Hungary Travel Insurance Guide
Hungary is one of Europe's safest destinations with Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) advisory. Schengen member requiring 3-month passport validity beyond departure. ETIAS authorization required starting 2026. Emergency services free for all visitors. Main risks are pickpocketing in Budapest tourist areas and on Vienna-Budapest trains. Medical costs 40-70% lower than Western Europe.
- What there is to do in Hungary Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Reissued after periodic review without changes.
Exercise normal precautions in Hungary.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Hungary.
If you decide to travel to Hungary:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Hungary.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Tourist areas are mostly safe; some harassment and pickpocketing plus political tensions.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Government hostility and legal backsliding; heavy propaganda restrictions and social tension.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen Area)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180-day period (Schengen)
- ETIAS authorization required starting 2026 (cost: €20, valid 3 years)
- Hungary is part of Schengen Agreement - time in other Schengen countries counts toward 90-day limit
- Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket may be requested at border
- For stays exceeding 90 days or work purposes, residence permit required in advance
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Hungary is part of the Schengen Agreement - time spent in other Schengen countries counts toward 90-day limit
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen Area
- Starting in 2026, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) mandatory for visa-exempt nationals
- ETIAS costs €20 (approximately $23 USD) and is valid for 3 years or until passport expires
- For stays exceeding 90 days, work, or study, residence permit required from Hungarian consulate
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Hungary offers excellent universal healthcare with modern facilities and well-trained professionals. Emergency services and first aid are free for everyone, including tourists, with the single emergency number 112 providing access to police, fire, and ambulance. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive treatment at public facilities on the same terms as Hungarians, covering urgent medical care, acute illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, childbirth, and chronic conditions - but only treatments that cannot wait until returning home. Non-EU tourists can access emergency care free of charge but must pay for non-emergency services upfront. Public healthcare costs are modest: specialist visits approximately €15-25, diagnostic tests €30-60. Private clinics and hospitals charge at time of service with upfront cash payment often required (hospitals generally don't bill insurance directly; patients pay and seek reimbursement). Medical, dental, and cosmetic procedures cost 40-70% less than comparable treatments in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, or the US, making Hungary a popular medical tourism destination. English-speaking medical staff widely available in Budapest and major cities. While emergency care is free, comprehensive travel insurance recommended for trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation coverage. Schengen visa applicants must show proof of insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage.
Typical medical costs
- Emergency services: Free for all visitors (including tourists)
- Public healthcare specialist visit: €15-25 ($16-27 USD) approximately
- Public healthcare diagnostic tests: €30-60 ($32-65 USD) approximately
- Private clinic consultation: €50-100 ($54-108 USD)
- Private specialist visit: €80-150 ($86-162 USD)
- Hospital overnight stay (private): €200-400 ($216-432 USD)
- Medical procedures: 40-70% less than UK, Germany, Scandinavia, or US
- Medical evacuation to Western Europe: $25,000-$50,000 USD
- Recommended minimum coverage: $50,000 medical (Schengen minimum €30,000)
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Pickpocketing and bag-snatching in Budapest tourist areas (Castle District, Parliament, thermal baths)
- Theft on trains between Budapest and Vienna (high-risk route)
- Theft on public transport (buses, trams, metro) during rush hours
- Lost or stolen luggage and valuables
- Minor medical emergencies and accidents
- Trip cancellations due to personal reasons or weather
- Delayed or cancelled flights
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
112
Police
107
Fire
105
Ambulance
104
US Embassy Budapest - All Hours
+36-1-475-4400
US Embassy Email
acs.budapest@state.gov