The Hungarian TAJ health insurance card

Known as the Social Insurance Identification Card, it is a nine-digit code issued as a physical card by the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NEAK). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the TAJ card, including its purpose, eligibility, application process, covered services, costs, and usage.

What is the TAJ Card?

The TAJ card is a unique identifier used in Hungary’s healthcare, social security, and pension insurance systems. The term Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel translates to “Social Insurance Identification Code.” It is a nine-digit code printed on a physical card, which serves as proof of eligibility for public healthcare services and tracks social security contributions.

• Key Features:

  • Contains a unique nine-digit code for identification in healthcare and social systems.

  • Required for legal employment to facilitate social security deductions.

  • Used to access subsidized medical services, including GP visits, specialist care, hospital treatments, and prescriptions.

  • Since January 1, 2016, new Hungarian identity cards can also serve as TAJ identification, but the physical TAJ card is recommended due to compatibility issues with some systems.

The TAJ card is managed by the NEAK and is essential for navigating Hungary’s public healthcare system.

Why is the TAJ Card Needed?

The TAJ card is indispensable for several reasons:

• Access to Public Healthcare: It is required to register with a general practitioner (GP), obtain referrals to specialists, access hospital care, and receive discounted medications. Without it, individuals are limited to emergency care.

• Legal Employment: Employers use the TAJ number to deduct social security contributions, making it mandatory for legal work in Hungary.

• Social Security Benefits: It tracks contributions for benefits like sick pay, disability support, and pensions.

• Administrative Processes: It is used in social welfare, child protection, family support, and other administrative systems.

For example, when visiting a doctor or pharmacy, the TAJ card verifies your eligibility for subsidized services. For students, particularly those on government scholarships, it ensures free healthcare access.

Who is Eligible for a TAJ Card?

Eligibility for a TAJ card depends on an individual’s status in Hungary. The following groups are typically eligible:

Special cases, such as simplified employment for foreigners, may involve limited TAJ issuance for accident-related services only.

How to Obtain a TAJ Card

The application process for a TAJ card varies by category. Below are the main procedures:

For Employed Individuals

1. Submit Application at NEAK:

   • Visit the NEAK Customer Service (e.g., 1139 Budapest, Teve u. 1A-C).

   • Complete forms: Ny 52 Order Form and Ny 53 Request Form.

   • Provide documents: Passport, residence permit (non-EU), registration certificate (EU), proof of address, employment contract, and employer’s specimen signature.

2. Receive TAJ Number:

   • Return within 8 days to collect the TAJ number.

3. Report to Tax Authority:

   • Submit form NAV20T1041 to the tax office to receive the physical TAJ card.

   • Complete the process within 60 days.

For Students on Government Scholarships

1. Submit Documents to University:

   • Provide: Passport, residence permit, accommodation reporting form, and student status certificate (issued within 30 days).

   • Submit to the university’s designated office (e.g., Office for Full-time Study Programmes, University of Szeged).

2. University Processing:

   • The university adds a scholarship certificate and forwards the application to the National Health Insurance Fund (OEP).

3. Visit Government Office:

   • Submit copies and forms in person at the local government office (e.g., Csongrád Megyei Kormányhivatal, 6722 Szeged, Rákóczi tér 1).

4. Collect TAJ Card:

   • Pick up the card from the university office.

For Other Categories

• Hungarian Citizens: Apply at the local government office with proof of identity (e.g., ID card) and residence (e.g., residence card).

• Foreign Residents: Apply at NEAK or a government office with a residence permit or registration certificate.

• Self-Employed: Register for voluntary contributions through the tax office and apply at NEAK.

• Newborns: Hungarian citizens born in Hungary receive the card automatically within 8 days. Others require parental documentation and application.

Application Notes:

• Processing typically takes 60 days, but complete applications may be processed in 8 days under the “sommás” procedure.

• Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically via the “Ügyfélkapu” system for some cases.

• Required documents generally include ID (passport, driver’s license), residence proof, and additional documents based on status (e.g., employment contract, student certificate).

For detailed guidance, visit the NEAK website.

Healthcare Services Covered

The TAJ card provides access to a wide range of public healthcare services, including:

• General Practitioner (GP) Consultations: Free or low-cost visits to a registered GP.

• Specialist Consultations: Requires a GP referral; may involve co-payments.

• Hospital Care: Inpatient and outpatient services, including surgeries and treatments.

• Prescribed Medications: Discounted rates at pharmacies for medications covered by NEAK.

• Diagnostic Tests: X-rays, blood tests, and other examinations.

• Emergency Care: Free for all, regardless of TAJ status.

Limitations:

• Some services, such as certain medications or non-emergency treatments, may require co-payments.

• Coverage depends on a valid social security relationship, verified electronically by healthcare providers.

Costs Associated with the TAJ Card

• Payment Methods: Bank transfer, yellow check, or in-person at the government office’s cash desk.

• Exemptions: Fees may be waived for financial hardship, upon request.

• No Cost for Basic Services: GP visits, emergency care, and most hospital services are free or low-cost.

How to Use the TAJ Card

To maximize the benefits of the TAJ card:

• Register with a GP: Choose a local GP and register using your TAJ card. This is required for non-emergency care.

• Obtain Referrals: Visit your GP for referrals to specialists or hospital treatments.

• Prescriptions: Present your TAJ card at pharmacies to receive medications at the insured rate.

• Hospital Admissions: Provide your TAJ card for planned treatments to verify coverage.

• Carry the Card: Always have your TAJ card when seeking medical services, as it’s required for identification and billing.

Emergency Note: While a TAJ card isn’t needed for emergency care, it facilitates follow-up treatments.

Handling Lost, Damaged, or Expired Cards

• Lost or Stolen Card:

  • Report to the police, who notify the health insurer.

  • Apply for a replacement at NEAK or a government office.

  • Cost: 4,000 HUF.

• Damaged Card:

  • Apply for a replacement with the same process.

  • Cost: 4,000 HUF.

• Expired Card:

  • For foreign nationals, validity is tied to the residence permit. Renew before expiration.

  • For others, renew if personal data changes (e.g., name, address) within 15 days.

  • Return the old card when applying for a new one.

Online Verification: Check TAJ number validity on the NEAK website or authorized platforms.

Additional Considerations

• For Foreigners: Ensure all required documents (e.g., residence permit) are valid before applying. Contact your embassy for assistance with local healthcare providers.

• For Students: Universities often provide support for TAJ applications. Check with your institution’s international office.

• For EU Citizens: The TAJ card can be used alongside the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for travel within the EU.

• Online Applications: Some government offices allow electronic submissions via “Ügyfélkapu,” streamlining the process.

Conclusion

The TAJ card is a cornerstone of Hungary’s healthcare and social security systems, enabling access to public health services and ensuring compliance with employment regulations. Whether you’re a Hungarian citizen, a foreign resident, a student, or a worker, obtaining and maintaining a valid TAJ card is essential. By understanding the application process, covered services, and usage guidelines, you can navigate Hungary’s healthcare system effectively. For the latest information, consult official sources like the NEAK or local government offices.