TAJ again so sorry

We had to wait a full year to use our Taj cards too.
It's normal.
My husband is a returning HU citizen and he was given his card straight away but told it was not activated for the first year, was only good as a HU citizen in an emergency. Thankfully it wasn't needed at all.
I had to buy private health coverage my first year here as part of my immigration.
You can pay cash for an office visit and get a new script, it shouldn't cost too much.
As a returning HU citizen if you are not current with your Taj payments they have you wait the year but you pay for it the first year, the second year you could use the card and didn't have too pay that year. The 3rd year you just paid every month, now it is 8,000forints per person per month.
I received my Taj card after a year and could use it right away with just my monthly payments.
We asked at the doctor's office the first time we used it to see if it was activated or not.
Whenever we left Hungary for long periods we always pre paid for the months we were out of Hungary just so there wasn't any mix up with payments or a hold put n ur card.
Of course we don't know for sure but suspect they do it this way with the one year wait time because many years back some HU citizens who lived outside of Hungary for years and years would get seriously ill and then come back to Hungary and expect health care for free. Most just came back to die and the HU tax payers had to cover the bill for someone who didn't pay into the system. I guess they think if you can live out a year then you aren't that ill after all.

I had to buy private health coverage my first year here as part of my immigration.
You can pay cash for an office visit and get a new script, it shouldn't cost too much.
As a returning HU citizen if you are not current with your Taj payments they have you wait the year but you pay for it the first year,

Just for clarity, Im a Brit, like Mr Fluffy, the MRS is the HU citizen, and she is having problems also, we arrived in December after several years in the uk, So kind of luck has it we arrived just in time, brexit etc.. ok can you break down the office visit bit, as I said I dont mind paying, but my meds are complicated lets say, heart problems. Thanks for the quick reply, oh yes, And I also same, have the private health, in place, though It covers the every day stuff, we (foolishly) thought the Taj would help with the meds situation, visit the doc etc, clarity in the reflection !

SzimonH wrote:

.... I really need to fulfill a repeat perscription, so question is this, is the one year wait a normal response, and second how do I get medication, no panic at the moment as I have a few months supply, but we didn't anticipate the wait for a year ??

It's my understanding if you are covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement you will be covered from day one as per EU citizens.  It's a continuation of "your rights" (in theory anyway, practice less so).   But the TAJ people are known to ask awkward questions about inter-EU and former EU coverage elsewhere.

But what about the EHIC card?  Did you get one from the UK before 31 December?  If so, it's supposed to be usable until it expires.  In the best case, that could be 5 years.

I cannot remember your exact situation, but if your other half is Hungarian, go with them to their local doctor and see if you can get your Hungarian half to use HU hocus pocus to persuade them to take pity on you and give you a private prescription OR better just obtain the medicines for you so you don't need to go to the pharmacy and get involved in that stuff.   You might have to pay full price and it's a "tip" for the doctor,  if it's something quite generic, it should not be too painful price wise.  Some doctors are only willing to provide medicines directly at full price as a private consultation. 

Situation here and there might be like this for at least another 6 months so buying 6 months ahead seems sensible.

I know from other experiences, no-one in Hungary seems to understand (or wants to understand) how to accept an EHIC card unlike the UK where no-one even bothers to ask as it's all free at the point of delivery.  Filling in the forms is just too much hard work there.   I believe you have to go to a regional centre or area doctor to use the EHIC here.  No idea how it works in practice.

I should also say that online pharmacies in the UK can issue a private prescription which may be usable here.  Getting the meds delivered here inter-EU is now likely to be impossible.    Prior to Brexit even NHS prescriptions were acceptable internationally in the EU but now, who really knows.  I believe they are not now but you might get some sympathy from a pharmacist if you appear to have a valid UK prescription.

Along with the fish, it's a case of another well done Boris.

SzimonH wrote:

I had to buy private health coverage my first year here as part of my immigration.
You can pay cash for an office visit and get a new script, it shouldn't cost too much.
As a returning HU citizen if you are not current with your Taj payments they have you wait the year but you pay for it the first year,

Just for clarity, Im a Brit, like Mr Fluffy, the MRS is the HU citizen, and she is having problems also, we arrived in December after several years in the uk, So kind of luck has it we arrived just in time, brexit etc.. ok can you break down the office visit bit, as I said I dont mind paying, but my meds are complicated lets say, heart problems. Thanks for the quick reply, oh yes, And I also same, have the private health, in place, though It covers the every day stuff, we (foolishly) thought the Taj would help with the meds situation, visit the doc etc, clarity in the reflection !

BTW, I read somewhere that you can pay 2 years upfront to NEAK (social security/health etc) by arrangement and be covered immediately. For chronic conditions with regular meds, it could be worth it if the meds are particularly expensive (i.e. no generics or alternatives).   Worth exploring and confirming that.   

I do know some meds regularly used in the UK are not used here or on the government list.  If it's not on the list, it's a private job to obtain them.

I don't see why you would need private insurance for immigration if you have an EHIC or GHIC card.  Details are thin on the ground about that.   Claiming on the insurance might be difficult. 

Compared to the UK, it's not a good situation.  I'm over 60 and would get all my meds free in the UK but not here unfortunately.

Usually the most a doc will prescribe is up to 3 months for medications.

Saw on the tv yesterday they are seriously talking about making it into law to not tip doctors here. It could be up to one year in jail for those tipping and for those receiving.
Not sure when this will be the law.
I tipped just the other day to my local surgeon , 10,000 he didn't want to take it, so he said but my husband put it into his pocket.Sort of felt we owed it to him he was there and saw me right away, have to go back tomorrow for a small thing and will not tip him then in front of his nurses.
I have a bit of skin cancer that pops up so best to stay in his good graces.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Usually the most a doc will prescribe is up to 3 months for medications.

