- The best travel insurance plans for Hungary
- Is it currently safe to travel to Hungary?
- Travel Insurance Requirements for Hungary
- Why take out travel insurance for Hungary?
- What travel insurance for Hungary should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Hungary
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Hungary
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Hungary?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Hungary: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Hungary covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but it is vital for covering overseas medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: A private hospital stay in Hungary can cost foreign visitors upwards of $500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Hungary typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Remember that U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, typically offers no coverage in Hungary.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Hungary.
The best travel insurance plans for Hungary
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Comprehensive plan for Hungary. - high medical limit - evacuation and repatriation included - flexible for city or rural stays |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Good for both short and long stays in Hungary. - 24/7 assistance - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Useful core protection for tourists. - solid medical cover - emergency help - accessible pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Balanced contract for travelers to Hungary. - repatriation covered - hospital costs supported - broad acceptance |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Essential protection for international travelers. - covers medical care - repatriation guarantee - liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Great for short or low-risk trips. - reliable basic medical - speedy payouts - capped coverage |
- high medical limit
- evacuation and repatriation included
- flexible for city or rural stays
- 24/7 assistance
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cover
- emergency help
- accessible pricing
- repatriation covered
- hospital costs supported
- broad acceptance
- covers medical care
- repatriation guarantee
- liability cover
- reliable basic medical
- speedy payouts
- capped coverage
Is it currently safe to travel to Hungary?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to Hungary to exercise normal precautions, with no major restrictions or specific risks requiring Americans to reconsider travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: pickpocketing and petty theft occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, train stations, and when traveling between Budapest and Vienna. Remain vigilant with valuables on public transit.
- Health risks: no special vaccinations are required to enter Hungary. Medical care is generally good in cities but may be more limited in rural areas; emergency medical evacuation is recommended.
- Legal requirements: Hungary enforces zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. US citizens must always carry a valid passport and be able to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket upon entry.
- Urban factors: public transport is reliable, but scams and occasional fake taxi operators may be encountered in Budapest. Use reputable taxi services and stay alert at night around main tourist zones.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Hungary.
Travel Insurance Requirements for Hungary
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers entering Hungary for short stays of up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is nevertheless recommended to cover potential medical expenses, theft, or trip disruptions, especially since rural healthcare facilities may not meet US standards and medical evacuation can be costly. Insurance can also provide peace of mind for loss, theft, or accidents, which can happen in busy tourist areas like those in Budapest.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Hungary. This rate reflects the generally high level of safety and reliable public health infrastructure found in Hungary and the European Union.
Why take out travel insurance for Hungary?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Hungary.
In Hungary, quality medical care is available in Budapest at private clinics like Medicover Hospital, but costs can be substantial and treatment is not covered by US insurance plans. Foreign visitors in rural areas may face limited health infrastructure and may need to pay upfront for services. Advanced procedures or emergency evacuations can lead to significant expenses without coverage.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the United States in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Hungary.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Medicover Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 450,000 HUF (about $1,250) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 320,000 HUF (about $890) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 4,600,000 HUF (about $12,800) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 1,200,000 HUF (about $3,350) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Hungary should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care, doctor’s fees, medication, and hospital stays. Recommend a limit of at least $100,000 to cover private care or evacuation. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for ambulance or airlift to better-equipped hospitals abroad. Recommend a limit of $250,000 due to high international transport costs. |
| 💼 Baggage and personal items | Compensates for loss, theft, or damage of your luggage and valuables. Recommend a limit of $2,000 for your belongings. |
| 🛫 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. Recommend a limit of $5,000 per person. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption | Covers extra costs if you need to return to the US unexpectedly. Recommend a limit of $5,000 for last-minute tickets and logistic costs. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment during your trip. Recommend a limit of $750. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers accidental injury or damage you cause to others. Recommend a limit of $50,000. |
| 🏨 Daily hospital allowance | Provides a fixed payment for each day of hospital stay. Recommend $50 per day, up to 10 days. |
Recommend a limit of at least $100,000 to cover private care or evacuation.
Recommend a limit of $250,000 due to high international transport costs.
Recommend a limit of $2,000 for your belongings.
Recommend a limit of $5,000 per person.
Recommend a limit of $5,000 for last-minute tickets and logistic costs.
Recommend a limit of $750.
Recommend a limit of $50,000.
Recommend $50 per day, up to 10 days.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with certain bank cards usually covers less, with low limits and numerous exclusions. For peace of mind, choose a reputable insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare leading options on HelloSafe to find the best plan and get your certificate instantly online.
