Worsening trends: Wider gap emerges between public and private healthcare in Hungary

The gap between public and private specialist care in Hungary has widened, according to a nationwide survey. While both sectors face challenges, one in five Hungarians now opts for private care—primarily due to shorter waiting times, better facilities, and more advanced equipment. 

Public health services are showing concerning trends, with longer waits and fewer care centres. However, the private sector—despite being perceived as higher quality—also faces criticism: many patients report declining standards in doctors’ attitudes and professionalism.

These findings come from a representative national survey (1*) used to calculate the latest Premium Outpatient Care Quality Index (Prémium Járóbetegellátás Minőségi Index, PJMI). Now in its third year, the index measures satisfaction among those who use specialist care services. This year, respondents were asked not only about their most recent visit to a specialist, but also about their experiences over the past year.

Why do people still choose public healthcare?

According to the survey by Prémium Egészségpénztár, Hungarians continue to turn to private providers for specialist care: nearly 20% of such visits over the past three years were paid for privately. Around half of the respondents said they chose private care due to higher-quality services and faster access. In contrast, nearly as many people opted for public care simply because it is free of charge.

Based on patient ratings of their most recent visit, private care services received 83 out of a possible 100 points on the PJMI scale, compared to just 66 for public healthcare. The 17-point gap between the two systems has increased from 15 points last year, largely due to improved ratings for private care.

“With regular contributions to a healthcare savings account—especially when supplemented by employer contributions—people can prepare for future medical expenses. Many still do not realise that paying through a health fund can reduce the cost of private care, as users may receive a 20% tax refund on deposits, up to HUF 150,000 annually,” said Dr Péter Váradi, Chief Strategic Adviser at Prémium Egészségpénztár. “So far this year, our members have reclaimed nearly HUF 6 billion in personal income tax, and membership could reach 400,000 by the end of the year.”

Private providers offer faster, more accurate and comfortable service

The most significant differences between public and private care were observed in on-site waiting times, ease of scheduling, equipment quality, and overall comfort.

The on-site waiting time scored just 37 points for public care, compared to 72 for private. Timeliness of appointments also showed a wide gap—67 points for public, 85 for private. Comfort factors—including clinic design and ambience—scored highly in private clinics (86 points), but only 50 in public ones. Similarly, the quality of equipment and technology earned private providers 86 points, versus 54 for public institutions, based on patient impressions.