Economy 13 April 2022, 8:58am

Extremely revealing survey about Hungary's health care

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In the last two years, the proportion of Hungarians who also use private health care has increased to 63% from 44%, according to a representative survey of 1,000 people by EY. The research showed that half of all active workers opted for this type of service in 2021.

According to the survey, toung people aged 18-29 (58%) are the most likely to consult a doctor outside the public system, while those aged 50 and over are the least likely (43%).

Respondents turn to the private sector mainly because they identify it with speed, a doctor-patient relationship based on mutual trust and a quality environment.

"More and more people are turning to private healthcare services, which is bringing with it the emergence of new players and increased competition among providers," said Roland László, head of business consulting at EY.

The research showed that "people are mainly looking for quick and easy contact and almost immediate availability of test results in return for their money," he added.

Despite the growing demand, only 12% of Hungarians have private health insurance.

Most typically, 50% of people continue to access it through contracts with employers. The survey shows that in Hungary, despite the fact that respondents are much less worried about damage to their home than about illness, home insurance is the most common form of insurance. In addition to those with higher incomes and education, and those living in big cities, the younger age group in particular is open to private health services, the survey found.