Healthcare and Medical Services for Travelers in Budapest
Budapest offers excellent healthcare services for travelers with options ranging from public facilities to private clinics with English-speaking staff. Whether you need emergency assistance or planned medical care, understanding the local healthcare system ensures peace of mind during your visit.
Emergency Medical Care
In case of a medical emergency in Budapest, dial 112 – the universal European emergency number. Operators typically speak English and will dispatch appropriate help. For ambulance services specifically, you can also call 104. Emergency first aid is provided to all visitors regardless of nationality or insurance status.
Several hospitals in Budapest have emergency departments equipped to handle tourist needs:
- Péterfy Sándor Hospital and Casualty Center (Budapest 1081, Fiumei Street 17) – Located in Pest near Keleti train station
- Szent Imre Hospital (Budapest 1115, Tétényi Road 12-16) – Located on the Buda side
If you require emergency care, contact your travel insurance provider immediately after seeking medical attention. While emergency first aid is available to everyone, further treatment will likely require payment unless covered by insurance or an EU health card.
Private Healthcare Options
Budapest boasts numerous private clinics catering specifically to international patients, with English-speaking doctors and modern facilities. These clinics offer faster access to care and more comfortable environments than public hospitals.
Top Private Medical Facilities
- FirstMed Centers – Located at Hattyú utca 14, 1015 Budapest, offering primary and specialty care with 24-hour telephone assistance (+36 1 224 9090)
- Health Guard Hungary – Provides 24/7 mobile medical services, including house calls and hotel visits with English-speaking doctors
- Dr. Rose Private Hospital – Luxury healthcare services with on-call care (+36 1 377 6737)
- Swiss Clinic – Multiple locations with various healthcare services and emergency line (+36 30 992 0387)
- Rózsakert Medical Center – Multilingual staff offering a wide range of treatments
Many private facilities accept international insurance plans and offer direct billing relationships with some insurers. For tourists without applicable insurance, these clinics typically require payment at the time of service, though costs remain significantly lower than in Western Europe or North America.
Finding Pharmacies
Pharmacies, known as "gyógyszertár" or "patika" in Hungarian, are easily identifiable by green cross signs and are widely available throughout Budapest. Many pharmacies offer extended hours, with some operating 24/7.
For prescription medications, you'll need a valid prescription from a doctor. While some common medications like painkillers and cold remedies are available over the counter, stronger medications require prescriptions. If you need to refill a prescription from home, you may need to consult a local doctor first.
Some 24-hour pharmacies in Budapest include:
- Széna Tér Patika
- Szűz Mária Gyógyszertár
- Teréz Gyógyszertár
- Déli Gyógyszertár
Your hotel can typically direct you to the nearest pharmacy, and information about on-duty pharmacies is often posted in the windows of other pharmacies.
Insurance and Costs
Medical costs in Budapest are generally lower than in Western Europe or North America, but proper insurance coverage is still essential for visitors.
EU Citizens
If you're an EU citizen, bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary state healthcare. However, these cards don't cover private care, non-urgent treatments, or additional costs like medical evacuation.
Non-EU Visitors
For non-EU visitors, comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses is highly recommended. Without insurance, costs can add up quickly, especially for private care.
| Service | Approximate Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner Consultation | 110 | Private clinic, standard visit |
| Prescription for Lost Medications | 80 | Private service |
| Emergency Room Visit (without insurance) | 50-200 | Depends on treatment needed |
| Private Hospital Stay (per day) | 100-300 | Varies by facility and care level |
| Online Consultation | 20+ | With English-speaking doctor |
While these costs are significantly lower than in many Western countries, they can still impact your travel budget without proper insurance coverage.
Medical Tourism
Budapest has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for dental care, cosmetic surgery, and other elective procedures. The combination of high-quality care and lower costs attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Popular Medical Tourism Services
Dental care is the standout specialty, with Budapest attracting 60,000-70,000 dental tourists each year. Treatments like implants, crowns, and bridges cost 40-70% less than in the UK, US, or Scandinavia.
Cosmetic surgery is another popular option, with procedures like facelifts costing around €2,000 compared to much higher prices elsewhere. Other sought-after treatments include orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, and fertility treatments.
If you're considering medical tourism to Budapest, research thoroughly and choose facilities with strong reputations for treating international patients.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Before traveling to Budapest, take these steps to ensure you're prepared for any healthcare needs:
- Check that your destination can provide any specific healthcare you might need
- Secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation
- Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications in their original packaging
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor for any controlled medications
- Store emergency contact numbers and insurance information in your phone and on paper
- Learn basic Hungarian medical phrases or download a translation app
If staying for an extended period, consider registering with a private clinic that offers English-speaking services for more seamless care if needed.
Health Precautions
Hungary is considered a low-risk country for travelers with no specific vaccines required for entry. Ensure you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations before your trip.
An important detail for tourists: tap water in Budapest is safe to drink, meeting EU standards. You can confidently refill your water bottle from the tap, saving money and reducing plastic waste while staying hydrated during your explorations.
The CDC and WHO recommend considering vaccines for hepatitis A and B for some travelers, particularly for longer stays. If you plan to spend time in rural or forested areas, especially during warmer months, a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine might be advised.