Health insurance is mandatory for certain groups in Austria, including salaried and self-employed workers, and their dependents. For others, it is optional but highly recommended, as medical treatments can be expensive. Austria's public healthcare system is funded by mandatory health insurance and offers universal medical coverage to 99.9% of the population. It covers all essential care, including doctor visits and emergency care, but some treatments require co-payments. Private health insurance can be purchased to supplement public coverage and provide access to better and more personalised care.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Who needs health insurance? | (Salaried and self-employed) workers, seniors with an Austrian pension, and their dependent family members are legally required to register for health insurance. |
Who can take out voluntary health insurance? | Students, unemployed people, and other residents who are not legally required to have health insurance. |
Who can use their home country's health insurance? | Expats from the EU, EFTA, or the UK can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). |
Who needs private health insurance? | People who want "Special Class" features or suffer from a chronic or serious illness. |
Who needs to prove they have health insurance? | Non-EU/EFTA/UK expats and immigrants. |
Who can get reimbursed for medical care? | Anyone with a valid health insurance policy. |
Who is covered by public health insurance? | Employees, apprentices, trainees, people collecting unemployment benefits, childcare allowance, social assistance, or rehabilitation allowance. |
Who can register voluntarily for public health insurance? | Anyone who falls outside of the scope of mandatory public health insurance (e.g., students). |
Who can get co-insurance? | Dependent children, partners, direct family members, and relatives who require nursing care. |
Who is automatically insured? | Asylum seekers and refugees. |
What You'll Learn
Who needs health insurance in Austria?
Health insurance is mandatory for certain groups in Austria. These include salaried and self-employed workers, who are legally required to register for a type of compulsory health insurance called Pflichtversicherung. Seniors with an Austrian pension are also required to register for this type of insurance.
For other groups, such as students, taking out health insurance is optional but highly recommended. Medical treatments in Austria can be expensive, and without insurance, individuals would be responsible for paying the full cost themselves.
Expats from the EU, EFTA (European Free Trade Association), or the UK can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access public healthcare in Austria. People from outside these regions must have valid health insurance to obtain a visa.
Austrian health insurance covers not only standard medical care but also things like spa stays. Public health insurance covers all essential care, including doctor visits and emergency care, while private insurance can be purchased to cover copayments and provide access to more personalized care.
Overall, Austria's healthcare system provides excellent coverage for the vast majority of its citizens, with approximately 99% of residents covered by some form of health insurance.
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What does public health insurance cover?
Public health insurance in Austria is comprehensive, covering all essential care, including doctor visits, emergency care, and even spa stays. It also covers:
- Prescriptions, which cost around €6 per item for medicine on the "positive list".
- Mandatory vaccinations.
- Hospital and emergency care.
- Dental check-ups.
- Maternity, including childbirth, parental leave benefits, child allowance, and maternity allowance.
- Therapeutic aids, such as wheelchairs, which are covered up to €1,328 per aid.
- Illness, including work-related illness, doctor visits, mental illness treatments, and support with serious health problems.
- Precautionary treatments, such as vaccinations, remedies, lifestyle advice, health checks, and recovery.
It's important to note that while public health insurance covers a wide range of services, certain treatments may require co-payments, and private health services are not covered. Additionally, reimbursements for treatments from non-contracted healthcare providers are calculated based on the statutory insurance rate, not the full amount billed by the doctor. Therefore, it is advisable to verify that your chosen healthcare provider is contracted with the public health insurance before receiving treatment.
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How much does Austrian health insurance cost?
Health insurance is mandatory in Austria for anyone intending to live there for more than six months. The country offers affordable, accessible, and top-notch healthcare, ranking 10th globally. The Austrian healthcare system consists of public health services and a large network of private healthcare providers.
