Hungary International Student Insurance

Located in Central Europe, surrounded by seven different countries (Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria), Hungary is a cultural link between Western and Eastern Europe. Although landlocked, Hungary offers beautiful landscapes comprised of rolling plains, hills, and mountains ranges. Its rich history of cultural diversity and competitive academic opportunities for international students makes it a great location for those students who are looking to break away from the “typical” European study abroad experience.

Tradition & Culture

Hungarian is one of the least spoken languages in the world and is also quite difficult to learn, but students should be prepared to pick up some basic phases to be able to get around. It is rare to find Hungarians who speak English fluently, but you will likely be able to find young people who have higher levels.

Hungary has a rich and extensive history, due to the various occupations by the Celts, Romans, Huns, and Slavs. This long history of mixtures between distinct peoples and cultures has allowed for the country to become a beautiful melting pot. Study abroad students have commented in the past on the fact that in cities such as Budapest it is fairly common to see people from different backgrounds (ages, economic status, styles, etc.) together. In addition, the motto of the city of Pécs, the home to Hungary’s first university, is “The Borderless City,” and was selected to share the title European Capital of Culture in 2010 with Essen (Germany) and Istanbul (Turkey).

Students who choose to study in Hungary will also find that there is a strong spa culture in this country. This is due to the fact that Hungary’s geographical location provides access to natural thermal water. The country is home to Lake Hévíz, the second largest thermal lake in the world, and about 1,500 thermal springs spread over about 80% of its territory.

Student Opportunities

Despite maintaining strong roots in Hungarian culture, Hungarian universities offer a wide variety of courses and degrees in English. This allows students to have a fair opportunity to succeed academically while being immersed in a country with strong and lasting traditions.

Hungary has a low cost of living, which is ideal for the student budget. This will allow students to experience the country’s cuisine, nightlife, and purchase souvenirs without having to break the bank.

Students have the opportunity to enroll in various programs ranging from all-English instruction to only select courses. In the capital of Budapest, for example, Central European University (CEU) and Corvinus University each offers international students distinct experiences. All instruction at CEU is done in English. Students have the option to choose from courses related to Gender Studies, International Relations and European Studies, Philosophy, Sociology and Social Anthropology, etc. Not only does CEU provide a wide range of courses, but it is also a U.S. accredited institution. For those students who are interested more specifically in business, economics, or public administration, Corvinus University is a perfect choice, having been listed in the top 50 Universities of the Financial Times European Masters in Management. Hungary’s first university, University of Pécs (1367), is also a great choice offering hundreds of courses in English, German, French, and Italian.

Health Insurance

Hungary is a part of the Schengen Area, which allows for easier travel between European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Visa requirements for non-European citizen differ, and are divided between two categories: 90-day travel maximum or travel that exceeds 90-days.

Insurance Requirements for EU/EEA Nationals

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

International students from EU/EEA countries are eligible to receive health services free of charge if the service is deemed a medical necessity during a temporary stay in Hungary. As long as they possess an EHIC card, they are also entitled to the same care as a Hungarian citizen.

Insurance Requirements for non-EU/EEA Nationals

Travel Health Insurance

Domestic health insurance plans often do not extend to travel outside of your home country. This means that it is important to check with your insurance provider before you leave to see if you will need to purchase a travel health insurance plan. In order to apply for a visa, you must have proof of a health insurance policy which will cover at least 30,000 EUR of medical costs to include emergency health services and transport home in the event of a medical emergency. The policy must be applicable for the full duration of your time abroad.

We offer the following plans to students who are planning to travel, study or visit Hungary: