After an employment relationship ends in Hungary, the employee retains limited access to state health insurance. This card outlines what coverage applies, what the employee must do to maintain coverage, and what happens if they remain unemployed after the grace period.
Scenario 1
Passive coverage (“passzív jog”)
If the employment lasted at least 45 consecutive days, insurance coverage continues for 45 days after the end of employment .
If the final employment lasted less than 45 days, but was directly preceded (within 30 days) by another qualifying employment of at least 45 days, coverage still continues for 45 days from the end of the shorter employment .
When a short employment is not preceded by such, coverage only continues for the actual duration of the short employment .
Payment of the “Egészségügyi szolgáltatási járulék” (Health Service Contribution)
Once the passive coverage ends, the person must pay the health service contribution from the next day onwards, until a new qualifying insurance status begins (e.g. new job) .
The NAV automatically notifies the person and typically pre‑assigns the payment obligation based on NEAK’s data .
If NAV did not set up the obligation automatically, the person must submit form 25T1011U within 8 days and declare they are not insured via another EEA state or social agreement country .
The monthly contribution rate (as of 2025) is HUF 11 300, or HUF 380/day for partial months .
Payment is due by the 12th of the month following the coverage month .
Payments can be made via the NAV Ügyfélportál (online) or by bank transfer/invoice (Csekk).
Once new employment starts, the new employment automatically grants insurance, and self‑payment obligation ends.
Scenario 2
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Insurance Coverage
After employment ends, individuals may apply for álláskeresési járadék (jobseeker’s allowance), which also provides continued health insurance coverage during the benefit period.
Registration as a jobseeker must occur on the first day of unemployment, either in person at the district employment office or online via Ügyfélkapu (e‑PAPÍR or NFSZ portal).
Eligibility requires at least 360 days of insured work within the previous 3 years and a valid Hungarian residence status.
Upon registration, entitlement begins from that day and is valid even while the claim is being processed (within 8 days).
During the benefit period (maximum 90 days), no separate health service contribution is required—public health coverage is fully maintained.
Source: National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary ; Digital Citizenship Program