Public Health Insurance in Austria
Public health insurance in Austria provides basic coverage for medical care, including medical and dental treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation services, preventive care, and maternity/childbirth-related services. The cost of public health insurance is calculated based on income and is split equally between the employer and the employee. The monthly contribution for public health insurance is 7.65%, so each party contributes 3.87% of the gross monthly income. For example, if your salary is €2,500, your monthly contributions are €191.25, of which you pay €96.63.
If you are self-employed, you must enrol in and pay for health insurance yourself, which is currently set at €495.58 per month. However, depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for reductions. Students who opt for public health insurance can expect to pay 7.55% of the base self-insurance contribution.
Private Health Insurance in Austria
Private health insurance in Austria offers broader coverage and additional benefits such as travel insurance and dental coverage. It provides flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and facilities and is perfect for foreigners who want to expand their insurance plans or have a chronic condition that requires extra medical care. The cost of private health insurance in Austria can range from €100 to €450 per month, depending on personal factors like age, health conditions, medical history, and desired coverage.
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What are the benefits of private health insurance?
Health insurance is mandatory for certain groups in Austria, including salaried employees, freelancers, and seniors with an Austrian pension. However, it is highly recommended for all residents to have health insurance, as medical treatments can be expensive. While public health insurance covers essential care, many residents opt for supplementary private health insurance to ensure 100% coverage. Here are some benefits of private health insurance in Austria:
- Special class treatment in hospitals: Private health insurance offers special class treatment in public and private hospitals, including access to private rooms with additional amenities such as TV, internet, private bathrooms, and reduced waiting times for surgeries.
- Choice of physicians: With private health insurance, you have a free choice of physicians for outpatient treatment, including top doctors who may not have a contractual relationship with the public health system.
- Wellness and fitness: Some private health insurance plans offer additional benefits related to wellness and fitness, such as coverage for gym memberships or spa stays.
- Travel insurance: Private health insurance can provide travel insurance coverage, ensuring you are protected when travelling internationally.
- Dental care: Dental treatments, such as implants, braces, and oral hygiene, are typically included in private health insurance plans.
- Shorter waiting times: Private health insurance often provides shorter waiting times for appointments and treatments, ensuring quicker access to medical care.
- Direct access to specialists: With private health insurance, you can directly access specialists without needing a referral from a general practitioner.
- Personalized care: Private insurance plans often offer a wider range of attentive providers who offer personalized and efficient medical care.
- Comfort and flexibility: Private health insurance can provide higher levels of comfort and flexibility in hospitals and health clinics, including private rooms and a choice of meals.
- Sickness and death benefits: In the event of illness or accident, private health insurance can provide daily allowance insurance and sickness benefits to support your income.
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How to get private health insurance in Austria
Private health insurance is a voluntary supplementary insurance to the statutory health insurance in Austria. It covers the costs of treatments by private doctors and hospitals, which are not covered by public health insurance. It is recommended for those who want 100% coverage or wish to access more personalised care.
Who Needs Health Insurance in Austria?
Health insurance is mandatory for certain groups in Austria, including salaried and self-employed workers, seniors with an Austrian pension, and their dependent family members. For others, it is optional but highly recommended as medical treatments can be expensive.
How to Get Private Health Insurance
There are several private health insurance companies in Austria, including Allianz, Cigna Global, and Generali. When choosing a plan, consider your needs, budget, and whether you require coverage abroad. You can contact the insurance company directly to sign up, but it is recommended to compare plans and seek advice from specialists beforehand.
Costs
The cost of private health insurance depends on age, health condition, and the level of coverage. For children, it is around €30 per month, and for adults, it ranges from €45 to €100 per month.
Documents Required
To register for private health insurance, you may need to provide the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or ID
- Passport photo (no more than six months old)
- Proof of registration at the municipality
- Social security number
- Residence permit (for non-EU/EFTA citizens)
- Proof of admission, timetable, and proof of previous studies (for students)
- Proof of relationship (for registering dependent family members)
- Proof of caregiver allowance (if applicable)
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