Half the Country Visits Private Doctors, But Still Chooses Public Hospitals for Serious Care
Fast, convenient, and high-quality healthcare is prompting an increasing number of Hungarians to opt for private medical services, despite the considerable expense.
According to a representative study by NN Insurance, half of the population aged 20–64 has utilized private healthcare at least once in the past two years. Dental services are most in demand in the private sector, followed closely by gynecology, obstetrics, and laboratory tests. However, when it comes to more extensive hospital care, which can be very costly, the majority still turn to state hospitals. Dissatisfaction with healthcare services, whether private or public, not only impacts the patient negatively but also involves significant financial costs.
The study by NN Insurance reveals that a quarter of all healthcare services for people aged 20–64 were provided by the private sector in the past two years, illustrating a growing trend toward private healthcare in Hungary. This preference is attributed to higher satisfaction rates with private providers compared to the public health system.
The survey conducted online in September and October 2023, with 1,100 participants, found that 43% of those who had visited a private healthcare provider in the last two years would choose to do so again, indicating a growing reliance on private healthcare in Hungary due to greater satisfaction compared to the public health system.
Bence Holló, CEO of NN Insurance, emphasized that financing private healthcare is becoming increasingly common through either personal health insurance or employer-provided benefits, as individuals face the rising costs of managing their own healthcare.
The primary advantage of private healthcare mentioned by respondents is its accessibility and speed of service compared to the public system. Bad experiences with state healthcare often drive patients to seek private alternatives, with 60% of respondents expressing a willingness to use private healthcare services in the next one to two years.
Dentistry leads in demand within private healthcare, with 54% of respondents having used dental services in the past two years.
The study also highlights generational differences, with 37% of the 20–34 age group using private sector laboratory tests compared to 24% of older respondents. Additionally, younger people are more likely to visit private psychologists and endocrinologists than their older counterparts.
Educational background also influences healthcare choices; 64% of those with higher education have used private services at least once, compared to 41% of those with primary education. Outpatient care and day surgeries are popular among private healthcare users, though only 4% opted for private hospital stays due to higher costs.
The dissatisfaction of patients not only affects their health outcomes but also leads to significant financial losses for healthcare providers. The study by Positive Health & Care outlines common issues faced by patients in the public healthcare system and notes that well-established practices abroad aim to reduce these costs by improving patient experience - an area in which Hungary currently lags.
Internationally, patient experience design in healthcare has led to significant improvements, such as reducing the need for sedation and increasing patient satisfaction, ultimately resulting in cost savings for healthcare facilities.
These findings point to a clear trend in Hungary's healthcare: while private healthcare gains popularity for its efficiency and quality, the public system remains essential for more serious health issues. The challenge remains to improve patient satisfaction and streamline processes across both sectors to enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs.
The study by NN Insurance reveals that a quarter of all healthcare services for people aged 20–64 were provided by the private sector in the past two years, illustrating a growing trend toward private healthcare in Hungary. This preference is attributed to higher satisfaction rates with private providers compared to the public health system.
The survey conducted online in September and October 2023, with 1,100 participants, found that 43% of those who had visited a private healthcare provider in the last two years would choose to do so again, indicating a growing reliance on private healthcare in Hungary due to greater satisfaction compared to the public health system.
Bence Holló, CEO of NN Insurance, emphasized that financing private healthcare is becoming increasingly common through either personal health insurance or employer-provided benefits, as individuals face the rising costs of managing their own healthcare.
The primary advantage of private healthcare mentioned by respondents is its accessibility and speed of service compared to the public system. Bad experiences with state healthcare often drive patients to seek private alternatives, with 60% of respondents expressing a willingness to use private healthcare services in the next one to two years.
Dentistry leads in demand within private healthcare, with 54% of respondents having used dental services in the past two years.
The study also highlights generational differences, with 37% of the 20–34 age group using private sector laboratory tests compared to 24% of older respondents. Additionally, younger people are more likely to visit private psychologists and endocrinologists than their older counterparts.
Educational background also influences healthcare choices; 64% of those with higher education have used private services at least once, compared to 41% of those with primary education. Outpatient care and day surgeries are popular among private healthcare users, though only 4% opted for private hospital stays due to higher costs.
The dissatisfaction of patients not only affects their health outcomes but also leads to significant financial losses for healthcare providers. The study by Positive Health & Care outlines common issues faced by patients in the public healthcare system and notes that well-established practices abroad aim to reduce these costs by improving patient experience - an area in which Hungary currently lags.
Internationally, patient experience design in healthcare has led to significant improvements, such as reducing the need for sedation and increasing patient satisfaction, ultimately resulting in cost savings for healthcare facilities.
These findings point to a clear trend in Hungary's healthcare: while private healthcare gains popularity for its efficiency and quality, the public system remains essential for more serious health issues. The challenge remains to improve patient satisfaction and streamline processes across both sectors to enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs.
Translation:
Translated by AI
