Settling in Austria means enjoying a very safe living environment, a clean environment… and a healthcare system regularly ranked among the best in the world. For an expat, that’s reassuring, but it’s not necessarily easy to figure out: insurance card, public insurance funds, private doctors, emergency numbers, international insurance, strictly regulated medications… Without preparation, you quickly find yourself lost between Kassenarzt, Wahlarzt, and e-card.
This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the Austrian healthcare system for expats. It is based on official data to explain how it works, the coverage offered, the costs to expect, and the steps to take before and after arriving in the country.
A high-performing public healthcare system… and near-universal
Austria has a mixed healthcare system, combining a large mandatory public pillar and an optional private pillar. In practice, between 99% and 99.9% of residents are covered by health insurance, making it one of the most universal systems in Europe. The World Health Organization has ranked the country in the global top 10, and other rankings like the Legatum Prosperity Index regularly place it among the best European systems.
The Austrian healthcare system is based on the principle of solidarity, guaranteeing access regardless of age, income, gender, or origin. It is primarily funded by mandatory social security contributions, with additional contributions from the federal government and provinces, and is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.
On the ground, the infrastructure is dense: just over 260 hospitals, of which about three-fifths are dedicated to acute care, a large network of general practitioner and specialist offices, and a high physician density (over 5 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants). In Vienna, the physician density even exceeds 7 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Quality is not limited to curative care. General sanitary conditions are excellent, tap water is drinkable everywhere, milk is pasteurized, air pollution remains moderate in the capital and very low in the Alpine regions. An expat’s daily life is thus supported by an environment that is both healthy and well-regulated.
How public health insurance works
The cornerstone of access to healthcare in Austria is statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). For the vast majority of residents, it is mandatory. Access depends first on your residency status and your employment status.
Who must be insured and with whom?
Anyone residing in Austria for more than six months is generally required to have health insurance. Groups subject to mandatory insurance include notably:
– employees,
– self-employed individuals and freelancers above a certain income threshold,
– pensioners,
– unemployment benefit recipients,
– recipients of certain social benefits,
– their dependents (spouse, registered partner, children).
Three major public insurers, resulting from a structural reform that took effect in 2020, cover the country:
| Public Insurance Fund | Primarily Insured Population | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| ÖGK – Österreichische Gesundheitskasse | Employees, apprentices, majority of residents and their dependents | Largest insurer, approximately 7.6 million insured |
| SVS – Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Selbständigen | Self-employed, freelancers, liberal professions, farmers | Also covers accident and pension insurance for the self-employed |
| BVAEB – Versicherungsanstalt öffentlich Bediensteter, Eisenbahn und Bergbau | Civil servants, public employees, railway workers, miners | Specific scheme for the public sector |
The levels of benefits are broadly comparable, even if some details differ (contribution rates, coverage for certain procedures).
Contributions and coverage
For employees, enrollment is automatic: your employer registers you with the competent fund within seven days of you starting work. Contributions are deducted directly from gross salary. Funding is shared almost equally:
The total contribution rate for health insurance, resulting from an employee contribution of about 3.87% and an employer contribution of about 3.78% of gross salary.
Pensioners contribute at a separate rate (approximately 5.1%). The self-employed pay minimum monthly contributions to the SVS; the health minimum is around €500 per month, but it is adjusted based on income.
In return, public coverage covers:
– visits to contracted doctors (Kassenärzte),
– hospitalization in general wards (4 to 8-bed rooms),
– a large portion of prescribed medications,
– maternity care (pregnancy monitoring, childbirth),
– pediatrics and prevention,
– certain rehabilitation and convalescence cures,
– basic dental care,
– preventive services (free annual check-up from age 18).
Some services involve a co-payment: prescription fees, daily hospital charges, contributions to medical aids… but for an expat who is properly enrolled, the public system covers the essential standard medical needs.
