Health Insurance for Students in Hungary
You need health insurance for your residence permit for studies. Scholarship students get free care with a TAJ card (your Hungarian health insurance card). Students who pay their own fees buy private insurance or pay a monthly fee to the state health fund.
Student Insurance Plan • Hungary
Insurance Rules for Hungary
For the permit you need health insurance for all care, or proof that you can pay for care yourself.
Why You Need Health Insurance
- Your residence permit for studies needs it.
- A permit extension needs valid insurance.
- A TAJ card is also needed for a job.
Legal Requirements
- One of these: Hungarian state health cover, health cover from an agreement between Hungary and your country, or enough money to pay for care yourself.
- Keep insurance valid for your whole stay.
Insurance Approaches for Different Students
State health care
Free for state scholarship holders. Students who pay their own fees can join by paying NEAK.
Private insurance
Buy a plan that covers all care.
Without proof of health insurance, your permit cannot be approved or extended.
University Rules
Some universities offer their own plan.
University Health Insurance Costs
| University | Waiver Allowed |
|---|---|
| University of Szeged | Offers Generali Studium to admitted students. Not part of tuition. |
*Costs shown may vary. Always check with your specific university for current rates.
Scholarship Insurance vs. Paying Yourself
How the main options compare.
| Comparison Aspect | University-Sponsored Plans | Private Insurance Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Stipendium Hungaricum (scholarship) students | Students who pay their own fees |
| Cost | Free | Monthly NEAK fee or a private premium |
| Card | TAJ card | TAJ card. Full care comes after paying 24 months, or pay all 24 months at the start. |
Insurance Options for Students
Your choice depends on whether you have a state scholarship.
Scholarship insurance
Stipendium Hungaricum (the Hungarian government scholarship) includes Hungarian state health care plus extra insurance up to HUF 65,000 (Hungarian forint) a year.
NEAK agreement
Full-time students who pay their own fees can sign an agreement with the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK) and pay a monthly fee.
Private insurance
A private plan that covers all care. Some universities offer one, for example the University of Szeged.
Popular Insurance Providers
Generali (Generali Studium)
Offered by the University of Szeged to its admitted students.
Getting Health Care
How to use your insurance.
Healthcare System Basics
- The TAJ card is your social security card.
- It usually ends on the same date as your residence permit.
Step-by-Step Care Guides
Emergency
- 1Call 112 or 104.
- 2Show your TAJ card or insurance papers at the hospital.
Getting a TAJ card
- 1Scholarship students apply through their university after they get their residence permit.
- 2Students who pay their own fees visit the NEAK office: 1139 Budapest, Teve utca 1/a-c.
Questions and Resources
Quick answers to common questions.
Official Government Resources
National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP): insurance for the permit
Hungary's immigration office. Its page on the health insurance rule for the permit.
Visit Resource →Emergency Contacts
General emergency
112Police, ambulance and fire.
Ambulance
104Medical emergencies.
Important: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance for the visa?
Yes. You need full health insurance, or proof you can pay for care. If your university gives you health insurance, travel insurance is enough for the trip.
How much is the NEAK agreement?
30% of the monthly minimum wage on the day you sign. The 2026 minimum wage is HUF 322,800.
Does the NEAK agreement cover everything at once?
No. For the first 24 months it covers only emergency care. To be fully insured from day one, pay all 24 months at the start.
What does the NEAK TAJ card not cover?
It does not cover: dental care (except emergencies), care outside Hungary, transplant waiting lists, or illnesses you already had before you applied.
Is insurance part of tuition?
Usually not. At Corvinus University of Budapest, the fees do not include health insurance. The University of Szeged insurance is also separate from tuition.
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