When you think of tourism, you probably think of going to foreign countries for travel or fun. Now, there’s another kind of tourism that people are talking about: dental tourism. Dental tourists travel to foreign countries to seek dental care. The number one reason people flock to other countries is low-cost dental care.

There are many reasons why dental care costs are less expensive in less developed regions. Labor and real estate may cost less in these regions, so dentists may have lower costs and malpractice insurance may be less expensive or non-existent.

Situated in Central Europe just east of neighboring Austria, one such place which has become a household name in terms of dental care is Budapest in Hungary. Every year thousands of overseas patients who generally find exceptionally high-quality care administered by skillful and knowledgeable practitioners fly to Hungary from English-speaking countries, such as Canada, the UK, Ireland or the USA. They visit the beautiful city of Budapest, capital of Hungary, and get their teeth fixed while doing so. Recently, a new trend has been developing, as tourists from France, Switzerland, Germany in addition to Austria are now visiting Hungary since local dental treatment fees are costing higher in their hometowns.

Save upto 70% in Hungary vs others

Foreign patients can save up to 70% on dental care in Budapest in comparison to Western European prices, with the same quality, if not higher. For example, having a treatment in the UK one can expect to pay an average of £2,000 for each dental implant. This compares with between £800 to £1,200 for one in Hungary.

  • Single crown in the UK: £759 (Ireland: €900); in Hungary: £200/€225
  • Root canal build-up and crown in the UK: £1,452 (Ireland: €900); in Hungary: £392/€900
  • Dental implant and crown in the UK: £2,574 (Ireland: €3,021); in Hungary: £894/€1,043

Tax refunds for patients are also possible because Hungary is part of the European Union. Other dental tourism destinations that are not part of the European Union do not make this possible for French and Irish patients to claim government regulated tax relief after dental treatment in Budapest. For instance, Irish patients can have a 20% tax relief in Ireland after treatment in Budapest with a simple step: handing in the MED 2 form to the local tax office.

Hungarian Dentists and facilities

All Hungarian dentists must register with the Hungary Ministry of Health. Further, general dentists who wish to specialize in, for example, orthodontics or implantology, must also complete a three-year specialist training program.

Many clinics in Hungary have invested heavily in the latest technology to make dental treatments as effective, quick and comfortable as possible. Rather than wait months for treatment in their home country, patients may receive dental treatment in Hungary in a matter of days.

There is a strong emphasis on customer care and making the experience a pleasant one, with some clinics offering spa-like facilities for patients to use during their stay.

Hungary is also renowned all over the world for its high standards and advanced medical procedures, with Hungarian medical professionals teaching and practicing internationally. Hungary also boasts some of the lowest MRSA rates in Europe.

Language

While Hungarian, or Magyar, is the country’s official language, dentists depend on international travelers for their business success. Thus, fluent English is spoken by all Dental specialists, hygienists and staff. You will also find English spoken in most hotels, and will generally find that most people under 30 speak English, as it is now compulsory in Hungarian schools.

Payment Methods

Hungarian dentists accept cash in US dollars, Euros or Hungarian Forint. Major credit/debit cards are also accepted, and any amount paid will be converted to Hungarian Forints at the current rate of exchange determined by the Hungarian National Bank. Check with your preferred clinic as to what cards they accept. Credit cards may be subject to a small surcharge (3-5%).

Bank transfers are possible but must be agreed in advance and payment made before the treatment is completed.

Tourist Visas?

UK, Ireland, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens can visit Hungary for up to 90 days as a tourist without a visa, providing they have a passport which does not expire with six months of the trip’s end.

Tourism and Sightseeing

Hungary is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget destination along with a speck of tourism and sightseeing. Budapest itself is relatively cheap for a capital city, with affordable food, drink and attractions (even many of the city’s famous sights are totally free to visit).

If one is travelling overseas they may as well be somewhere picturesque, and Budapest and many of the surrounding areas have much to offer in terms of sightseeing and recreation.

Where to Stay?

You will find there are many suitable places to stay within a short distance of your chosen dentist in Hungary, with all styles of accommodation from low-budget to high end.

Budapest and other Hungarian cities and town are awash with spas and baths; you’ll find plenty of hotels based around the thermal waters. Or for something unique, hunting lodges or baroque and medieval castles. For booking look at booking.com.

Top Five Dental Treatments

Reasons why people travel to Hungary for dental treatment include:

Teeth replacements with Implants:

The All-on-4 dental implants are applied to patients who lost molar teeth and do not have sufficient jaw bone to place implants. With All-on-4 implant dentures, the bones remain healthy and the gums are stable, so the implants are more likely to last 20 years or more. An upper or lower arch of All-оn-4 dental implants соѕtѕ between $15,000 and $24,000.

Dental Crown

Cracked or broken teeth can cause functional and cosmetic problems, and one option for repairing this damage is a crown. Crowns can restore a tooth’s size, shape and strength, improve the appearance of a smile, relieve pain, prevent further damage and increase functionality by providing proper bite alignment.

Dental Bridges

If you lose one or more of your natural teeth, one option for their replacement is a dental bridge – which literally bridges the gap left behind by tooth loss. A bridge is a common, affordable, time-tested, and low-risk way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile and self-confidence. 

Smile makeover with Zirconium Veneers

A type of ceramic material, zirconia oxide is used for making full or partial crowns. To give your teeth a natural appearance, you can select from a number of shades that will best match the color of your original teeth.

  1. The cost of Gold crowns can range between ($600-$2,500).
  2. All-porcelain crowns can range between ($800-$3,000). Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost ($500-$1,500).
  3. Zirconia Crowns can cost approximately the same as all- porcelain crowns.

E-max crowns

As for E-max, otherwise known as Lithium Silicate, it has some distinct features although it is also a type of ceramic just like zirconia. However, this material is not often used to make a partial crown or a core, although it may be utilized in making a full crown while adding some more porcelain finish as necessary.

Country Price
United States $1200-$1800
Mexico $400+
United Kingdom £500+
Hungary £300-£400
India $180+