Do you need travel insurance to Hungary in 2026?
Hungary is a Schengen country, and Russian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel there. Hungary continues to accept tourist visa applications from Russians, so for many it remains a straightforward option for a trip to Europe: Budapest, Lake Balaton, thermal baths.
Medical insurance is a mandatory part of the visa package. Keep in mind the general EU rule as well: since 7 November 2025 Russians are, as a rule, issued single-entry visas. This means the policy is usually bought for one specific trip, and the next one will need a new visa and new insurance.
Policy requirements for a Hungarian visa
- Sum insured — at least EUR 30,000.
- Territory — all Schengen countries, not just Hungary.
- Period — every day of the trip, from entry to departure.
- Deductible — none.
- Repatriation — must be included in the cover.
Details in the policy are given in Latin letters as in the international passport. If you are applying for a visa for the first time, see the insurance for a Schengen visa and insurance for a visa pages, which gather the general consular requirements.
Thermal baths: what the policy covers and what it does not
The baths of Budapest and thermal resorts across the country are one of the main reasons to visit Hungary. Here it is important to understand where insurance cover ends.
Spa treatment is not an insured event. Procedures, baths and wellness courses you planned in advance are paid for by you. Travel insurance is designed for sudden events: acute illness, injury, accident.
A flare-up of a chronic condition is a separate option. Hot water, heat and a change of routine can trigger, for example, a spike in blood pressure. If you have chronic diagnoses, add the Chronic Conditions option in the calculator: it covers relief of a sudden flare-up. Without it such a case may not be recognised as insured. Disclose your conditions honestly: a hidden diagnosis is a common reason for refusal.
Lake Balaton, Budapest and road trips
Holidays at Lake Balaton
In summer Lake Balaton is the country's main beach resort. Swimming, paddleboarding and boating, cycling around the lake. If you plan water sports or long bike rides, check whether the Active Leisure option is needed.
City trips
In Budapest the typical risks are injuries on cobblestones and stairs, colds, food poisoning and acute toothache. Emergency dental care and baggage cover are useful even on a short city break.
By car across Hungary and neighbouring countries
Many people travel around Hungary and Europe by car. Accident insurance and personal liability are useful for the driver and passengers. Remember that travel medical insurance does not replace insurance for the car itself: check the requirements for it before the trip. And the whole-Schengen territory of a medical policy is convenient for such routes.
How to choose the sum and options
The minimum for a visa is EUR 30,000. For a short city trip that is usually enough. If you are going to a spa with chronic conditions, are older or travelling with children, a higher sum makes sense. Older travellers will find the insurance for seniors page useful.
If the tour or tickets are paid in advance and the visa has not yet been issued, consider the Trip Cancellation and Visa Refusal options. Details are on the trip cancellation insurance page.
If you need medical help
- Call the assistance company on the number in the policy. If your condition is serious, call an ambulance first and then contact the assistance company.
- Follow the operator's instructions: they will find and approve a clinic.
- Do not pay for treatment without approval, otherwise the reimbursement may be reduced or refused.
- Collect documents: medical reports, invoices and receipts, prescriptions.
A detailed guide is in the what to do in an insured event section.
How to buy a policy to Hungary at polisre.ru
Calculation and purchase take place right on this page through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner). The calculator brings together offers from 16 insurance companies, and the policy is issued by the one you choose.
- Select Hungary as the destination, enter the travel dates and the travellers' ages.
- Choose a sum of EUR 30,000 or more and tick the options: chronic conditions, active leisure, trip cancellation.
- Review the offers and programme terms.
- Enter the details in Latin letters and pay for the policy by card.
- Receive the policy by e-mail and attach it to your visa documents.
If you are already in Hungary and realise you have not bought a policy, some insurers have programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. All destinations and general advice are in the travel insurance section.