Hungary has become a prime destination for health travelers from the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Scandinavia and other Western European countries seeking affordable dental and cosmetic procedures. The price of treatments in Hungary is usually much lower than what you would have to pay in Western Europe.
Hungary's Healthcare System
Medical travelers are assured of high-quality healthcare system in Hungary. This is due to the fact that it was patterned after the National Health System of Great Britain, when it was established in 1945. The systems in place are all similar, except for the long waiting times typically experienced by patients in the UK.
Doctors and medical professionals are registered with the
Orvosi Kamara of the
Hungarian Chamber of Medicine, which provides permission to these professionals to practice their trade. Dentists' and dental surgeon qualifications are controlled by the the Hungarian Dental Council. They enforce very stringent and comprehensive training that has longer duration than that is practiced in the UK. These qualifications are recognized by the European Union, allowing these doctors to qualify to work in any of the EU countries. Unlike in other countries, where dentists are specialized in only one area, Hungarian dentists are trained and qualified in all aspects of dentistry.
Most top quality hospitals and clinics in Hungary are operated by the private sector, although there are some prominent hospitals which are state owned. Private hospitals and clinics usually maintain modern medical equipment, facilities and technologies. This is because of the stringent requirements set by their German and Austrian clients who have been traveling to Hungary for healthcare for over fifteen years.
These hospitals and clinics are locally accredited and licensed by the
Hungarian Ministry of Health and the State National Health Commission and Medical Service. Hungary has
one JCI accredited facility. There are also hospitals that are recognized by the
Care Quality Commission in the UK and the rest of the European Union, and some have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Top Clinics and Hospitals in Hungary
- Jvorszky dn Krhzat Hospital
Located in the municipality of Vac, the Javorszky Odon Hospital is a community hospital with 847 beds, 12 departments and 18 medical specialties that cater for more than 22,000 inpatients and 150,000 outpatients per year. It is the only health care institution in this region that provides acute care. The hospital is ISO certified and has partnered with the Novant Health Triad Region (NHTR) of North Carolina. It is considered as a model hospital for Hungary by the Ministry of Welfare.
- Buda Health Center
Located in Budapest, the Buda Health Center is the leading institution in Hungary that caters for all aspects of spinal disease. This can be accessed through private or state-financed healthcare options.
- Aesthetica International Medical Center
Established in 2005 in the heart of Budapest's Bank Center, the Aesthetica International is the leading, ISO-certified medical center offering various services in the fields of cosmetic and plastic surgeries, dermatology, mesotheraphy and other related procedures. It is a subsidiary of the Proportzia Premium Medical Centers in Israel.
- FirstMed Centers Kft.
FirstMed Centers are private health facilities that are affiliated with the American Clinics International, Inc. It is a multi-disciplinary international and local health facility that offers physical, family medicine, and gynecology, prenatal and orthopedic care.
Common Treatments done in Hungary and Comparative Costs
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Hungary offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:
Costs of medical treatments in Hungary
| Procedure |
German Hospitals |
Hungary |
Average Savings |
| Face Lift (rhytidectomy) |
€3,800 - $6,600 |
€2,100 - €2,700 |
30% - 60% |
| Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) |
€3,100 - $3,800 |
€1,800 - €2,000 |
35% - 50% |
| Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) |
€3,400 - €4,000 |
€1,350 - €1,700 |
50% - 65% |
| Procedure |
UK Hospitals |
Hungary |
Average Savings |
| Face Lift (rhytidectomy) |
£7,300 - £8,000 |
£2,100 - £2,700 |
70% - 80% |
| Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) |
£4,800 - £5,500 |
£1,800 - £2,000 |
60% - 70% |
| Tummy Tuck |
£4,000 - £4,800 |
£1,600 - £1,900 |
50% - 65% |
| Liposuction (lipoplasty) |
£3,000 - £3,700 |
£900 - £1,000 |
65% - 75% |
| Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) |
£3,500 - £4,500 |
£1,500 - £2,300 |
35% - 65% |
| Procedure |
UK Hospitals |
Hungary |
Average Savings |
| Porcelain Bonded Crowns |
£500 |
£180 |
60% - 65% |
| Root Canal (per canal) |
£200 |
£60 |
70% |
| Tooth Extraction |
£90 |
£30 |
65% |
| Tooth Whitening |
£475 |
£280 |
40% |
| Dental Implants |
£1,900 |
£800 |
55% - 60% |
Malpractice and Liability Laws in Hungary
It is a requirement by Hungarian law that all medical and healthcare facilities should provide their doctors with insurance against malpractice claims [
source]. Although the number of cases are relatively small, at 300 cases per year, these malpractice suits are for lesser sums compared to international standards. However, these figures are starting to rise in recent years, prompting insurance companies to increase their premiums on medical malpractice coverage.
Pros
-
Prices
Premium dental and cosmetic surgery procedures at very cost-effective prices
-
Medical facilities
State of the art medical, healthcare and diagnostic facilities comparable to top international standards
-
Language
English and German speaking, highly trained and qualified medical specialists and staff
-
Tourist attractions
Affordable accommodation and a favorable tourist destination, suitable for post-surgery recovery
-
Proximity
Close proximity to the European and Middle Eastern countries make it a prime destination for medical travelers from these regions
Cons
-
Lack of accreditation
Lack of International accreditation including the JCI in the majority of hospitals and clinics
-
Market is dominated by small clinics
There are a limited number of major hospitals catering to international patients. Most of the market is served by small clinics.
-
Malpractice and liability
Malpractice compensation is relatively low compared to Western Europe
Traveling to Hungary
There are several major airline carriers traveling to Hungary, from various countries of origin from across the globe. In addition, Hungary is also accessible by land, sea and train from neighboring European countries.
Average estimated travel time in hours
| From/To |
Hungary |
| London |
3.5 |
| Munich |
1 |
| Berlin |
1 |
| Vienna |
1 |
| Zurich |
2 |
| Geneva |
2 |
| Rome |
2 |
| Paris |
2 |
| Copenhagen |
2 |
| New York City |
9 |
Entry and Exit Requirements to Hungary
Citizens of the European Union do not require an entry visa for a stay in Hungary of up to 90 days, as long as the passports carried by the passengers are valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry.