Giving birth is an incredible and joyous experience that comes with various considerations, including financial ones. For expectant parents in Hungary, understanding the costs associated with childbirth is important for financial planning and decision-making. In this article, we will explore the anticipated expenses related to giving birth in Hungary in 2024.

The Hungarian Antenatal Care System

In Hungary, expectant mothers have the option of using the public healthcare system or opting for private care. If you choose to give birth within the public healthcare system, it is crucial to have the necessary insurance coverage. This can be in the form of a European Health Insurance Card or similar proof of insurance from your home country. Residents in Hungary should have their TAJ card or proof of private insurance.

When it comes to prenatal care, regular appointments with an obstetrician/gynecologist (szülészorvos) or local health visitor (védőnő) will be necessary. These appointments can be done at public health clinics, state hospitals, or private practices. If you receive care at public facilities with an on-duty doctor, most visits will cost around 15,000-20,000 HUF.

The mother will be issued a booklet (kiskönyv) to record all prenatal appointments.

Costs of Giving Birth in Public/ State Hospitals

A study conducted by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) has found that most couples that decide to have children can easily afford the costs that pregnancy and prenatal care involve, as well as buying baby necessities. According to the study, 97 per cent of Hungarian mothers gave birth in hospitals financed by the state and 56 per cent of fathers were present at the birth. The poll established that a pregnancy in Hungary costs 160,000 HUF on average, while buying necessary items for the arriving baby 30,000 HUF. However, in the case of a first child, these financials are usually significantly higher. Those couples, however, where the mother gave birth birth in a private hospital, incurred an additional average cost of 650,000 forints.

Tipping in Hungarian hospitals was once common but is now illegal.

Private Healthcare Options

As an alternative to state hospitals, you may choose to give birth in a private clinic. Private clinics offer various in-patient delivery packages that provide comprehensive care during the birthing process. The cost of these packages can start from 800,000 HUF. Additionally, prenatal outpatient appointments, procedures, and tests at private clinics generally range from 10,000 HUF to 30,000 HUF.

Payment options at private clinics are flexible, including cash, credit card, or payment through private insurance companies or health funds. Private clinics often provide shared rooms, allowing the family to stay together after the birth.

After the Birth

In Hungary, once the baby has been delivered, most mothers will stay in the hospital for at least 72 hours and the baby may be taken away and cared for by nursing staff for at least 24 hours. Different hospitals have different policies on visitors to maternity wards. Private clinics will usually offer a shared room so the family can stay together after birth.

Registering the Birth in Hungary

Regardless of whether you give birth in a public hospital or a private clinic, registering the birth is a necessary step. Births are typically registered at the local municipality’s registry office (anyakönyvi hivatal). The hospital may handle this process, but if not, you will need to visit the registry with proof of identity and your Hungarian address card if applicable. If the father intends to be included on the birth certificate, additional documents such as a marriage certificate (translated into Hungarian if from abroad) or recognition of paternity (jegyzőkönyv apai elismerésről) must be provided. If both parents are foreign, registration with their embassy, obtaining a passport for the child, and supplying a translated copy are necessary before a full birth certificate will be issued.

Maternity and Paternity Leave in Hungary

Hungary provides various benefits to support new parents during the postpartum period. Mothers are entitled to 24 weeks of maternity leave, with the option to extend it for up to three years with paid support. During the first six months of maternity leave, mothers receive 70% of their previous salary via the Pregnancy and Confinement Benefit (Terhességi-gyermekágyi segély). For the subsequent 18 months, the primary caregiver of the household can receive up to 70% of their previous salary (capped at twice the minimum daily wage) through the Child Care Fee (Gyermekgondozási díj).

Parents or grandparents can receive a relatively small amount of money via the Child Home Care Allowance (Gyermekgondozási segély) until the child reaches the age of three. Additionally, parents are eligible for a one-off Birth Grant (Anyasági támogatás).

Fathers, on the other hand, are entitled to five paid days of paternity leave which must be taken within the first two months after the birth of the child. They can also take unpaid leave until the child reaches three years of age.

It is important to note that these figures are based on the information available up to 2023 and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the costs of giving birth in Hungary, it is advisable to consult with healthcare providers, insurance companies, or relevant government authorities.

Giving birth is a transformative journey, and understanding the financial aspects can help parents-to-be plan and make informed decisions. By familiarizing themselves with the anticipated costs of giving birth in Hungary in 2023, expectant parents can better prepare for this special moment in their lives.