The key role of the e-card
Once registered with the public insurance, you receive an electronic insurance card: the e-card. It serves as your key to care within the public system.
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– proves you are insured,
– contains your social security number and access to your electronic health record (ELGA),
– serves as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on the back for temporary stays in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
It is usually sent by mail within 2 to 6 weeks after registration. Since the introduction of the mandatory photo, non-Austrian nationals often need to go to a dedicated office to submit a recent photo, their passport, and proof of address.
Using the e-card is simple: you present it to the doctor, hospital, or pharmacy. The professional then bills the public insurance fund directly. For you, only the possible co-payments remain to be paid.
There is an annual service contribution linked to the e-card (€13.80 in 2025), automatically deducted from certain benefits (salaries, pensions). People with very low incomes, pensioners, or certain groups are exempt.
Public, private, international: what insurance for an expat?
An expat in Austria must navigate three main types of coverage: public insurance, local private insurance, and international health insurance. Each has a specific role, and the challenge is to combine them intelligently based on your situation.
Mandatory public insurance
As soon as you work for an Austrian employer, they enroll you with the competent fund. You generally cannot refuse this coverage. Similarly, if you receive an Austrian pension or unemployment benefits, public enrollment is automatic.
For your dependents (spouse, children), co-insurance is possible:
| Dependent | Usual conditions for co-insurance | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Child | Up to age 18, then up to 21 if not employed, or 26 if in studies | Free |
| Spouse/partner without children | Possible, sometimes with an additional contribution (~3.4% of the policyholder’s salary, capped) | Paid |
| Spouse/partner with children | More favorable conditions, sometimes without surcharge | Variable |
Family enrollment is not automatic. You must submit a specific application to the insurance fund (form, proof of family relationship, residence, etc.).
Private supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung)
Approximately 38% of Austrians also have private health insurance. It does not replace public insurance but complements it, improving comfort and expanding benefits.
Typical advantages include:
Private health insurance in Austria offers a range of significant benefits for extended coverage and greater comfort.
Consultation of non-contracted doctors (Wahlärzte) without significant out-of-pocket costs.
Single or twin rooms in special class (Sonderklasse) in prestigious private clinics or hospitals.
Shorter waiting times for appointments with certain specialists and for surgical procedures.
Better coverage for dentures, implants, and optical equipment.
Coverage for certain therapies such as osteopathy or acupuncture.
Extension of care abroad, medical repatriation, advanced check-ups, and wellness programs.
Premiums depend on age, health status, and the modules chosen, and not on income. Some benchmarks:
| Profile | Indicative monthly premium range |
|---|---|
| Child | ≈ €30 |
| Young adult | ≈ €45–100 depending on options |
| Senior (≈ 65 years) | ≈ €450–500 for broad coverage |
Signing up early is clearly advantageous: the longer you wait, the higher the initial premium, especially after age 45. Most contracts also involve medical underwriting. Certain strategies (annual deductible, combining modules) can significantly reduce the premium, sometimes by up to -50%.
Among Austrian private insurers are for example UNIQA, Generali, Merkur, but also products specifically designed for students and expats like Care Austria or FeelSafe.
International health insurance for expats
For highly mobile expats, or those not immediately eligible for public coverage (e.g., at the very beginning of their stay or for certain visa statuses), international health insurance plays a key role.
Major global players (Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA, APRIL International, Foyer Global Health, NOW Health, among others) offer plans designed to cover:
– inpatient and outpatient care,
– emergencies and resuscitation,
– cancer treatment,
– mental health,
– sometimes maternity, dental, vision,
– care in multiple countries, including outside Europe,
– teleconsultation, second medical opinion, and even medical evacuation.
Annual limits are high, often between 1 and 5 million dollars, or even unlimited on premium plans. For an expat who travels frequently or maintains medical ties in several countries, this international layer ensures continuity of care that a single country’s public insurance does not always guarantee.
