Do I need travel insurance for Hungary?

The jewel in Hungary’s crown is its capital, the dual city of Budapest - which lies on the Danube river and is an architectural treasure trove, containing everything from Roman ruins to a medieval castle, baroque churches, neoclassical public buildings and art nouveau bathhouses. And this is also true for much of the country, not just Budapest. The cities of Szeged, Kecskemét, Debrecen or Sopron are beautiful too - but you won’t want to miss out on the capital, with its huge number of thermal spa baths and lively nightlife. Hungarians are also proud of their cuisine, with goulash the national dish. The country joined the Schengen Area in 2007, three years after joining the European Union.

For those traveling to Hungary, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Hungary and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Hungary cover?

Our Europe Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Hungary?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a short-stay Schengen visa to enter Hungary. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Hungary visa application?

Yes! For over 10 years, AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number which is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Hungary visa?

To obtain a Schengen visa to Hungary your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons

I don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Hungary - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We therefore strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance? 

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen visa - 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality
5. Refund if your Schengen visa application is denied

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Hungary? 

In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Hungary?

Security: You are advised to take sensible precautions against low-level crime like bag snatching and pick-pocketing, especially in Budapest, and to be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, at markets and at other places frequented by tourists. Theft of and from vehicles is common. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. There have been some reported instances of drinks being spiked in bars and clubs - so be sure to buy your own drinks and keep sight of them.

Public transport: Almost all major towns and cities in Hungary have a strong public transport system that consists of buses, and occasionally trolley buses. Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged and Miskolc also have trams, while the capital also has a metro system famed for its beautiful stations.

Currency: Unlike many countries in the Schengen Area, Hungary's official currency is not the Euro but rather the Hungarian Forint (HUF). However, many stores do accept Euros - although you may not get a good exchange rate. It will be best to pay by card or in local currency.

Restaurants: Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering drinks or food and check your bill carefully before settling up as some have been known to demand more payment from tourists. You should report any such incident to the police.

Driving license: You can legally drive in Hungary with a full and valid international driving license. In addition to this, International Driving Permits are also recognized but not required.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Hungary and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to visit Hungary you can find out more here.