Saw on the tv yesterday they are seriously talking about making it into law to not tip doctors here. It could be up to one year in jail for those tipping and for those receiving.
Not sure when this will be the law.
I tipped just the other day to my local surgeon , 10,000 he didn't want to take it, so he said but my husband put it into his pocket.Sort of felt we owed it to him he was there and saw me right away, have to go back tomorrow for a small thing and will not tip him then in front of his nurses.
I have a bit of skin cancer that pops up so best to stay in his good graces.

Yes, I think the same, 3 months.  In the UK, it's 2 months.  I've heard it's to stop people stockpiling.

There will be some way around the tipping.  It takes two to tango.  But they will send in spies to catch people out.  You can imagine, new patients will be treated with suspicion as they could be government stooges.

Perhaps there will be some other "services" pushed like e-mail reminder subscriptions or health education packs or samples of vitamin tablets as quack cures.   Or  the doctors will establish a health research fund to dip into and nudge people to contribute voluntarily.   Then they can attend conferences in sunny places or just pay their bills.

What they could do is just pay them a lot better and/or reduce their hours so there's no need to try and get money off the patient or drive them to leave the country.  I am sure the docs didn't sign up to medical training to be tipped by patients.

Suspicious minds... Like mine, thought the same, they will figure out some other way of saying thank you doc.
I for one will be glad too be rid of the stress of wondering how much to tip and when.
My husband's step bro in the early 1950's was visiting one of his uncles. Guess he was only 8 or 9 years old.
He climbed a tree and feel down. Broke both f his legs.
They were out in the coutryside and all their money was invested in stock and animals.
They had 2 nice horses and a carriage.The boy was driven by the horses to the local doctor to have his legs set.
His uncle felt terrible because he hadn't watched him well enough.
He told the doctor to set his legs well and if they turned out well he would pay the doc with the 2 horses and carriage.He was good to his work, the doc took it all.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
My husband's step bro in the early 1950's was visiting one of his uncles. Guess he was only 8 or 9 years old.
He climbed a tree and feel down. Broke both f his legs.
....
He told the doctor to set his legs well and if they turned out well he would pay the doc with the 2 horses and carriage.He was good to his word, the doc took it all.

Hmmm.....somehow there's a feeling of a bit of a bad taste in that arrangement.   

Mrs Fluffy's grandfather was vet and would only take money if the animal recovered.  In some way a comparable arrangement.

On the other hand back in the 60s and 70s, in villages, the Doctor, the Vet and the Priest were considered community leaders with some respect but I wouldn't expect the Doc to have really taken them.  Should have done the job to the best of ability without the bartering.   Setting a kids legs properly is of course at any cost to most parents.

I know they have to be paid in some way but he could have said, it's X Forints, pay me later or give me two turkeys at Xmas and Y Forints now. I know they've got to live but sometimes I think it's probably not worth collecting the money for the sake of community cohesion. 

I help my neighbours sometimes with their cars but I wouldn't take money for it but I'm not in the car repairing business. It's just a hobby fiddling with mechanical and other objects.    Perhaps they can help me sometime with something else later on if at all.

Well I am a bit, and I hope everyone understand this "wet behind the ears" at all this, so I am very happy for all the suport y'all are giving me, I will post a final time after this, as the information could be helpfull, the MRS is tracking down information at the moment, what I can say is the local doctor, will not get involved, I have to go see a specialist heart doctor in the main town, we called the specialist this morning, and she checked the meds against "THE LIST" I suppose that's the official goverment list, and apparently they all check out, ie they are on the list. so we will see what happens after the appointment. The NEAK thing, MRS didn't know about this, but is checking. to answer the EHIC, It expires 2023, so we have a little time.  and yes MR FLUFFY, its hocus pocus for sure, or horse wispering I am not sure which. and thanks to
Marilyn Tassy, your stories are wonderfull, having only been to the east coast of the the land over the other side of the pond, and coming back alive, I still find it an intresting place, sorry so off subject now.

SzimonH wrote:

Well I am a bit, and I hope everyone understand this "wet behind the ears" at all this, so I am very happy for all the suport y'all are giving me, I will post a final time after this, as the information could be helpfull, the MRS is tracking down information at the moment, what I can say is the local doctor, will not get involved, I have to go see a specialist heart doctor in the main town, we called the specialist this morning, and she checked the meds against "THE LIST" I suppose that's the official goverment list, and apparently they all check out, ie they are on the list. so we will see what happens after the appointment. The NEAK thing, MRS didn't know about this, but is checking. to answer the EHIC, It expires 2023, so we have a little time.  and yes MR FLUFFY, its hocus pocus for sure, or horse wispering I am not sure which. and thanks to
Marilyn Tassy, your stories are wonderful, having only been to the east coast of the the land over the other side of the pond, and coming back alive, I still find it an intresting place, sorry so off subject now.

If you've got some heart condition, I am not surprised you'd be bumped up to the regional hospital.  They won't deal with that at GP level as they have neither the experience or equipment. 

You could try your EHIC card out.  It's supposed to work.  Your Mrs will need to do it because it's impenetrable without Hungarian witchcraft.

If you get somewhere with the EHIC, NEAK or some mechanism to get your meds/needs fulfilled, do let us all know!

Off subject is always welcome at the Absolutely Anything Else thread.   Nothing is off topic there at all as there is no topic.  It's whatever takes your fancy!

And before I forget, Marilyn should be working on Volume 2 of her memoirs.  We've been waiting for Volume 1 to be published for some time - years it seems!

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Saw on the tv yesterday they are seriously talking about making it into law to not tip doctors here. It could be up to one year in jail for those tipping and for those receiving.
Not sure when this will be the law.
I tipped just the other day to my local surgeon , 10,000 he didn't want to take it, so he said but my husband put it into his pocket.

