Getting Health Insurance
While staying in Hungary, one must have health insurance. There are two main options: private, or state insurance, by getting a TAJ card. Choosing which one to pick is dependent on many factors, but the main one is having a scolarship, or being a fee-paying student. You can read more about getting health insurance below.
If you are having medical problems please click here.
For Stipendium Hungaricum, Diaspora, or SCYP scholarship holders both the private and state insurance is free. However, as the state insurance can take up to 4 months to setup, we highly recommend you to sign the private insurance provided by the university until then. It is provided by the university, but it is not valid until the contract is signed. We urge you to sign it as soon as possible, as it can truly save lives!
For scholarship holders
Health Insurance for Scholarship holders
As a scholarship holder, you are entiteled for free health insurane. You are entitled to a free pirvate insurance – currently GROUPAMA – trough the university; however, you are also entitled for free hungarian healthcare, provided by the state. While the hungarian healthcare system covers more helath issues than private ones, we urge you to sign the GROUPAMA insurance provided by the university, because it takes up to 4 months to process your application into hungarian helathcare, and until you recieve your TAJ card, you must pay the cost of the services you need, which can range into millions of forints. For example, calling an ambulance can cost you
Once you recieve your TAJ card, you are eligible to all hungarian healthcare services. However, often they don’t speak english, but we can provide a mentor to translate for you, if needed. Make sure to check out the info on our site for more details.
Private insurance for scholarship holders
Currently, GROUPAMA is the university’s insurance partner. As a scholarship holder, you can use it’s services free of charge, if you sign the contract. While it doesn’t cover all issues, it is still a valid option, and we highly urge you to get it, until your TAJ card arrives.
Advantages of private insurance
- Free for scholarship users
- They speak english
- Much faster registration
Keep in mind:
- They provide only basic coverage
You can read more about GROUPAMA here:
Private insurance for scholarship holders
Hungarian Healthcare and
TAJ card for scholarship holders
As a scholarship holder, you are eligible for free healthcare provided by the state. You can access these services, by having a TAJ card (having the number is not enough) We highly recommend applying for it, as it covers more issues (like calling an ambulance, mental-healthcare) than private insurance. You are also requiered to have a TAJ number, if you want to work in Hungary. However, getting one can take up to 4 months.
Advantages of having a TAJ card:
- More services
- Required for work
Keep in mind:
- Takes a long time to get the TAJ card
- Often they are not able to speak in english
You should read more about how to obtain a TAJ card below:
Getting a TAJ card
Health Insurance for Fee-paying students
As a fee-paying student, you are still required to have health insurance. We highly suggest you get insurance, as treatment without it can be really expensive. However, you are not eligable to free healthcare. Because you need to pay for it yourself, private insurance may be preferable, as it is, while lacking in some services, cheaper than getting a TAJ card, and handles english speaking patiens better. But, in the case you plan on working, you are required to get a TAJ card, and pay it yourself.
Private insurance for fee-paying students
Currently, GROUPAMA is the university’s insurance partner. As a fee-paying students, you still have the option to get insurance from them, however, you can choose an another insurance company. GROUPAMA is a good option, and we recommend you sign with them, as they are the universities partner. While private insurances don’t always provide all the services compared to the state one, they are often more suitable for students, as they are used to non-hungarian patients, and can speak english. Also, often times the quality of their services is higher quality. It is also cheaper than getting a TAJ card.
Advantages of private insurance
- They speak english
- Often better quality service
- Fast registration
Here we have listed some commonly used alternatives for non-EU students. Please note that these are just suggestions and you are free to choose any other insurance.
1. Generali STUDIUM
– Designed specifically for foreign students in Hungary
– Accepted by the Hungarian Immigration Office for residence permits
– Coverage is typically only within Hungary
Suitable for students seeking a cost-effective, Hungary-valid plan that meets visa/permit requirements
Website: https://www.generali.hu/en
2. Union Insurance (UNION Vienna Insurance Group)
For detailed information, policy terms, and applications, please visit the official UNION website
General customer service: +36 1 486 434
3. Medicover Health Insurance
For detailed information, policy terms, and applications, please visit: https://medicare-group.hu/en/
General phone: +36 1 465 3150
Keep in mind:
- They provide only basic coverage
You can read more about GROUPAMA here:
Private insurance for scholarship holders
Hungarian Healthcare and
TAJ card for fee-paying students
As a fee-paying student, you can get state insurance, but you have to pay it for yourself. It is more expensieve, but it covers a lot more range of services, (for example, calling an ambulance free of cost, mental health) than private insurance. You can get thestate insurance by getting a TAJ card. Keep in mind, that getting the TAJ card usually takes months, and until you have the card, you are not entitled for healthcare. You are also requiered to have a TAJ number, if you want to work in Hungary.
Advantages of having a TAJ card:
- More services
- Able to work in Hungary
Keep in mind:
- Takes a long time to get
- Often they are not able to speak in english
- Sometimes worse service than private insurance
You should read more about how to obtain a TAJ card below:
Getting a TAJ card