Austria's Private Health Insurance: What You Need To Know

Austria's healthcare system is a mix of public and private coverage. The public healthcare system is funded by mandatory health insurance and offers almost universal medical coverage to 99.9% of the population. However, private health insurance is also available and provides better facilities and shorter waiting times at a premium cost. So, does Austria have private health insurance? The answer is yes.

Private health insurance in Austria: what are the advantages?

Austria's public healthcare system is highly regarded across Europe for its excellent, affordable, and accessible services. However, private health insurance is also available and offers several benefits to those seeking supplementary or alternative coverage. Here are some advantages of private health insurance in Austria:

Shorter Waiting Times:

Private insurance often provides faster access to medical services, reducing the time spent waiting for appointments or treatments.

Choice of Doctor:

With private insurance, individuals can choose their preferred doctor or specialist without restrictions, ensuring they receive care from their desired healthcare provider.

Hospital Benefits:

Private insurance can offer additional benefits during hospital stays, such as a daily allowance, better accommodations, and more personalized care, enhancing comfort and overall experience.

Wellness and Fitness:

Some private insurance plans include wellness and fitness-related benefits, promoting preventative care and holistic well-being.

Travel Insurance:

International or travel medical insurance is often offered as an add-on to private health plans, providing coverage for emergency care, transportation, medication, and other services while travelling.

Personalized and Efficient Care:

Private insurance gives access to a wider range of healthcare providers who can offer more personalized and efficient medical care, tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Sickness and Death Benefits:

Private insurance plans may include sickness and death benefits, providing financial support during periods of illness or to beneficiaries in the event of an insured person's death.

Global Coverage:

International health insurance plans are ideal for expatriates or individuals with multiple residences, providing seamless coverage across different countries, including access to medical care in Austria and abroad.

Supplementary Coverage:

Private insurance can be used as a supplement to public insurance, filling any gaps in coverage and ensuring individuals have comprehensive protection for a range of health needs and scenarios.

How does private health insurance work in Austria?

Austria's public healthcare system is comprehensive, covering virtually all health care needs, no matter a person's age or background. The vast majority of individuals in Austria receive publicly funded healthcare, but there are also options to purchase supplementary private healthcare insurance.

Private Health Insurance Coverage

Private health insurance in Austria offers optimal expert care, the ability to choose which physician sees you for outpatient treatment, and life-long coverage. In Austria, a contract with a private health insurance provider is seen as a life-long contractual relationship, which means they cannot come with restrictions and the providers cannot terminate them.

Types of Health Insurance Plans

If you take out private health insurance in Austria and you need to spend time in a special ward at a hospital, the costs for staying there are covered by your insurance. The private health insurer will pay the hospital directly, so you do not need to worry about it.

"Special Class" Private Health Insurance

"Special Class" private health insurance in Austria means you are able to choose your physician and you will have shorter waiting times for operations. In addition, you will have greater choices of doctors who are not available through the public health system. Special Class insurance also allows you to stay in private hospitals, or in private wards/rooms. In these private accommodations, you will often benefit from privacy (or, at most, one roommate) and more individualised care. You will also have access to the internet, a private bathroom and shower, and other bonus equipment.

Outpatient Treatment

Some private insurance packages include inpatient treatment, or you may need to pay for it separately. Outpatient treatment gives you access to care from a number of physicians who are not available with public health insurance. In Austria, these tend to be some of the more talented and experienced experts. Surgeries with private healthcare doctors and the prescriptions they give are only covered by private health insurance packages.

Other Benefits

With private health insurance, you will also experience shorter waiting times for the physician of your choice. You will be covered for medication and other medical products, and have access to glasses, contact lenses, and more, all for no extra charge.

If you get private health insurance in Austria, you can also benefit from extra perks, such as free dental care, travel insurance, subsidised gym memberships, and a range of physicals and check-ups.

Cost of Private Health Insurance

The average cost of private health insurance in Austria is approximately €220 (USD 243) per month. However, prices vary considerably depending on factors such as age and the features included in each health insurance plan.

How to Get Private Health Insurance in Austria

To purchase additional private health insurance, simply choose a plan that suits your needs. Different companies offer several different plans that cater to people of all different ages, with different prices for children under 18 years old up to those 65 years old and over. The older you are, the more you must pay.

