Hungary
Healthcare quality & costs · 2024
Fair — 60.1/100 Universal systemHealthcare index trend
Europe comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 85.2 | 83.8 yrs | $130 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Norway | 83.5 | 83.2 yrs | $20 | 4.70 | 100.0% |
| Sweden | 82.3 | 83.1 yrs | $20 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Denmark | 81.8 | 81.4 yrs | $75 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| France | 81.5 | 82.5 yrs | $30 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Finland | 80.5 | 82.1 yrs | $25 | 3.50 | 100.0% |
| Austria | 80.1 | 81.9 yrs | $25 | 5.30 | 100.0% |
| Germany | 79.8 | 81.2 yrs | $20 | 4.50 | 88.0% |
| Netherlands | 78.5 | 82.1 yrs | $20 | 3.70 | 100.0% |
| Belgium | 78.2 | 81.7 yrs | $30 | 3.20 | 100.0% |
| Spain | 77.2 | 83.5 yrs | Free | 4.40 | 100.0% |
| Ireland | 76.8 | 82.8 yrs | $60 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Italy | 76.1 | 83.8 yrs | $30 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| United Kingdom | 74.2 | 81.4 yrs | Free | 3.00 | 100.0% |
| Portugal | 72.5 | 81.3 yrs | $15 | 5.50 | 100.0% |
| Czech Republic | 68.2 | 79.5 yrs | $22 | 4.10 | 100.0% |
| Greece | 66.8 | 82.4 yrs | $50 | 6.30 | 84.0% |
| Poland | 62.5 | 77.8 yrs | $18 | 2.50 | 91.0% |
| Hungary | 60.1 | 76.7 yrs | $25 | 3.50 | 90.0% |
| Romania | 52.3 | 76.1 yrs | $20 | 2.90 | 88.0% |
Healthcare in Hungary — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Hungary in 2024?
Hungary scores 60.1 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2024, rated as "Fair". Life expectancy is 76.7 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 6.80% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Hungary?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Hungary costs approximately $25 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $200 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Hungary?
90.0% of the Hungary population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 6.80% of GDP on healthcare.
How much is private health insurance in Hungary?
Average private health insurance in Hungary costs approximately $85 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Hungary have?
Hungary operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 90.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Hungary?
Hungary has 3.5 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 7.00 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Hungary?
Life expectancy in Hungary is 76.7 years in 2024, compared to the Europe average of 81.4 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Hungary?
The infant mortality rate in Hungary is 3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.
How does Hungary compare to other Europe countries?
Hungary ranks 19 out of 20 Europe countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 60.1/100 is -14.8pp below the Europe average of 74.9/100. Life expectancy is -4.7 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Hungary?
Foreign nationals and expats in Hungary typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Hungary a good destination for medical tourism?
Yes — Hungary is a recognised medical tourism destination, attracting international patients with quality care at lower cost than Western Europe or North America. Common procedures include dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and specialist consultations. Private hospitals typically offer English-speaking staff and international accreditation.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Hungary?
A hospital stay in Hungary costs approximately $200 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Hungary's healthcare improving?
Hungary's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 57.6/100 to 60.1/100. Life expectancy also rose from 76.0 to 76.7 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Hungary?
Hungary has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 7.00 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.