For a foreign student or non-EU worker who must prove “all-risk” coverage for a visa, certain products like Care Austria have even been officially recognized by the authorities to meet residence permit criteria.
Before and after your move: steps based on your profile
Access to the Austrian system heavily depends on your nationality and purpose of stay. A few typical scenarios emerge.
EU/EEA and UK citizens
For an expat coming from the EU, EEA, or UK, two phases are distinct.
During a short stay (tourism, short assignment), the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) allows access to medically necessary care in the public sector, under the same conditions as residents. However, it does not make everything free: co-payments remain your responsibility, and it does not cover private clinics or repatriation.
For a long-term move, you need to:
Upon your arrival in Austria, three main steps are necessary. First, you must register at the municipal office (Meldeamt) within three days of arrival. Next, you need to obtain a residence registration. Finally, you must enroll in public insurance, usually through your employer. If you are a student, self-employed, or unemployed, enrollment is done directly with the ÖGK.
European pensioners can sometimes use an S1 form to transfer the cost of their care to their home country while residing in Austria.
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/CH/UK)
For third-country citizens, health insurance is, in practice, a prerequisite for obtaining a visa or residence permit. Authorities often require a policy covering “all risks”, without excessive waiting periods, low limits, or major exclusions.
Once on the ground:
In Austria, enrollment in the healthcare system depends on your status. If you work for an Austrian employer, they automatically enroll you in the public fund (ÖGK). If you are self-employed, you must register yourself with the SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen), but only if your income exceeds a certain threshold. For students, it is possible to switch to public student insurance (ÖGK) at a reduced rate, provided you meet specific study criteria. In all other cases, you must maintain private or international insurance that meets the legal requirements for your stay.
Foreign students
International students must prove minimum coverage (often €30,000 for the medical portion) to obtain a student visa if they come from a visa-required country.
Once enrolled in an Austrian university and with a residence certificate, they can apply for student insurance with the ÖGK at a preferential rate (approximately €70 per month). They then have the same rights as any public insuree.
Self-employed and freelancers
Self-employed individuals are enrolled with the SVS from a certain income level (over approximately €6,600 annual income for “new self-employed”). Below this threshold, enrollment is not automatic, but it is strongly recommended to insure voluntarily, either through the SVS (self-insurance, more expensive) or through international or private insurance that meets stay requirements.
Doctors, hospitals, appointments: how to get care on a daily basis
Once insured and holding your e-card, you still need to understand the practical operation: who to see, at what cost, and with what wait times.
Kassenarzt vs Wahlarzt: choosing your practitioner
Austria distinguishes two main categories of private practitioners:
– contracted doctors (Kassenärzte), who have a contract with the public insurance funds and sometimes display “Alle Kassen” on their sign,
– private elective doctors (Wahlärzte), who practice outside the contract system.
The essential difference:
| Doctor type | Billing | Reimbursement with public insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Kassenarzt (contracted) | Bills the fund directly via the e-card | 100% of the public tariff for necessary care |
| Wahlarzt (non-contracted) | You pay the full consultation fee | Partial reimbursement, generally 80% of the public tariff, not the actual price |
In practice, there are more private doctors than contracted doctors in Austria, especially in large cities. Private consultations are often longer, more flexible (hours, languages), but more expensive: around €50 to €100 for a GP, €80 to €200 for a specialist, if you have no supplementary coverage.
Since 2024, private doctors can send their invoices directly to the ÖGK for reimbursement, simplifying the process for patients. However, without supplementary private insurance, a significant out-of-pocket cost may remain.
Making appointments and finding an English-speaking doctor
Freedom of choice is broad: there is no formal registration with a GP practice, and you can see the practitioner of your choice. However, many practices work by appointment, and specialists do not accept walk-ins.