The law passed Parliament last October. So this year, such tips will be illegal except as defined by the law.

See for example (in Hungarian -- use a Translate software to convert if you do not speak Hungarian)

https://novekedes.hu/medicina/halapenz- … kerdojelek

So, your husband's 10,000 HUF "tip" will become a criminal action. From the above link:

"After the care, the health care workers may accept an item given as a gift no more than once, the value of which does not exceed 5 percent of the current minimum wage (this is currently HUF 161 thousand) (ie HUF 8 thousand)."

Also, "forcing" a "tip" upon a doctor was probably very embarrassing for the doctor. Who probably accepted it only to not cause any further embarrassment to you, your husband or himself. Overall, you might have "marked" yourselves more as people to avoid rather than people to want to treat.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

best to stay in his good graces.

Doctors take a Hippocratic Oath.  They are suppose to treat you no matter what. I find those that feel they "must" "tip" a doctor often do so out of fear, and are often also over 50 (thinking this is still 1951, not 2021).  If you want to tip your doctor (now limited), or even your waiter, or deliver person, etc. it should be to show appreciation for their work. Not to simply "stay in good graces" out of fear of not getting proper treatment.

Again a reply to Taltos, it requires something to regain my trust. So far the posts are negative and overly prudent. I have no fear (I even believe that (in any case for the medical staff I have met) people in the sector are very prudent (and on top of that very often also skilled).
Personally I left my company in Luxembourg for early retirement, I probably already had my cholesterol issues well before but only diagnosed in Hungary ,I had 2 blood tests in Hungary (including diagnose) here (I would like to add not in Luxembourg.

Giving views is fine, but not all have to be negative (what is your connection with Hungary?) (Can you also say something positive?)

Bottom line I like my doctor, wise, practical, but also his assistant, giving a bit extra if you can is fine.




So far I am very happy with GP's (even if old). He is happy with me (and the past history of giving tips), if I can I will do so in the future.
In Luxembourg I paid for me and my wife well over EUR 1000 pm, here in Hungary well below EUR 100. Good people should get compensated. Even if "tips" are not allowed, I would be inclined to deliver a box of wine (just to show gratitude).

Wealth (relative I have to say) is important but people helping society even more (and I can say some doctors (and medical staff) are. I had my cataract operation under the scheme and I was/am happy.
Sorry for Taltos, but since you entered the posts are quite negative.

Side questions, do you live here, are you a pensioner, property, are you a millionaire,...

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
My husband's step bro in the early 1950's was visiting one of his uncles. Guess he was only 8 or 9 years old.
He climbed a tree and feel down. Broke both f his legs.
....
He told the doctor to set his legs well and if they turned out well he would pay the doc with the 2 horses and carriage.He was good to his word, the doc took it all.

Hmmm.....somehow there's a feeling of a bit of a bad taste in that arrangement.   

Mrs Fluffy's grandfather was vet and would only take money if the animal recovered.  In some way a comparable arrangement.

On the other hand back in the 60s and 70s, in villages, the Doctor, the Vet and the Priest were considered community leaders with some respect but I wouldn't expect the Doc to have really taken them.  Should have done the job to the best of ability without the bartering.   Setting a kids legs properly is of course at any cost to most parents.

I know they have to be paid in some way but he could have said, it's X Forints, pay me later or give me two turkeys at Xmas and Y Forints now. I know they've got to live but sometimes I think it's probably not worth collecting the money for the sake of community cohesion. 

I help my neighbours sometimes with their cars but I wouldn't take money for it but I'm not in the car repairing business. It's just a hobby fiddling with mechanical and other objects.    Perhaps they can help me sometime with something else later on if at all.

Yes excepting  a carriage with 2 fine horses for a young man who was stressded out was over kill.
No matter, all in the the past, May the doctor burn in hades Just my comments...
I will attest he did walk straight but then again being a alkie it was sometimes difficult to gauge his stride.
I spent a good 2 hours today in the surgery clinic, nothing bad happened except my husband was about dne and ready to leave me there. It's all good, back again inthe morning to make sure ai have not bleed out or gotten an infection in my finger.I am tired, what a waste of a day...

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
Yes excepting  a carriage with 2 fine horses for a young man who was stressded out was over kill.
No matter, all in the the past, May the doctor burn in hades Just my comments...
I will attest he did walk straight but then again being a alkie it was sometimes difficult to gauge his stride.
I spent a good 2 hours today in the surgery clinic, nothing bad happened except my husband was about dne and ready to leave me there. It's all good, back again inthe morning to make sure ai have not bleed out or gotten an infection in my finger.I am tired, what a waste of a day...

Oh dear, maybe it was trauma that made him turn to the booze.  Even if I believed in it, I dunno about hell.  I suppose everyone will have their own individual one especially tuned up for maximum discomfort.   And likewise the opposite for heaven.  Hades and Valhalla - what a choice.

Hope your finger is better.   You didn't say which one it was but let's hope it's not the one most useful for waving goodbye to your enemies.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
Yes excepting  a carriage with 2 fine horses for a young man who was stressded out was over kill.
No matter, all in the the past, May the doctor burn in hades Just my comments...
I will attest he did walk straight but then again being a alkie it was sometimes difficult to gauge his stride.
I spent a good 2 hours today in the surgery clinic, nothing bad happened except my husband was about dne and ready to leave me there. It's all good, back again inthe morning to make sure ai have not bleed out or gotten an infection in my finger.I am tired, what a waste of a day...

Oh dear, maybe it was trauma that made him turn to the booze.  Even if I believed in it, I dunno about hell.  I suppose everyone will have their own individual one especially tuned up for maximum discomfort.   And likewise the opposite for heaven.  Hades and Valhalla - what a choice.

