Hungary expands travel health reimbursement and urges EU health card use

Hungarian health insurers now provide a travel‑cost reimbursement benefit for insured patients who require outpatient specialist care or hospital visits and cannot travel by public transport due to medical reasons. Eligibility includes use of a private car and, where necessary, a companion for children under 18 or when the provider deems accompaniment essential. The claim must be recorded in the National Health Insurance Fund’s electronic system (ELUKER) and submitted in person, by post or electronically to the appropriate government office.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is free for all Hungarian TB contributors, including children, and can be applied for online via the Ügyfélkapu portal or in person at government windows. The card grants holders urgent medical treatment in EU member states and selected non‑EU countries under the same conditions as local residents. While it does not replace travel insurance, it covers emergency care, with any co‑payment required by the host country applying to the cardholder.