Giving birth in Hungary - a guide

Giving birth in Hungary is a well-supported process, with a healthcare system that balances affordability and quality through public and private options. Expectant parents, including non-Hungarian residents, can expect clear processes for prenatal care, delivery, birth registration, and generous maternity benefits. This deep dive explainer covers the costs and processes of giving birth in Hungary, legal requirements for birth registration (with specific considerations for non-residents), and details on maternity pay and leave, drawing on the latest available data as of 2025.

1. Healthcare Options: Public vs. Private

Hungary’s healthcare system offers expectant mothers two primary pathways: public healthcare, funded by the state, and private healthcare, which provides additional amenities at a higher cost. Each option has distinct costs, processes, and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences.

Public Healthcare

• Insurance Requirements: Access to public healthcare requires valid insurance, such as:

  • A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens.

  • A TAJ card (Hungarian health insurance card) for residents.

  • Proof of private insurance for those not covered by public systems.

• Prenatal Care:

  • Expectant mothers undergo regular check-ups with an obstetrician/gynecologist (szülészorvos) or a local health visitor (védőnő).

  • Visits at public facilities with an on-duty doctor cost approximately 15,000–20,000 HUF per visit.

  • Upon confirming pregnancy, mothers receive a “kiskönyv” (pregnancy booklet) to record all prenatal appointments.

• Cost of Giving Birth:

  • The average cost for a pregnancy, including prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, is around 160,000 HUF, with higher costs for first-time mothers.

  • Delivery in a state hospital typically costs 200,000–300,000 HUF.

• Process:

  • Prenatal care can be conducted at public health clinics or state hospitals.

  • Delivery occurs in a state hospital, where mothers stay for at least 72 hours post-birth, and babies may be cared for by staff for at least 24 hours.

  • Mothers can opt for on-duty staff or request their prenatal doctor to attend the birth.

• Additional Notes:

  • Tipping is illegal in public hospitals.

  • A 2023 study by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office found that 97% of births occur in state hospitals, with 56% of fathers present.

  • Public healthcare is praised for affordability, with most families finding costs manageable.

Private Healthcare

• Payment Options: Costs can be paid via cash, credit card, private insurance, or health funds.

• Prenatal Care:

  • Outpatient appointments, procedures, and tests range from 10,000–30,000 HUF per visit.

• Cost of Giving Birth:

  • Private hospital births add an average of 650,000 HUF to public system costs.

  • Birth packages vary significantly by clinic:

    Clinic	Package	Cost (HUF/EUR)
    Budai Perinatális Központ	Pregnancy Care	355,000 HUF
    	Birth Package	869,000 HUF
    	Labs	83,500 HUF
    Róbert/TritonLife	Basic	799,000 HUF
    	Gold	899,000 HUF
    	Platina	1,299,000 HUF
    	Diamond	1,599,000 HUF
    Dr. Rose	Basic	1,900,000 HUF
    	Twin	2,500,000 HUF
    Maternity Clinic	Basic	1,300,000 HUF
    	Gemini Basic	1,500,000 HUF
    	Exclusive	7,000 EUR
    Duna Medical Center	Basic	930,000 HUF
    	Premium	1,304,000 HUF
    	Exclusive	1,431,000 HUF
    Medicover	Excellence	880,000 HUF
    	Grand Excellence	1,050,000 HUF
    	Deluxe	1,320,000 HUF

• Process:

  • Private care offers personalized services, including the option to choose a specific doctor and access to shared family rooms post-birth.

  • Prenatal care can be conducted at private practices, often with English-speaking staff, which is particularly appealing to expats.

• Additional Notes:

  • Private facilities provide amenities like private rooms and additional postnatal support, which are not typically available in public hospitals.

  • Many expats opt for private insurance to cover these costs and access a wider network of English-speaking doctors.

Comparison

Public healthcare is the more affordable option, making it accessible for most families, especially those with valid insurance. Private healthcare, while significantly more expensive, offers greater flexibility, comfort, and personalized care, which may be preferred by those who can afford it or prioritize English-language services.

2. Legal Requirements for Birth Registration

Registering a birth in Hungary is a straightforward process, but non-Hungarian residents face additional requirements to comply with both Hungarian and their home country’s regulations.

For Hungarian Residents

• Process:

  • Births must be registered at the local municipality’s registry office (anyakönyvi hivatal).

  • Hospitals often handle this registration, providing the birth certificate before the mother is discharged.

• Required Documents:

  • The child’s birth certificate issued by the hospital.

  • Parents’ marriage certificate or a statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage if unmarried.

  • Proof of parents’ nationality (e.g., ID card or passport).

• Additional Notes:

  • Hungarian citizens must register their child’s birth, even if it occurs abroad, typically through the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.

For Non-Hungarian Residents

• Hungarian Law:

  • The birth of a child of a foreigner legally residing in Hungary must be reported within 30 days to the Office of Immigration and Nationality (Tel: +36 1 463-9100 or +36 1 463-9233) Birth Registration.

