Hungary has reduced the VAT rate on prescription medicines from 5% to 0%, with the change taking effect on 1 September 2026.
The government said the measure is intended to reduce the cost of medicines for patients. Prices of prescription medicines covered by social security reimbursement are regulated, and price changes are reported to the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK).
The reduction applies to prescription-only medicines and relevant magistral preparations for human medical use. NEAK has updated its medicine price and reimbursement data to reflect the new VAT rate.
The government said the measure is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for people who regularly take prescription medicines to manage chronic conditions.
