The scope of the study is the opinions of the Hungarian population on publicly and privately owned and financed health services. There is a relationship between the age group of consumers and the type of health service they find acceptable. Primary quantitative research (N=1196) shows that paying out of pocket for a service offered in a state-owned institution is unacceptable. The generation older than 54 years has the least experience with private healthcare, while those aged 36-41 years have the most. Hungarian adults consider private health services to be characterized by short waiting times, fast appointment booking, more human treatment, patient-centredness, and a pleasant environment compared to publicly funded care.