Immediate Action: Emergency Numbers
Dial Universal European Emergency
112
Operators speak English.
(Also for Police & Fire Brigade)
Dial Hungarian Ambulance Directly
104
For medical emergencies.
(112 also dispatches ambulance)
When You Call: Provide Vital Information
Clear communication is key. Be prepared to state the following:
- 📍Your Exact Location: Be as precise as possible (street, building, nearby landmarks).
- ❗Nature of the Emergency: Briefly describe what happened and the patient's condition.
- 🗣️Request an English-Speaking Operator: If needed, state this clearly at the beginning of the call.
- 🧘Stay Calm & Follow Instructions: The dispatcher will guide you. Do not hang up until told to do so.
24/7 Hospital Emergency Rooms (Sürgősségi Osztályok)
For situations where you can get to a hospital yourself (non-life-threatening but urgent), these major Budapest hospitals have 24/7 emergency units. In a critical emergency, an ambulance dispatched via 112/104 will take you to the appropriate facility.
Péterfy Sándor Utcai Kórház és Traumatológiai Központ
Location: Pest - Near Keleti Railway Station
Major trauma center.
Szent Imre Egyetemi Oktatókórház
Location: Buda
Large teaching hospital.
Magyar Honvédség Egészségügyi Központ (Honvédkórház)
Location: Central Pest (North)
Military hospital, also serves civilians.
Uzsoki Utcai Kórház
Location: Pest (Zugló district)
General hospital with ER.
Key Information to Remember
Treatment First, Payment Later
In a medical emergency in Hungary, you will receive necessary treatment first. Hospitals are legally obliged to provide emergency care regardless of your ability to pay immediately or your insurance status at the moment of admission. Payment and insurance details will be sorted out afterwards.
Have Documents Ready (If Possible)
While not a barrier to emergency treatment, if you can, have the following ready or ask someone to fetch them for you:
- Identification (Passport, ID card)
- Travel insurance details (Policy number, emergency contact for insurer)
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if applicable
- Information about any pre-existing medical conditions or regular medications.