Medical On-Call Service (Ügyelet)

When Is the On-Call Service Available?

The medical on-call service operates outside normal general practitioner (GP) opening hours.

Typical hours are:

·        Weekdays: usually from the late afternoon or evening until the next morning

·        Weekends and public holidays: usually available 24 hours a day

The exact opening hours may vary depending on the city or municipality.

When Should You Go to the On-Call Service?

The on-call service should be used for urgent but non-life-threatening medical problems, for example:

·        high fever

·        sudden illness

·        infections

·        minor injuries

·        severe pain

·        symptoms that get worse outside GP hours

If your condition is serious or life-threatening, you should call the emergency number 112 or go to the hospital emergency department.

How the Service Works

In most areas, you can:

·        call the on-call phone number for advice

·        visit the on-call clinic in person

·        in some cases request a home visit

A doctor or medical professional will evaluate your condition and provide treatment or advice.

Cost of the Service

For people who have Hungarian public health insurance (TAJ), the on-call service is usually free of charge.

However, fees may apply in some cases, for example:

·        if the patient does not have valid health insurance

·        if the visit is considered unnecessary

·        for certain administrative services (such as medical certificates)

Patients without Hungarian health insurance may need to pay the full cost of treatment.

Important Tips

Before going to the on-call service, it is often helpful to:

·        bring your TAJ card

·        bring an ID document

·        bring a list of any medications you take

The on-call service is designed for urgent problems when your regular doctor is unavailable, helping ensure that patients can still receive medical care outside normal clinic hours.