Hope your finger is better.   You didn't say which one it was but let's hope it's not the one most useful for waving goodbye to your enemies.

My ring finger, had to remove my wedding ring...
The thing is that it was my husband's larger ring! Mine is for my pinkie finger these days, the joys of getting older, your fingers swell up!
So used my Taj card yesterday and today, 2 days f going into the clinic has my head spinning.
They have military guards check your temp. as you enter the building. No idea what they would do with you if you had a fever!
It is scary to think about.
If and when I get my eye syrgery I will have to have a PCR test first.
The wave of the future I guess but not feeling too happy about it.
My sister said it hurts, she does her own now at work, once a week. That's way t often I'd say.
Doc wants to look at my finger again on Monday but I may once again skip that visit unless it looks infected.
I almost thought I'd pass out yesterday with the minor surgery, didn't hurt at all but whatever pain killer they shot me with plus the lack of fresh air in the building made me feel a bit high and not in a good way either.
Was afraid to mention it to the doc in case they hauled me off never to be seen again.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
My ring finger, had to remove my wedding ring...
The thing is that it was my husband's larger ring! Mine is for my pinkie finger these days, the joys of getting older, your fingers swell up!
So used my Taj card yesterday and today, 2 days f going into the clinic has my head spinning.
They have military guards check your temp. as you enter the building. No idea what they would do with you if you had a fever!
It is scary to think about.
If and when I get my eye syrgery I will have to have a PCR test first.
The wave of the future I guess but not feeling too happy about it.
My sister said it hurts, she does her own now at work, once a week. That's way t often I'd say.
Doc wants to look at my finger again on Monday but I may once again skip that visit unless it looks infected.
I almost thought I'd pass out yesterday with the minor surgery, didn't hurt at all but whatever pain killer they shot me with plus the lack of fresh air in the building made me feel a bit high and not in a good way either.
Was afraid to mention it to the doc in case they hauled me off never to be seen again.

I guess you tried getting off with some string and butter on your finger?  Mine was stuck on and we smeared butter or something all over and I was trying to really relax.  We managed to get a string looped behind it to get it off by applying more equal pressure and leverage. Sure it hurt a bit but wasn't that bad and recovered very quickly.   Never put it back on as I was dreading getting into a position where it got caught when I was doing some DIY or mechanical work.   

I wouldn't be surprised if you feel woozy in the Docs.   I've been under examination and become suddenly very nervous and my heart rate jumps up.  Then they get all worried.  I told them I was nervous and I just needed to calm down.  I always fear the dentist particularly but it's never as bad as I think I imagine it.  Somehow I just need 10 minutes to get used to the idea of being prodded.

BTW, I was passing a hospital the other day  and sure enough, the army was there chatting with people coming and going.  They had no masks and no social distancing.  Makes one wonder about the theatre of having the army out  and about is doing more visible harm to their reputation.

Having eye surgery is unlikely to be really bad.  Outpatients stuff.  You'll be able to jump for joy and sing that famous Jimmy Cliff song for good reason! ....I can see clearly now....

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
My ring finger, had to remove my wedding ring...
The thing is that it was my husband's larger ring! Mine is for my pinkie finger these days, the joys of getting older, your fingers swell up!
So used my Taj card yesterday and today, 2 days f going into the clinic has my head spinning.
They have military guards check your temp. as you enter the building. No idea what they would do with you if you had a fever!
It is scary to think about.
If and when I get my eye syrgery I will have to have a PCR test first.
The wave of the future I guess but not feeling too happy about it.
My sister said it hurts, she does her own now at work, once a week. That's way t often I'd say.
Doc wants to look at my finger again on Monday but I may once again skip that visit unless it looks infected.
I almost thought I'd pass out yesterday with the minor surgery, didn't hurt at all but whatever pain killer they shot me with plus the lack of fresh air in the building made me feel a bit high and not in a good way either.
Was afraid to mention it to the doc in case they hauled me off never to be seen again.

I guess you tried getting off with some string and butter on your finger?  Mine was stuck on and we smeared butter or something all over and I was trying to really relax.  We managed to get a string looped behind it to get it off by applying more equal pressure and leverage. Sure it hurt a bit but wasn't that bad and recovered very quickly.   Never put it back on as I was dreading getting into a position where it got caught when I was doing some DIY or mechanical work.   

I wouldn't be surprised if you feel woozy in the Docs.   I've been under examination and become suddenly very nervous and my heart rate jumps up.  Then they get all worried.  I told them I was nervous and I just needed to calm down.  I always fear the dentist particularly but it's never as bad as I think I imagine it.  Somehow I just need 10 minutes to get used to the idea of being prodded.

BTW, I was passing a hospital the other day  and sure enough, the army was there chatting with people coming and going.  They had no masks and no social distancing.  Makes one wonder about the theatre of having the army out  and about is doing more visible harm to their reputation.

Having eye surgery is unlikely to be really bad.  Outpatients stuff.  You'll be able to jump for joy and sing that famous Jimmy Cliff song for good reason! ....I can see clearly now....

