HUNGARY | Emergency | General information
In Hungary there is a central number for emergency services (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 and/or the fire brigade and/or the police is needed at the same time.
All the emergency service providers (ambulance, police and fire brigade) 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. EEA citizens have to obtain the European Health Insurance Card (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.
For more information, please browse the website of the National Health Insurance Company.