HungaryTAJ number (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel, Hungary)
Definition
The TAJ number (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel, social insurance identification number) is Hungary's 9-digit identifier for health insurance, social and pension records. It identifies you as a patient when you use publicly funded health care and is proved by a TAJ card issued by the government offices (kormányhivatal).
Also called: TAJ, TAJ szám, TAJ card, tajkártya, Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel, Hungarian social security number, social insurance identification number Hungary
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What is the TAJ number?
Act XX of 1996 on identification codes makes the TAJ the identification code for health, social, social insurance and private pension records. Its annex says it is a nine-digit number: the first eight digits are a running serial number and the ninth is a check digit (CDV code). It carries no information about your birth date or sex. The State Treasury (kincstár) generates the number and the health insurance authority issues the official certificate, the TAJ card.
The Békés county government office explains that the TAJ identifies the patient when health insurance services are used. When you see a doctor you show the TAJ card and, if you are over 14, a valid identity document.
When health professionals meet it
Doctors, nurses and other health workers meet the TAJ on both sides of the desk. As an employee in Hungary you are entitled to health services through your insurance, and the TAJ is the identifier for that record. As a clinician you will check patients' TAJ status in the eligibility system, which shows a green light when the TAJ is valid and the person's insurance is in order, and a red light when the TAJ is valid but the insurance relationship is not settled.
How to get a TAJ number
- Become entitled. Section 22 of the Act says a person without a TAJ who becomes entitled to health services, jobseeker or social benefits is given one on a separate application.
- Apply at the government office. Applications go to the health insurance customer service of the county or Budapest government office (kormányhivatal). Take your passport or another identity document with you.
- Wait for the notice. The Budapest office decides TAJ applications in a summary procedure and, if the application is complete, posts the TAJ notice to the address you give within 8 days. It is no longer handed over on the spot.
The Act says creating the number and issuing the first certificate are free of charge.
Replacements and cover
- Lost, destroyed or damaged card: a replacement costs 4,000 Ft. Replacements after a change of name or details, or after theft, are free.
- Same-day replacement. Replacement cards can be collected immediately at health insurance customer services, and duplicates are also issued at government windows (kormányablak).
- After a job ends. The Békés office says entitlement to health services continues for up to 45 days after insurance ends, but during a suspension you must pay a monthly health service contribution from the first day.
Common problems
- Incomplete application. The office asks you to fill gaps and only decides afterwards, which delays the number.
- Red light at the doctor. Your TAJ is valid but your insurance status is not settled. Ask the government office's health insurance service to sort it out.
Your professional registration is separate: see működési nyilvántartás and Hungary.
Questions
Yes, in practice. As an employee you are insured through your job, and the TAJ is the identifier for your health insurance record and for using publicly funded care.
The Budapest government office says a complete application is decided in a summary procedure and the TAJ notice is posted within 8 days.
The first card is free. A replacement for a lost, destroyed or damaged card costs 4,000 Ft; replacements for name changes or theft are free.
Nothing personal. The first eight digits are a running serial number and the ninth is a check digit.
They are separate identifiers under the same 1996 Act. The TAJ is for health, social and pension records; the tax identification number is for tax. Each has its own certificate.
Entitlement continues for up to 45 days after insurance ends, but if your insurance is suspended you must pay the health service contribution from the first day.