• Process:

  • Hospitals typically register the birth with the local registry office, issuing a birth certificate before discharge.

  • Non-Hungarian residents may need to report the birth to their home country’s embassy or consulate for dual citizenship or documentation purposes.

• Examples:

  • U.S. Citizens: Must report the birth to the U.S. Embassy to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and a U.S. passport.

  • Dutch Citizens: Can convert the Hungarian birth certificate into a Dutch one at The Hague’s Foreign Documents Department, though this is optional.

• Special Considerations:

  • Non-Hungarian language documents (e.g., birth certificates) may require certified Hungarian translations, especially if registering with Hungarian authorities.

  • For parents with Hungarian citizenship, additional documents like a Hungarian address card may be required if registering the child as a Hungarian citizen living in Hungary.

Key Considerations

Non-Hungarian residents should ensure compliance with both Hungarian and their home country’s regulations. This may involve dual registration processes, particularly for obtaining citizenship or travel documents for the child. Consulting with the relevant embassy or consulate early in the process can help clarify requirements.

3. Maternity Pay and Leave

Hungary’s family-friendly policies provide generous maternity and parental leave benefits, supporting parents during and after childbirth. The following details reflect policies as of 2025.

Maternity Leave

• Duration: 24 weeks, which can be taken starting 4 weeks before the expected due date or after birth. At least 2 weeks are mandatory post-birth Leave Policy in Hungary 2025.

• Pay:

  • For the first 6 months, mothers receive the Pregnancy and Confinement Benefit (Csecsemőgondozási díj), equivalent to 70% of their salary.

  • For the next 18 months, the Child Care Fee (Gyermekgondozási díj) provides up to 70% of the salary, capped at twice the minimum daily wage.

• Eligibility:

  • Mothers must have at least 365 days of health insurance coverage in the 2 years prior to delivery.

  • The birth must occur during the insurance period or within 42 days of its expiry.

Paternity Leave

• Duration: 10 days statutory minimum, to be taken within the first 2 months after birth.

• Pay:

  • Days 1–5: 100% of regular wage.

  • Days 6–10: 40% of regular wage.

Breastfeeding Breaks

• Duration:

  • Two 1-hour paid breaks per day until the child is 6 months old.

  • One 1-hour paid break per day from 6 to 9 months.

  • For twins, break times are doubled (e.g., 4 hours daily for the first 6 months).

Adoption Leave

• Duration:

  • Adoptive mothers receive 24 weeks of leave, starting up to 4 weeks before receiving the child.

  • Adoptive fathers receive 5 days for one child or 7 days for multiple children.

• Pay: Same as maternity leave for mothers.

Childcare Leave

• Duration:

  • Paid parental leave until the child turns 2, available to one parent.

  • Unpaid leave until the child turns 3.

• Additional Days Off:

  • 2 days for 1 child.

  • 4 days for 2 children.

  • 7 days for 3 or more children.

  • 2 additional days for a child with disabilities.

Other Benefits

• Birth Grant (Anyasági támogatás): A one-time payment of 225% of the minimum pension (64,125 HUF in 2017, likely higher in 2025) for single births, or 300% for twins Family Policy in Hungary.

• Child Home Care Allowance: Available until the child is 3, supporting parents who stay home.

Key Notes

Hungary’s maternity policies are among the most progressive in Central Europe, offering extensive support for families. However, eligibility for paid benefits often depends on prior insurance contributions, which may affect non-residents or recent arrivals.

4. Additional Information for Expectant Parents

Affordability and Satisfaction

• Giving birth in Hungary is generally affordable, particularly in the public system. A 2023 study found that most families manage costs effectively, and mothers report high satisfaction with hospital care.

• Public hospitals maintain high standards, with complications handled safely in most cases.

Tips for Expats and Non-Hungarian Residents

• Insurance: Ensure valid insurance (EHIC, TAJ card, or private) to access public healthcare. Private insurance is recommended for expats seeking English-speaking doctors and additional amenities.

• Language: While many doctors speak English, learning basic Hungarian phrases or hiring a bilingual midwife can ease communication.

• Prenatal Classes: English-language prenatal classes may be limited in public facilities but are more common in private clinics.

• Embassy Coordination: Non-residents should contact their home country’s embassy early to understand dual registration requirements for the child’s citizenship or passport.

Cultural Considerations

• Hungarian hospitals emphasize medical safety and efficiency, with a focus on maternal and infant health.

• Expats may find cultural differences in hospital practices, such as longer mandatory hospital stays (72 hours), compared to other countries.

5. Conclusion

Giving birth in Hungary offers expectant parents a supportive environment with affordable public healthcare and premium private options. The public system ensures accessibility for insured residents, while private care caters to those seeking personalized services. Birth registration is efficient, with clear processes for both Hungarian and non-Hungarian residents, though non-residents must navigate additional steps for compliance with their home country’s laws. Hungary’s maternity leave and pay policies are generous, providing financial and practical support for new parents. Whether you’re a local or an expat, Hungary’s family-friendly system makes it an appealing place to welcome a child.