HUNGARY | Emergency | Emergency services

Emergency services in general

In Hungary, the central number for emergency services is 112, but the following individual numbers can be dialled as well:

• Ambulance - 104
• Fire Brigade - 105
• Police - 107

The common number 112 should be dialled if the ambulance, fire brigade and/or the police is needed at the same time.

All the emergency service providers have centres located in many places all around Hungary. If you call any of the above numbers, you have to give the most important information about the emergency situation, answer their questions, and they will give you precise instructions. All calls to the above numbers are free of charge and recorded.

In Hungary, the general practitioners are called 'district doctors'. If you need medical treatment, it is advised to see a general practitioner first. The GP decides whether further specialised out- or inpatient treatment is necessary and will issue a referral.

Insurances

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives students access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in most European countries under the same conditions as local residents. It is free of charge and should be carried alongside your regular health insurance documents when completing an internship abroad.

EEA citizens have to obtain the EHIC from their domestic medical insurance company before arriving in Hungary. It must be mentioned that with the EHIC card you can only obtain treatment from surgeries which have a sign saying they are contracted with the National Health Insurance Fund. The inscription is generally at the entrance and is as follows: "A társadalombiztosítás egészségügyi szolgáltatásaira szerződött szolgáltató".

It is advisable to be informed first, otherwise you may be charged for the service offered.

Foreigners employed (or studying) in Hungary are entitled to the same medical services as the Hungarian employees. The employer (school) has to provide certification about the person’s status and has to pay the corresponding social security costs.