Foreign patients are still travelling to Hungary for dental treatment, with some procedures costing substantially less than in Austria, Germany or the UK. From clinics near the Austrian border to specialist practices in Budapest, Hungary’s dental tourism industry continues to attract international visitors.
Hungary has been a popular destination for dental tourism for decades, particularly for patients seeking implants, crowns, bridges and other costly procedures. For some, the potential savings are large enough to justify paying for flights and accommodation.
According to a report published by Pénzcentrum, clinics in western Hungary and Budapest continue to receive patients from abroad. But industry representatives say that higher treatment and travel costs are changing how patients choose where to go.
How much cheaper is dental treatment in Hungary?
For Austrian patients, the appeal of Hungarian dentistry starts just across the border. Clinics in cities such as Sopron and Szombathely can be reached by car, and some providers offer transfers for patients travelling from neighbouring countries.
The price difference can be considerable. According to the figures cited by Pénzcentrum, a dental crown may cost around EUR 800–1,500 in Austria, compared with approximately EUR 300–600 in Sopron.
The gap can be even wider for implants. A procedure costing EUR 2,000–3,500 in Germany may be available for around EUR 700–1,200 in Sopron, depending on the treatment and the clinic. These are indicative prices of course, and patients should check exactly what is included in a quotation.
Hungary also has a well-established dental training sector. According to Eurostat, the country had 7,322 practising dentists in 2023, equivalent to around 76 per 100,000 residents. Budapest’s Semmelweis University teaches dentistry in Hungarian, English and German, with international students accounting for approximately 27% of its dental student body.
If you missed it: Four from four! Hungary’s chess team on a winning streak after perfect Olympiad start
Why do British and Irish patients fly to Budapest?
Budapest attracts a different group of dental tourists. Gábor Hajas, director of Budapest Dental Solutions, told Pénzcentrum that one practice within the company’s 18-clinic network specialises in international patients.
Most of its foreign customers come from Britain and Ireland, although the clinic also treats patients travelling from the United States. Other Budapest providers focus on markets including Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Norway.
Beyond lower prices, access to dental care may also play a role: at least 600 practices in England have stopped providing general NHS dental services since 2017, according to the Nuffield Trust.
Hungary’s price advantage is shrinking
Dental treatment in Hungary remains relatively affordable, but rising wages, material costs and travel expenses are narrowing the gap with Western Europe. Gábor Hajas said his clinic had raised prices several times last year and experienced a quieter summer, although this does not necessarily reflect the wider market.
Competition from Turkey is also growing, particularly for British and Irish patients. Nevertheless, Hungarian clinics continue to attract visitors from abroad, including a practice in Pécs that welcomes patients from South Tyrol. For those considering treatment, the total cost of travel and follow-up care can be just as important as the advertised price.
Read more from us: Orbán government took on EUR 13.7 billion in extra motorway costs citing Ukraine war, minister says