To find a doctor:
– the Gesundheitsportal Österreichs portal and the Medical Chamber (Ärztekammer) website list GPs and specialists,
– the Praxisplan website, for Vienna, allows filtering by specialty, district, and language,
– private platforms like DocFinder or Doctena offer online appointment booking,
– the City of Vienna website lists doctors with language filters — useful for finding an English-speaking practitioner.
Most doctors, especially in urban areas, speak English. Many practices even say they specialize in treating expats, such as Health Consult Team, healthPi Medical Center, or the Mind Institute in Vienna.
Doctors and practices specialized for expats in urban areas
Wait times vary: up to four days to see a contracted GP, several weeks for some specialists. In the private sector, wait times are generally shorter.
Public hospitals and private clinics
Public hospitals admit patients with public insurance in the general class: multi-bed rooms, care fully covered by public insurance, except for a possible daily charge (capped at a number of days per year and exempted in certain cases, e.g., maternity).
In parallel, a network of private clinics (such as Privatklinik Döbling in Vienna, Wehrle-Diakonissen in Salzburg, or Confraternität Privatklinik Josefstadt) offers a higher level of comfort and a more personalized approach. Access is usually via private insurance, or at your own expense.
In an emergency, you can always go directly to the emergency department (Notaufnahme) of a public hospital, even without prior enrollment. Life-saving care is never refused.
Costs and payment procedures: what to expect
Even in a very protective system, an expat must anticipate certain direct costs and understand billing procedures, especially if they maintain insurance from their home country.
Co-payments and standard fees
Some useful quantified benchmarks:
| Expense item | Indicative amount (2025) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual e-card fee | €13.80 | Auto-deducted, exemptions possible |
| Prescription medication | €7.55 / pack | If medication price is lower, actual price paid |
| Medical aid (orthosis, etc.) | 10% of price, min. €43 | Minimum €129 for glasses |
| Hospital daily fee (e.g., Vienna) | ≈ €11.90 / day | Number of days capped per calendar year |
Certain groups (children, very low-income individuals, insured exempt from co-payment) are exempt from these contributions.
Special case of foreign insurance (USA, UK, etc.)
American insurance systems (Medicare, Medicaid) do not cover care in Austria. Most private American insurance plans are little or not recognized by Austrian providers. Concretely:
Austrian hospitals and doctors do not accept US insurance cards. Patients must pay their expenses directly (in cash, by card, or bank transfer), then file a reimbursement claim with their insurer in the United States.
Deposits required upon hospital admission can be as high as €500 or more. At discharge, you must settle the entire bill. It is therefore crucial to keep all receipts and, if necessary, request an English translation of diagnoses and invoices to facilitate claims with the foreign insurer.
The cost of care in Austria is generally significantly lower than in the United States, but a lengthy stay or complex care can quickly add up to significant amounts. Hence the value of solid travel or international insurance, ideally including a medical evacuation option.
Emergency numbers and on-call services: who to call and when
Austria has a dense network of emergency services, reachable free of charge from any phone, landline or mobile, sometimes even without unlocking the device for 112. For an expat, memorizing a few essential numbers is a basic safety reflex.
Main numbers:
| Service | Number | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| European emergency number | 112 | All types of emergencies, reachable across the EU, works on locked phones |
| Ambulance / medical rescue | 144 | Serious medical emergencies, accidents |
| Emergency doctor / on-call service | 141 | Medical advice, guidance, duty service outside office hours |
| National health hotline | 1450 | 24/7 medical advice, telephone triage |
| Police | 133 | Security emergencies |
| Fire department | 122 | Fires, rescue |
| Mountain rescue | 140 | Mountain accidents |
| Poison control center | 01 406 43 43 | Poisonings, especially in children |
| Psychiatric emergency | 01 313 30 | Psychiatric crises, suicide risk |
| Suicide prevention | 01 713 3374 | Psychological distress, suicidal thoughts |
| Children and youth (help, listening) | 147 | 24/7 hotline for minors |
Apps like DEC112 also allow deaf or hard-of-hearing people to contact police, fire, mountain rescue, or ambulance via instant messaging, including through a “silent call” in case of domestic danger.
