Hungary

The healthcare system in Hungary is supported by a series of employer taxes and employee insurance contributions, which supports a universal system. Medical tourism in Hungary is primarily centered around the infrastructure and tourism value of Budapest, which is both the capital and the largest city. Historically, a landlocked country that blends into the European background like Hungary has mainly pulled health travelers from Germany and Austria, where private Hungarian clinics are less expensive than many of the offerings back home. But globalism has been a positive force for Hungary, like it has been for so many other destinations, and many non-Europeans are beginning to consider Budapest as a potential destination for elective surgeries and cosmetic or dental work, despite the lack of national support from government agencies. The primary medical tourism advantage that Hungary has is its affordability. Hungary ranks similarly across the board to Poland, with one major exception – for traditional tourism, Hungary ranks 33rd and Poland ranks 43rd, which is the biggest reason for Hungary’s higher status in the overall MTI. Poland has a more practical advantage, thanks to a more established commercial relationship with the Baltic states.

*Based on the 2020 – 2021 Global MTI (Medical Tourism Index) Report published by the Medical Tourism Association.*