Private health insurance for foreigners in Austria

Austria is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which is accessible to everyone in the country. The system is made up of two tiers: public and private. While the vast majority of individuals in Austria are covered by the public healthcare system, private health insurance is available as an option for those who want or need it.

Who needs health insurance in Austria?

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. If you are staying in the country for longer than six months, you are considered a resident and will need to pay contributions to one of the local insurance institutions.

If you are employed in Austria, your employer will automatically enrol you in the public healthcare system. Your insurance will be arranged through your employer, and monthly payments will be deducted from your salary. Your employer will also be responsible for enrolling you with the relevant social insurance office, where you will receive a social insurance number.

If you are self-employed or a student, you will need to take out insurance yourself.

Public health insurance in Austria covers nearly 100% of the population and is known for being excellent, affordable, and accessible. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and a range of treatments.

Private health insurance in Austria is available as a supplementary option to the public system. It can be used by those who cannot use public healthcare or who want to opt-out, as well as those who want to complement their public insurance. Private healthcare typically means shorter waiting times, a wider choice of physicians, and the choice of public or private clinics and hospitals.

To sign up for private health insurance in Austria, you will need to research and find the best company and policy for your needs. You will then need to follow their individual process for signing up. Depending on the insurance policy, some clinics will not charge fees, while others will require you to pay and submit receipts for reimbursement.

The cost of private supplementary insurance depends on the additional benefits included, as well as the age and overall health of the insuree. It typically costs between €45 and €85 per month for adults and €30 per month for children. If you don't have an income, statutory health insurance costs €495.58 per month and is known as "self-insurance".

Private health insurance in Austria can offer greater flexibility and better benefits than public insurance. It can also provide peace of mind, knowing that your needs will be met.

How much does private health insurance cost in Austria?

The cost of private health insurance in Austria depends on several factors, including age, health status, and the chosen plan's features.

For adults, the cost of private health insurance ranges from €45 to €100 per month. This price range is influenced by the additional benefits included in the plan, such as the option to choose your doctor, shorter waiting times, and hospital insurance. The cost for children is approximately €30 per month.

It's worth noting that private health insurance in Austria is typically purchased as a supplement to the mandatory public health insurance. The public system covers nearly 100% of the Austrian population and is funded by monthly contributions from both employees and employers, totalling 7.65% of the employee's gross income.

While the public healthcare system in Austria is highly accessible and renowned for its quality, some individuals may opt for private insurance to access additional benefits. These benefits can include shorter waiting times, a wider choice of physicians, and the option of being treated in private clinics or hospitals.

The cost of private health insurance in Austria can be influenced by several factors:

• Age: Younger individuals tend to pay lower premiums.
• Health Status: The cost of insurance may increase for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
• Income: Those with higher incomes may opt for more comprehensive plans with additional benefits.
• Plan Features: The cost will depend on the chosen plan's benefits, such as the inclusion of travel insurance, dental care, or subsidised gym memberships.
• Provider: Different insurance providers may offer varying rates for similar plans.

In summary, the cost of private health insurance in Austria can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the chosen plan's features. It's recommended to compare different providers and plans to find the best option suited to one's needs.

How to get private health insurance in Austria

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Austria. The country's healthcare system is made up of two tiers: public and private. While the vast majority of individuals in Austria are covered by the public system, there are options to purchase supplementary private healthcare insurance.

Who needs health insurance in Austria?

Health insurance is mandatory for certain parts of the population, including salaried and self-employed workers, and their dependent family members. Seniors with an Austrian pension are also required to have health insurance.

For others, such as students, taking out health insurance is optional but highly recommended. Medical treatments in Austria can be expensive, and without insurance, you would be responsible for paying the costs yourself.

How to apply for private health insurance in Austria

To sign up for private health insurance, you should research and find the best company and policy for your needs. You will then need to follow their individual process for signing up. Depending on the insurance policy, some clinics won't charge you fees; others will ask you to pay and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Private health insurance providers in Austria

Some of the most popular private and international health insurance companies that cover foreigners in Austria include:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global
• AXA

Frequently asked questions