In Austria, in addition to public services, a large share of ambulance transport and medical aid (including in the mountains or during disasters) is provided by the Austrian Red Cross (Rotes Kreuz) and other organizations such as the Samariterbund, the Johanniter, the Grünes Kreuz, and the Malteser.
Medications, pharmacies, and specific constraints
Austrian pharmacies (Apotheken) are highly regulated and constitute almost the only channel for medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Supermarkets do not sell medicines in the strict sense.
An expat must keep in mind several specific rules.
Bringing personal medications
It is highly recommended to come to Austria with at least one extra week’s supply of your chronic treatments. To avoid any issues at customs:
To travel to Austria with your medications, always keep them in their original packaging for easy identification. It is also recommended to have a letter from your doctor, preferably in English or German, explaining the necessity of these treatments. Finally, before you leave, systematically check that the active substances in your medications are not prohibited or strictly controlled by Austrian law.
As a general rule, it is tolerated to bring an amount corresponding to five days of treatment. With an appropriate cross-border prescription, this threshold can go up to 30 days. However, mailing prescription medications from abroad is generally prohibited.
Getting prescriptions in Austria
Many medications that would be over-the-counter elsewhere require an Austrian prescription. Furthermore, certain products allowed in other countries (notably the United States) are illegal or heavily controlled in Austria.
Doctors are generally cautious and avoid systematic prescriptions of antibiotics. For a refill, a consultation with a local GP is often necessary. Services like Mobi Doctor or Air Doctor make it easy to access English-speaking doctors, especially via teleconsultation.
Pharmacies apply a uniform base price for reimbursed medications, plus the prescription fee (€7.55 per pack in 2025). Outside normal hours, an on-call service is always available, locatable via the 1455 line or the Chamber of Pharmacists website. A surcharge may apply for nights and Sundays.
If you consult a private doctor, your prescriptions may sometimes be on “private” paper: the pharmacy will then charge you the full price and, if applicable, you will need to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance fund.
Prevention, vaccinations, and specific risks
Austria invests heavily in prevention and screening programs. For an expat, this translates into concrete rights, provided you are enrolled.
Free annual health check-up
Every insured person over 18 is entitled to a free check-up each year. This check-up generally includes:
– detailed medical history,
– blood and urine tests,
– blood pressure check,
– possibly ECG,
– screening for certain cancers based on age and sex.
The number of years of life expectancy gained in France between 2000 and 2021, from about 78 to 81 years.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination
A specific risk in Austria and Central Europe is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection transmitted by ticks that are very common in low-altitude wooded areas, including the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods).
A highly effective vaccine, developed in Austria, is available. It is strongly recommended for people living or staying near Vienna and engaging in activities like hiking, mountain biking, or camping. Many Austrians receive it through national programs. Expats should inquire promptly with their GP.
Other recommendations
In addition to TBE, authorities recommend checking basic vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and B, COVID-19). Specific programs exist for children within the Mutter-Kind-Pass framework.
In the mountains, the risk of acute mountain sickness appears above 2,500 meters in altitude, which concerns certain massifs like the Grossglockner. Gradual acclimatization, good hydration, and caution in case of symptoms (severe headache, nausea, disproportionate shortness of breath) are essential.
Mental health and psychological support
The Austrian system also covers mental health, although access may sometimes suffer from waiting times, particularly through the public sector.
Recognized professionals include:
– psychiatrists (Psychiater), doctors who can prescribe medication,
– psychologists,
– psychotherapists duly registered in the official registry.
Average amount reimbursed per psychotherapy session by public insurance in France.
Specialized associations (Pro Mente, PSZ, various NGOs) and facilities like the Mind Institute in Vienna specifically target expats, with English-speaking therapists. Directories (ÖBVP, BÖP, Psychology Today, TherapyRoute) allow you to search for a therapist who speaks English or other languages.