It's rather gross to admit but I had some ugly sore spot just pop up within the last month. Tried a home remedy of putting garlic on it but the sore stayed and the rest of my poor finger got burnt and red from the garlic. The doctor is nice, his worked on my in the past but he is a bit rough at times.He said my ring had to come off, my husband said that a month ago but stubborn me never wants to remove my wedding ring.
So the doc just starts to grab my finger and try to pull the ring off, just like that!
What a pain I stopped him and said i could get it off myself with some lotion or il, he took me over to the hand sanitizer machine and dropped some fluid on my hand, I got it ff really quickly, I was afraid he would dislocate my finger the way he was yanking on my finger.
I think everyone's BP goes up in a doctor or dentist's office, dreadful experiences.
I probably won't go in on Monday for my follow up visit, don't want to chance having a slight fever and getting put in isolation.
My aunt had cataract surgery and she said it was great, everything is nice and clear again, my uncle had the same surgery but in the VA hospital in the states.My aunt said his eyes now look like raw hambuger. That sounds horrid, fingers crossed I don't wind up with a white cane !
No, I am pretty sure I;ll be fine here in Hungary.
Our HU friend in Ca. came home to Hungary in the early 1980's to get eye surgery. Theydidn't have the most modern equipment but they made a special table for his surgery. Some sort of chair that hung upside down.Hungarians seem to always be able to figure out some sort of Jerry Rigged way of getting things done.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.......That sounds horrid, fingers crossed I don't wind up with a white cane !
No, I am pretty sure I;ll be fine here in Hungary.
Our HU friend in Ca. came home to Hungary in the early 1980's to get eye surgery. Theydidn't have the most modern equipment but they made a special table for his surgery. Some sort of chair that hung upside down.Hungarians seem to always be able to figure out some sort of Jerry Rigged way of getting things done.

Years back, one of my US colleagues went to see a HU dentist working privately and the dentist had a pedal drill in the attic.  Had to pump it to get it going like sowing machine.    I even remember those when I was a kid but don't remember being treated with one.

I was always impressed Hungarians had car inspection pits in their garages but then again, they needed them what with the reliability of Eastern European produced cars. Except maybe Skoda (excellent rally cars and decent engineering).  Always had a find a way of making do.  People these days replace parts rather than repair them - most places are car parts swappers and not true fixers. 

I just received a car part for my hobby car.  It came from China after much kerfuffle with the Post Office and the price on  the Customs document was $8.   For that kind of money, why bother even fixing things?  Only downside is waiting 6 weeks for it to arrive.  Might be back to rigging up own solutions with these extended COVID19 supply lines.

When we were car shopping a while back, I was surprised some cars now have 7 years warranty. That would have been almost unimaginable 20 years ago.   But you can imagine that 7 years and 1 day later, everything is going to go totally wrong.   

Possibly the art of fixing things is going to be lost here.

That is true, my husband can and will attempt to fix everything before he ever tosses it out. So many times he has asked me why this or that was in the trash, he would dig it out and fix it.
I've been wanting a new hairdryer for years now, he cut the wire, re wit=red it and the old one works fine. Sometimes I do ask him why he is saving $30. for no reason but he enjoys repairing items.
Had a vacuum cleaning, ( hoover) years ago that was so cannibalised I can actually say what brand it was in the end. Worked like a dream too.
Car repairs, he will do if he has the tools and time. Now living in the city he can't really do much car repairing on the st. so he found a place where you can hire a repair stall by the hour.Oops, this has zero to do with a Taj card, oh well can't win them all.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
Had a vacuum cleaning, ( hoover) years ago that was so cannibalised I can actually say what brand it was in the end. Worked like a dream too.
....

Hmmm....slow Sunday....

That  Hoover reminds me of Trigger's New Broom.

In the comedy clip, the idea is that the broom is not new as all the parts have been replaced.

I didn't realise until just a few years ago that it was a serious philosophical point behind it - The Ship of Theseus.  Makes we wonder about replacement of our own cells being replaced.  Or the transporter in Star Trek. Are you the same person at the end of the process?

Maybe when obtaining health care on the TAJ card, one could ponder if one is the same person who used it last time.

Maybe a subject for Absolutely Anything Else.

Right now the local medical center has military guards checking your temp. when you enter the building. Yesterday I had to check up on my finger.
A nurse was at the front with a guard, She almost didn't allow my husband to come with me. He told her off and said the doctor can't speak English and he wanted to know what was up with my finger. She said well she has a paper to enter but my husband wouldn't take no for answer. Like the paper will answer our questions. I'm fine BTW.
Have to go back later this week fr a big eye exam, they better alllow my husband to come with because I'm not getting a pre surgery test and not knw what the deal is beforehand.
I d not think there is any way possible ever but for sure now for someone to use another person's Taj card.They check everything online.

If you get somewhere with the EHIC, NEAK or some mechanism to get your meds/needs fulfilled, do let us all know!

So, NOT much of an update, but some small progress. Visited the cardiologist and had a checkup managed to get prescriptions for 3 months, though I have to pay 100%  costs, though only one of the meds is outside of the government list of medications, the others are all the list, though haven’t been to the patika as yet, still have stock.

As for social number, still getting the run around, different story every time we enquire, things moving very slowly, aka not at all. In frustration wrote to the county (state) government office, to get some clarity. Though today thinking probable shouldn’t have.

From what I understand the 2 year upfront fees option, comes with some limits on options, in other words not the full monty, its appears to be in place for a temporary arrangement, i.e. company work place allocations, so the one year wait, seems to be the way forward.  Best answers so far are, “due to covid 19 something something” and “you need to get a job” are the best answers…  I have a special place now where I bang my head! I have kind of moved on to the other things I need to do, we have renovation starting soon.

More frustration because im not suppose to do anything, though im hoping one small stud partition isn’t going to be too difficult, and I am not going to start a conversation about build quality, and 3 phase electricity.. Oh and ring main, rather than radial... if anything magical happens, on the medical issues, I will let you all know.

SzimonH wrote:

If you get somewhere with the EHIC, NEAK or some mechanism to get your meds/needs fulfilled, do let us all know!

So, NOT much of an update, but some small progress. Visited the cardiologist and had a checkup managed to get prescriptions for 3 months, though I have to pay 100%  costs, though only one of the meds is outside of the government list of medications, the others are all the list, though haven’t been to the patika as yet, still have stock.

