access to private clinics and English-speaking doctors.

EU Students with EHIC

EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Hungarian public healthcare. EHIC provides the same coverage as Hungarian citizens.

Why Hungary?

With over 40,000 international students, Hungary offers excellent universities in Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged. Enjoy low living costs, rich culture, beautiful architecture, and affordable (or free!) healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Stipendium Hungaricum students need to pay for insurance?

No, Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship students receive free healthcare through the TAJ card (Hungarian public insurance) included in their scholarship.

How much does insurance cost for self-funded students?

Self-funded non-EU students pay approximately HUF 15,000/month (~€38) for Hungarian health insurance, or can choose private insurance from €20/month.

Can EU students use EHIC?

Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Hungarian public healthcare at the same cost as Hungarian citizens.

What is a TAJ card?

The TAJ card (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel) is Hungary's social security card. It grants access to Hungarian public healthcare, including GP visits, hospitals, and prescriptions.

How do I see a doctor in Hungary?

Register with a háziorvos (GP) near you. For appointments, call or visit in person. For emergencies, call 104 (ambulance) or visit the nearest kórház (hospital).

Ready to Study in Hungary?

Understand your healthcare coverage based on your student status and compare insurance options.

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