In acute crisis situations, the psychiatric emergency hotline (01 313 30) and suicide prevention hotline (01 713 3374) operate 24/7. For children and adolescents, the 147 line (Rat auf Draht) is also continuously available.
What embassies can – and cannot – do
Many expats count, sometimes wrongly, on their consulate or embassy in case of a serious health problem. It is important to clarify the roles.
Embassies (British, American, etc.) can:
In case of difficulties abroad, consular services can provide concrete support in several essential areas.
Provide lists of English-speaking doctors and hospitals and explain how the local healthcare system works.
Help you contact your family and loved ones if needed.
Intervene for procedures such as issuing an emergency passport or laissez-passer.
Provide support in the event of a death (consular report, contacts with funeral directors, etc.).
However, they cannot: breach safety standards.
– pay your medical or hospital bills,
– negotiate your bills or payment plans,
– mandate a medical repatriation,
– provide a medical interpreter systematically,
– guarantee “preferential” treatment compared to local residents.
It is up to the patient and their family to cover the costs, possibly by mobilizing insurance or using money transfer services in an emergency.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: a cost not to be underestimated
In most situations, an expat hospitalized in Austria can return home on a regular commercial flight, sometimes with a medical certificate of no contraindication (“Fit to fly” issued by a doctor). If the health condition requires it, the doctor may, on the contrary, oppose any commercial flight.
In extreme medical situations (coma, artificial ventilation, severe trauma), repatriation requires an air ambulance. The cost of such an evacuation between Europe and the United States can be as high as $100,000, an amount rarely covered by low-end travel insurance. In Austria, private companies like Tyrol Air Ambulance or FAA Flight Ambulance Austria specialize in this type of medical flight.
For a non-European expat, explicitly including medical repatriation and evacuation in your international health insurance contract is therefore far from a luxury.
Practical tips for managing your health as an expat
Beyond the structures and numbers, a few simple reflexes make life easier in the Austrian system.
Before departure, it is wise to:
– check that the destination meets your specific medical needs (dialysis, oncology follow-up, mobility assistance, etc.),
– take out travel or international insurance that includes at least emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and if possible liability insurance,
– bring your usual medications for at least one extra week, with prescriptions and a letter from your doctor,
– request English or German versions of your main medical reports.
Upon arrival, it is useful to:
Upon your arrival in Vienna, prioritize these essential steps: quickly complete your residence registration (*Meldezettel*), verify your enrollment with the public health insurance fund, and track the receipt of your health insurance card (e-card). For your health, identify an English-speaking GP near you and schedule an initial “introduction” appointment if necessary. Finally, save the main emergency numbers in your phone: 112 (European general emergency), 144 (ambulance), 141 (urgent medical advice), 1450 (non-urgent health advice), 133 (police), and 122 (fire department).
In daily life, keeping your e-card on you, keeping all your medical receipts, and systematically checking whether the doctor or facility is contracted with your insurance fund will avoid many unpleasant financial surprises.
For outdoor activities, especially in the mountains or forests, consider ski or hiking insurance via a premium bank card or a specific policy, and consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis if you live in a risk area.
To facilitate your medical procedures, don’t hesitate to use online tools such as official portals (e.g., Gesundheit.gv.at), doctor directories, teleconsultation services, and emergency apps specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
For an expat, healthcare in Austria combines several rare advantages: recognized clinical quality, near-universal coverage, strong preventive care, and an overall very safe health environment. The downside is a sometimes complex insurance structure, a sharp distinction between public and private sectors, and strict medication rules.
With a minimum of advance planning – good insurance, understanding of the public funds, locating English-speaking doctors – it is nonetheless possible to integrate quickly into this system and benefit, as an expat, from a level of protection and care equivalent to that of residents, or even superior if you opt for suitable private coverage.
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