As for social number, still getting the run around, different story every time we enquire, things moving very slowly, aka not at all. In frustration wrote to the county (state) government office, to get some clarity. Though today thinking probable shouldn’t have.

From what I understand the 2 year upfront fees option, comes with some limits on options, in other words not the full monty, its appears to be in place for a temporary arrangement, i.e. company work place allocations, so the one year wait, seems to be the way forward.  Best answers so far are, “due to covid 19 something something” and “you need to get a job” are the best answers…  I have a special place now where I bang my head! I have kind of moved on to the other things I need to do, we have renovation starting soon.

More frustration because im not suppose to do anything, though im hoping one small stud partition isn’t going to be too difficult, and I am not going to start a conversation about build quality, and 3 phase electricity.. Oh and ring main, rather than radial... if anything magical happens, on the medical issues, I will let you all know.

Yes, the  public admin are right buggers for messing around.  I am not sure if it's pure bloody mindedness and Jobsworth or they simply don't know the answer. More like the latter.   They won't waste time trying to get it right and are only to happy to try and fob you off.  After all, you've gone and case closed.     We have some connections with the government and we heard from our sources were 14000 people trying to get a TAJ card post-Brexit. That surprised me as I thought it would be more.  If you have any detailed info on the 2 year option and its restrictions, it would be useful to share.  It's not uncommon for people to create businesses even if they are not doing anything really, simply to get in the system.   But it creates unnecessary paperwork.

I've done a lot of wiring here both myself and using electricians as the entire house job was too big for just me.  But last year I rewired my large shed which has 3-phase.     

They don't know anything about ring mains here. It's all radial.  These radials go back to the wall box and a circuit breaker per room or grouped by .   I don't get it really because ring mains seem obvious to me.  I've heard in Ireland they use British type plugs but also don't have  ring mains and it's all radial there.  Think of the load on the cable.  It's a fire waiting to happen. 

The circuit breaker is a good idea as a way of protecting the cable but if you do get into this, do think about installing an RCD and dividing your load across your phases and avoid two phases in the same room.  3-phase is really useful here but it'll kill you stone dead.

BTW, there's a quote button to keep the thread and edit a reply.

fluffy2560 wrote:

BTW, there's a quote button to keep the thread and edit a reply.

Normal members only have 1 hour to edit their posts, Only Experts can edit whenever they like.

Taltos167 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Saw on the tv yesterday they are seriously talking about making it into law to not tip doctors here. It could be up to one year in jail for those tipping and for those receiving.
Not sure when this will be the law.
I tipped just the other day to my local surgeon , 10,000 he didn't want to take it, so he said but my husband put it into his pocket.

The law passed Parliament last October. So this year, such tips will be illegal except as defined by the law.

See for example (in Hungarian -- use a Translate software to convert if you do not speak Hungarian)

https://novekedes.hu/medicina/halapenz- … kerdojelek

So, your husband's 10,000 HUF "tip" will become a criminal action. From the above link:

"After the care, the health care workers may accept an item given as a gift no more than once, the value of which does not exceed 5 percent of the current minimum wage (this is currently HUF 161 thousand) (ie HUF 8 thousand)."

Also, "forcing" a "tip" upon a doctor was probably very embarrassing for the doctor. Who probably accepted it only to not cause any further embarrassment to you, your husband or himself. Overall, you might have "marked" yourselves more as people to avoid rather than people to want to treat.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

best to stay in his good graces.

Doctors take a Hippocratic Oath.  They are suppose to treat you no matter what. I find those that feel they "must" "tip" a doctor often do so out of fear, and are often also over 50 (thinking this is still 1951, not 2021).  If you want to tip your doctor (now limited), or even your waiter, or deliver person, etc. it should be to show appreciation for their work. Not to simply "stay in good graces" out of fear of not getting proper treatment.

Personally I'd rather have them raise the cost with the Taj card then deal with even thinking of tipping, I hate doing it, not because I'm that cheap it's more just plain lod uncomfortable to me.
My husband placed that little 10,000 in the doc pocket because last time he treated me he came into the waiting room 2 times within 10 mins to shake my husbands hand and said thank you for coming in.
No thanks, I was only in because his surgery gave me an infection in my stitches. Could of done without his extra care and those visits.
I'll look at the link later about tipping ,I ticed it was in Hungarians so that leaves me out .
I just got home from getting lab tests and an EKG, at least I'm not flat lines just yet, heart looks really steady.
Goint back on Friday for a PCR test, these are required now before any surgery in hospitals. The good news is they will let me go home the same day, they usually keep people in over night but C-19 is allowing them to keep phone tabs on people instead of spending the night. In the US they don't keep you overnight for just cataract surgery.
My cousin in FL. is one year older then I am, she wrote to tell me she is also having cataract surgery the day after me, should be interesting to compare notes. She is blind already in one eye and the other is going down fast. She has MS and asthma s her medications have caused her eye issues.
I'm in great overall health so guess we just have bad eyes in the family.
She is already in the hospital for another MS related issue, poor thing. She was your typical little 5'2" blue eyed blonde as a child and spoiled being the only girl with 3 bros. She was the baby.
Her bro was the one who visited us in Hungary he hasn't spoken to his sister in over 25 years! Not sure what's up between them and really am afraid to even g there.
If your heart isn't well know the doctors  here are rather good overall.
If you can get by for the year with just medications then things hopefully will come together.
Again, I had to wait it out a full year before they allowed me to join in the national health here.
I am grateful they excepted me even though I have some negative things to say at times. It really is a fair system in my experience and I've only been turned away at one place due to not tipping a few years before at the same clinic. Now I'm seeing the professor all the time without any issues. Guess they forgave me in the long run?
The waiting for lab work went by super fast today, no waiting at all.Right now they are really only taking emergency cases I guess since it usually took over an hour to get blood drawn in the past.
Today I'm actually looking forward to surgery, will be nice to see clear again.