The cost of travel insurance for Hungary
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $18 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $32 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $56 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $117 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance depends on several key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the level of coverage, and any add-ons like a cancellation option. It's important to keep these in mind to select a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you're properly protected.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Hungary
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Hungary while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑 Age of traveler | Age can significantly affect travel insurance pricing, especially for older travelers. | Compare different insurers for age brackets. Note that the insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of medical coverage | Good medical facilities are available in major cities in Hungary, but major incidents may require costly care. | Choose a policy with sufficient but not excessive medical limits. Review hospital network inclusions and exclusions. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal items | Pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded tourist areas or trains in Hungary. | Only insure valuable belongings you need to bring. Avoid duplicate coverage with your credit card’s protections. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | A higher deductible lowers your insurance premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs if you make a claim. | Select the highest deductible you are comfortable with paying. This reduces your upfront insurance cost. |
| 🤒 Pre-existing conditions | Medical coverage for chronic illnesses may be more costly but is crucial if relevant to your health. | Consider policies that cover stable pre-existing conditions. Disclose all relevant details to avoid denied claims. |
| 🗓️ Length of stay | Insurance cost rises with trip duration. Short trips through Hungary can cost less in terms of daily rate. | Only cover actual travel dates. If making multiple trips in a year, consider annual or multi-trip policies for better value. |
| 🏡 Type of activities | Some activities, like adventure sports, are considered higher risk in insurance pricing. | Only add coverage for sports or adventure if you plan to participate. Exclude unnecessary risky activities from your plan. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Hungary?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or private health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Hungary. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for overseas travel. Only tailored travel insurance can provide the guarantees required to be truly well protected abroad.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Hungary? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | No, never | Not valid overseas, no coverage for medical expenses or repatriation outside US. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for medical care, hospitalization, and evacuation abroad. |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Some plans offer limited overseas coverage up to $25,000, often excludes repatriation and baggage issues. | Travel insurance reimburses $100,000+ for emergency care, and includes 24/7 multilingual support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Discover) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical below $5,000, no trip cancellation or baggage loss. | Travel insurance provides over $100,000 for health emergencies and includes lost luggage protection. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, Citi Premier) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical below $25,000, limited baggage and trip delay coverage. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for health with high baggage and trip interruption limits. |
Example
While cycling near Lake Balaton, Hungary, John suffered a severe leg fracture. Emergency surgery at a private clinic cost $18,000. His Visa Signature card offered no medical benefits, and his US health plan only covered $2,000 for out-of-network foreign care, leaving him to pay a shocking $16,000 out-of-pocket.
Expert advice
Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Hungary?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays in Hungary of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone. Proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket may be required on entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Hungary?
To purchase travel insurance for Hungary, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review the coverage options and exclusions relevant to Hungary, making sure you are protected for medical emergencies and theft. After choosing a plan, buy online and you will receive your coverage certificate promptly.
What health services are available in Hungary for travelers?
Hungary has modern medical facilities in large cities like Budapest. However, care in rural areas may not meet U.S. standards and English is less commonly spoken among medical staff. Emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 112. Travelers are advised to have insurance covering evacuations if needed.
Are there any risks to be aware of while visiting Hungary?
While Hungary is generally safe, travelers should remain alert to pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist locations and on public transportation. There are reports of theft on trains between Budapest and Vienna. Carry your passport at all times, as local authorities may conduct spot checks.
Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen belongings in Hungary?
Most travel insurance plans offer coverage for lost or stolen luggage and valuables, but benefit limits and exclusions apply. Typically, reimbursement caps are between $300 and $1,000 per item, and proof will be required. Always report thefts to police and obtain documentation for your insurer as soon as possible.
Do I need a visa to travel to Hungary?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business stays in Hungary of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone. Proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket may be required on entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Hungary?
To purchase travel insurance for Hungary, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review the coverage options and exclusions relevant to Hungary, making sure you are protected for medical emergencies and theft. After choosing a plan, buy online and you will receive your coverage certificate promptly.
What health services are available in Hungary for travelers?
Hungary has modern medical facilities in large cities like Budapest. However, care in rural areas may not meet U.S. standards and English is less commonly spoken among medical staff. Emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 112. Travelers are advised to have insurance covering evacuations if needed.
Are there any risks to be aware of while visiting Hungary?
While Hungary is generally safe, travelers should remain alert to pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist locations and on public transportation. There are reports of theft on trains between Budapest and Vienna. Carry your passport at all times, as local authorities may conduct spot checks.
Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen belongings in Hungary?
Most travel insurance plans offer coverage for lost or stolen luggage and valuables, but benefit limits and exclusions apply. Typically, reimbursement caps are between $300 and $1,000 per item, and proof will be required. Always report thefts to police and obtain documentation for your insurer as soon as possible.
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