OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the health status and costs of patients with renal failure undergoing haemodialysis treatment in Hungary. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was performed between November-December, year 2006 in the BBraun Dialysis Centre of Kistarcsa. All patients receiving heamodialysis were invited to participate in the study. Demographic data, health care utilisation, informal care, transportation and other disease related expenses were surveyed. A generic health status measure, the EQ-5D (range -0.6-1) was applied. Mobility was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (normal<20 sec). Costing was performed using human capital approach method, productivity loss was based on average gross wage (629Euro/month). RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (35 women, 36 men) were involved, mean age 62.3(15.0) years, duration of haemodialysis was mean 3.9(4.2) years. 34(47.8%) patients were retired as many as on maintenance of disabled, 1-1-1 was on permanent sick-leave, unemployed or student. Patients' residence was mean 18.6(14.2) km from the dialysis centre, 23(32.4%) had a car in their household, 2(2.8%) drived on his own and 4(5.6%) were taken by a relative regularly, 57(80.3%) used the centres' transportation network. 4(5.6%) came by ambulance as much as travelled by bus or train. 9(12.7%) patients were living alone, 24(33.8%) with spouse, 37(52.1%) with other relatives, 1 in a nursing home, 28(39.4%) received regular informal care mean 35.8(25.5) hours/week. EQ-5D score was mean 0.635(0.3) and the score was significantly lower (p<0.01) in all age-groups than in the Hungarian population. The Up and Go Test was mean 19.89(17.09) sec. Mean cost was 21 572 Euro/patient/year, direct medical costs 85.4%, direct non-medical costs 5.8%, indirect costs 8.8%. CONCLUSION: Health status loss is significant in chronic renal failure, patients‘ dependence and risk of falls is high. Direct medical costs are substantial. Our study offers baseline data for further health economic analysis in Hungary.