Universal healthcare is provided for the Hungarian population, funded by the national social insurance and income tax systems (HIF). Funds are allocated to county authorities, which enter into contracts with healthcare providers. Government hospitals are run at municipal and county level, and there are a small number of private church-run hospitals which also receive HIF funding.

Expatriates employed by Hungarian companies are entitled to free healthcare in the same way as Hungarian nationals, while those employed by foreign companies or joint ventures in Hungary will need to find out whether they are eligible. Charges for private medical treatment are relatively low. Hungary and the UK have a reciprocal health agreement, under which British nationals can receive free healthcare in Hungary.

Employees are required to contribute 3% of their income in social insurance payments, and employers contribute 11% of payroll. The government contributes to the system for those with no earned income, such as the unemployed and pensioners. Patients are required to pay prescription charges and to contribute to the cost of certain services such as dental care.

When seeking healthcare, individuals can approach specialists direct, but are being encouraged by the government to make greater use of primary health services and to see GPs in the first instance for a referral. Doctors receive relatively low salaries in Hungary, and many rely heavily on 'gratitude payments' from patients to supplement their income.

Hungary's medical facilities are reported by expats living there to be adequate and the doctors to be well-trained, but that hospitals are less-well equipped than in Western Europe or the US. Pharmacies are well supplied.