SimCityAT wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

BTW, there's a quote button to keep the thread and edit a reply.

Normal members only have 1 hour to edit their posts, Only Experts can edit whenever they like.

Looks like I'm no expert, only get one hour to change my mind about whatever mess I put down for the world to read!

So, Minor breakthrough, the MRS spoke to someone at the TAJ office in our state capital city, apparently she tried the one in Budapest again first, and they don’t want to know, because not our local office, though it is the head office.

So yesterday we went to the village government office, they should have given us a form to fill in, but didn’t, only advice was get a job!

So she kindly emailed it over, and apparently, with some magic and copies of all my documents, posted to her, she has some magic to get me a number, not sure yet, as Im still trying to understand the magic. Its one of those talk to him he talk to you and I can something or the others, Hey it’s a rabbit!

Anyway, on the EHIC, even though I have the prescriptions, they will not issue without the EHIC, both are required for medication, and I had to pay full fare for the ride also. One of the meds (28 in a box), because its non listed, and I take 2 per day, so two boxes a month came to nearly 20,000, the rest was chump change in comparison. This one will only be used until May so I just got to hold on until then.

Apparently I get a reduction with a TAJ number, nothing for a EHIC card though, lucky to get meds I believe, Oh, and I thought it was 3 months, but actually its 1 month, the local doctor takes over, now I have been assessed by the specialist, wham bam thank you man..

So, a little forward, but not got the final mile in sight as yet, have a wonderful evening people...

SzimonH wrote:

.....

So she kindly emailed it over, and apparently, with some magic and copies of all my documents, posted to her, she has some magic to get me a number, not sure yet, as Im still trying to understand the magic. Its one of those talk to him he talk to you and I can something or the others, Hey it’s a rabbit!

Anyway, on the EHIC, even though I have the prescriptions, they will not issue without the EHIC, both are required for medication, and I had to pay full fare for the ride also. One of the meds (28 in a box), because its non listed, and I take 2 per day, so two boxes a month came to nearly 20,000, the rest was chump change in comparison. This one will only be used until May so I just got to hold on until then.

Apparently I get a reduction with a TAJ number, nothing for a EHIC card though, lucky to get meds I believe, Oh, and I thought it was 3 months, but actually its 1 month, the local doctor takes over, now I have been assessed by the specialist, wham bam thank you man..

So, a little forward, but not got the final mile in sight as yet, have a wonderful evening people...

Well done!

Prices do stick a bit here if you have to pay for something special not on their list.   It especially sticks when one knows it's free in the UK if over 60.   EHIC you're supposed to claim back.  The hassle though, probably not worth it if it's relatively routine.

Having a local (your Missus) working for you really helps.  That Hungarian magic and admin hocus pocus works again.  If you're in the system with a number, you are there really.  Just need the card now perhaps? 

BTW, if you know the names and numbers of these forms, do share.  Then others know which ones are the magic ones.

That is good news.
Did they say anything about having to wait a full year for the number to actually be activated?
My HU husband was given a card but told it wasn't good to use, not activated for the first year. He had the card in hand but it was only good the first year for an emergency. Thank God we never had to find out if that was true or not.
I forget how much of a discount one can get with a Taj card, if you are a senior I think it's 10% off.
Had a script from the dermatologist that had no discount.
I don't take any meds so not sure,my husband takes a daily pill but it is very common and super cheap.
Anyways, that a good start to get your number.
I had some sort of steroid shot in my shoulder. Went to the main ortho hospital in Budapest to their shoulder clinic.
You'd think they would have this med on hand. No, they had to order it. I got,"lucky" they called a guy on the phone who had canceled his appointment to ask if he would sell his medication to me since he wasn't coming in that day. They would reorder for him
It cost me 13.000 in the office.
After I had shoulder surgery the doc wanted to give me the same shot again. one up to 3 more times.
This time he was going to charge 60,000 for each dose of the medication.
From what we understood it was the exact same shot that only cost 13,000 in his office.
We said no way, I am anti- medication as it is.Didn't want to take steriods anyways, never wanted to grow a beard!

Yes no beard, the husband probable is happy with that also!

The form, which I am still trying to determine exactly what it is, has to go through a process, as you can tell, im lost at the moment, I understand it has to go here and there and eventually I get a number, but until the process has completed, I suppose I will bewildered by it all. It went in the post last night, and I just did as the MRS. said which involved a lot of signing things, and I copied all the documents, address, residence, passport etc, I am going to check out what it all means some time this week.  I guess joy and elation overcame me that we are moving forward finally!

So I will try to get a clearer understanding and come back when I do, as for medication, this is relatively new for me, it will be a year in May, since the initial heart attack, but once they start looking other things come to light, my Asthma turns out to be COPD, and the reaction to all the meds, basically a huge red pigmentation across my forehead and all of my nose, turns out to be Solar Keratosis, which you will probable understand is a pre cancerous skin condition. The good thing, yes there is some, is the water in Hungary is wonderfully for my skin, Im still wondering why, and the weather amazingly is helping the coughing, ok the odd day or so is not so good, but mainly so far, the heat though is going to knock me out for sure, its going to be dark room time, same as last year. I am just happy to stop working, 46 years is enough, so happy to make it this far, ok so enough for now, I will get back to y all with the facts, once I find out.

SzimonH wrote:

Yes no beard, the husband probable is happy with that also!

The form, which I am still trying to determine exactly what it is, has to go through a process, as you can tell, im lost at the moment, I understand it has to go here and there and eventually I get a number, but until the process has completed, I suppose I will bewildered by it all. It went in the post last night, and I just did as the MRS. said which involved a lot of signing things, and I copied all the documents, address, residence, passport etc, I am going to check out what it all means some time this week.  I guess joy and elation overcame me that we are moving forward finally!

So I will try to get a clearer understanding and come back when I do, as for medication, this is relatively new for me, it will be a year in May, since the initial heart attack, but once they start looking other things come to light, my Asthma turns out to be COPD, and the reaction to all the meds, basically a huge red pigmentation across my forehead and all of my nose, turns out to be Solar Keratosis, which you will probable understand is a pre cancerous skin condition. The good thing, yes there is some, is the water in Hungary is wonderfully for my skin, Im still wondering why, and the weather amazingly is helping the coughing, ok the odd day or so is not so good, but mainly so far, the heat though is going to knock me out for sure, its going to be dark room time, same as last year. I am just happy to stop working, 46 years is enough, so happy to make it this far, ok so enough for now, I will get back to y all with the facts, once I find out.

Best of health to you.
Sorry about the heart attack, sounds scary as all get out.
If your wife is a HU citizen then you should be a shoe in for a Taj card and coverage, just that first year is a wait time.
Of course if you tried to apply and they gave you the run around, I'd hope they would make up that wasted time for you.
That's the thing in Hungary one official will tell you one thing then some else will say something else.
I'd be lost here without my husband, I let him handle everything official.
COPD and asthma can't be much fun but fresh air and sunshine are god for everything.
I had a few bouts with minor skin cancer spots, too many endless days of overdoing it on the beaches of Hawaii and S. Ca.
We used to slather baby oil on our skin and lay in the back yard for hours and hours, insane.
Later I turned a bit goth before goth was a thing, never went in the sun fr about 4 years, wore the palest makeup I could find and did my light brown hair black.
I need to have a talking to with my old self at times, what a waste those years were.
If you get some rays before 10 am even just 10 or 15 mins it might actually be good for your skin.
Yes, I can't wait until the mineral spas open up again, great for the skin and the mind.
Maybe a laser treatment is in order for your skin issues?
They are mild these days.
My mother at age 17 in the early 1940's saved up and had laser treatments for her old acne.
She was burnt so badly at the doctors that her face had a crust of brown on it, she had to hide indoors and skip work for weeks.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
That's the thing in Hungary one official will tell you one thing then some else will say something else.
I'd be lost here without my husband, I let him handle everything official.

Ain't that just the way here.   Back in the 90s, that's all they did in the Post Office.   Ask the same question multiple ways just to get an averaged out answer.  Mrs Fluffy does all our official paperwork too.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
COPD and asthma can't be much fun but fresh air and sunshine are good for everything.
I had a few bouts with minor skin cancer spots, too many endless days of overdoing it on the beaches of Hawaii and S. Ca.
We used to slather baby oil on our skin and lay in the back yard for hours and hours, insane.
Later I turned a bit goth before goth was a thing, never went in the sun fr about 4 years, wore the palest makeup I could find and did my light brown hair black.

Best to avoid all sun and sun bathing.  I was hit with sunstroke a few times when travelling in Asia and last time it was really horrible and debilitating.    After that experience, I cover up all the time and never sunbathe.  Out on Balaton whilst boating I always wear a UV vest and hat and drink lots of water.   

We spent a few trips to the countryside in the past at the spas.  I totally agree, very nice feeling and absolutely sleep inducing.   

Mrs Fluffy and I were floating in the Dead Sea a few years ago from the Jordan side.  It's really strange water. It's got this oily feel to it and makes your skin feel all oddly smooth and soft.  But you wouldn't want to get it in your eyes.  We did find it incredibly relaxing but rather smelly mud - rub it all over. Quite fancy a trip to some thermal baths now!

We used to go to Glen Ivy hot springs in Ca. years back. They also had the mud baths, nothing as fancy as  visiting the Dead Sea.
That mud ruins your swimsuits, always had to bring 2 along, one for swimming and looking nice and one for the mud bath.
I was in the thermal area at Rudas . Interesting but so boring to me.
I can't sit still for long, rather be swimming and moving around. All that dead skin floating around from everyone also is a bit gross.
Never was interesting in putting in a hot tub next to our old swimming pool. Total waste of time to me. It is good though if your not able to move post joint surgery I suppose.
As a child after my knee dislocated they sent me to PT and had me sit in a swirling mix of hot water for 20 to 30 mins. Maybe I was too young to appriecate the water, found it boring as heck and hated going in for PT.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

We used to go to Glen Ivy hot springs in Ca. years back. They also had the mud baths, nothing as fancy as  visiting the Dead Sea.
That mud ruins your swimsuits, always had to bring 2 along, one for swimming and looking nice and one for the mud bath.
I was in the thermal area at Rudas . Interesting but so boring to me.
I can't sit still for long, rather be swimming and moving around. All that dead skin floating around from everyone also is a bit gross.
Never was interesting in putting in a hot tub next to our old swimming pool. Total waste of time to me. It is good though if your not able to move post joint surgery I suppose.
As a child after my knee dislocated they sent me to PT and had me sit in a swirling mix of hot water for 20 to 30 mins. Maybe I was too young to appriecate the water, found it boring as heck and hated going in for PT.

Ewww....never thought about all that dead skin.  But they must put it all through filters because there would be things like hair and plasters too.

Dead Sea smells if I remember correctly. Like old salty fish* and very chemical like.   We saw people running into the Dead Sea and diving in.  That's just a recipe for disaster.  If you get that water in your eyes, you will be in serious pain.   Just a drop of it hurts like hell. 

When we were there, the water level was way down.  It was like 5m too low at least looking at the rock faces.   Further up, nearly all the water in the feeding river was being sucked out for agriculture and the Jordan river reduced to a trickle.  Eventually it'll probably just dry up.

* just to say, I know there are no fish in the Dead Sea