Austria is known for its comprehensive and high-quality healthcare system, which provides universal coverage for all residents. Whether you’re an Austrian citizen, a permanent resident, or an expatriate living and working in the country, you can expect to receive world-class healthcare services. The system is funded primarily through social health insurance, which is mandatory for most people, although private health insurance options also exist to supplement the public system.

This article provides an in-depth look at how the Austrian healthcare system works, focusing on how to register for public health insurance, private health insurance options, finding English-speaking doctors, and accessing emergency services and pharmacies.

How to Register for Public Health Insurance (ÖGK)

The Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), or Austrian Health Insurance Fund, provides the majority of public health insurance coverage in Austria. Most residents are automatically enrolled in the public system through their employment, but there are specific steps you need to follow to ensure you are covered.

1. Eligibility for Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance is mandatory for the following groups in Austria:

Employees: If you are employed in Austria, you are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system by your employer. Contributions to the ÖGK are deducted directly from your salary.
Self-Employed: Freelancers and self-employed individuals must register for public health insurance through the Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen (SVS), a separate health insurance provider for this group.
Students: Full-time students can access public health insurance at a reduced rate, provided they are enrolled at an Austrian university.
Unemployed Individuals: Unemployed residents are still covered under the public system, as long as they are registered with Austria’s unemployment service (AMS).

2. Steps to Register for Public Health Insurance

If you’re employed in Austria, your employer will take care of the registration process. However, for self-employed individuals, students, and other eligible residents, here’s how you can register for public health insurance:

Register with the Local Authorities: Upon moving to Austria, you must first register your residence with the local municipal office by filling out a Meldezettel. This is required for all residents and is a prerequisite for accessing healthcare.
Obtain a Social Security Number: Once registered, you will be issued a Sozialversicherungsnummer (social security number), which is used for healthcare and social insurance purposes.
Contact the Appropriate Health Insurance Provider: Depending on your employment status, you will either be enrolled with the ÖGK (employees and most residents) or with the SVS (self-employed). Visit their respective websites or call to request the necessary forms for registration.
Submit Necessary Documentation: Typically, you will need to provide proof of residence, proof of income, and a valid ID or passport to complete the registration process.
**Receive your e-card: Once registered, you will receive an e-card, which acts as your health insurance card. This card is required whenever you visit a doctor, dentist, or hospital. The e-card contains all the relevant information that healthcare providers need to verify your coverage.

3. Public Health Insurance Coverage

Public health insurance in Austria covers a wide range of medical services, including:

General practitioner (GP) visits
Specialist consultations
Hospital stays
Emergency care
Preventive care and screenings
Prescription medications (with a small co-payment)
Maternity care
Rehabilitation services
Mental health services

Austria’s public health system also places a strong emphasis on preventive care, offering various free screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs.

4. Costs and Contributions

Health insurance contributions are calculated based on your income and are shared between you and your employer. The standard contribution rate for employees is around 7.65% of gross income, with the employer covering a portion of this amount. Self-employed individuals contribute about 9.1% of their income to the SVS.

While most medical services are free at the point of use, there are small co-payments for some services, such as prescription medications (around €6 per prescription) and specific dental treatments not fully covered by public insurance.

Private Health Insurance Options

While Austria’s public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage, many residents and expatriates choose to supplement it with private health insurance. This offers access to additional services, faster appointments, and more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.

1. Why Choose Private Health Insurance?

There are several reasons why you might consider taking out private health insurance in Austria, including:

Shorter Waiting Times: Public healthcare services in Austria are excellent, but waiting times for non-emergency specialist appointments can be lengthy. Private insurance often provides faster access to specialists and treatments.
Choice of Doctors: Private insurance gives you more freedom to choose your healthcare providers, including the option to select private doctors and specialists who may not be available through the public system.
Private Hospital Rooms: While public hospitals provide excellent care, private health insurance offers the option of staying in a private or semi-private room, which can be more comfortable for longer stays.
Comprehensive Coverage: Private health insurance can cover additional services such as dental care, alternative medicine, and enhanced mental health services that may not be fully covered by public insurance.

2. Types of Private Health Insurance

There are two main types of private health insurance in Austria:

Supplementary Insurance: This type of private insurance works alongside the public system, providing additional services and more flexibility in healthcare choices. It’s the most common option for those who already have public health insurance and want extra benefits.
Full Private Insurance: Full private insurance is available for those who want to opt out of the public system entirely. However, this is less common, as the public healthcare system offers comprehensive coverage, and opting for full private insurance can be expensive.

3. How to Choose a Private Health Insurance Provider

There are several private health insurance providers in Austria, each offering different levels of coverage and premiums. Some of the major private insurance companies include:

Uniqa
Allianz
Wiener Städtische
Generali

When choosing a private health insurance provider, consider the following factors:

Coverage Options: Ensure that the plan covers the services and treatments you’re most likely to need, such as dental care, physiotherapy, or private hospital stays.
Premium Costs: Private insurance premiums vary depending on your age, health status, and the level of coverage. On average, premiums for supplementary insurance range from €50 to €150 per month, but they can be higher for more comprehensive coverage.
Deductibles and Co-Payments: Some plans may require you to pay a portion of your medical bills out of pocket before the insurance kicks in, so it’s important to understand the deductibles and co-payment terms.
Network of Doctors and Hospitals: Check whether the insurance plan provides access to your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists.

4. How to Apply for Private Health Insurance

To apply for private health insurance in Austria, follow these steps:

Research and Compare Providers: Use comparison websites or consult an insurance broker to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Complete a Health Questionnaire: Most private health insurance companies require applicants to fill out a health questionnaire to assess their medical history and determine premium rates.
Submit Your Application: Once you’ve chosen a provider, submit your application along with any required documentation, such as proof of residence or income.
Wait for Approval: Some insurance companies may require a medical exam before approving your coverage, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions.
Pay Premiums: After approval, you will begin paying monthly premiums based on the coverage level you selected.

Finding English-Speaking Doctors

For expatriates or tourists who do not speak German, finding an English-speaking doctor in Austria can be a priority. Fortunately, Vienna, as a cosmopolitan city, offers a wide range of healthcare professionals who speak English fluently.

1. How to Find English-Speaking Doctors

There are several ways to find English-speaking doctors in Austria:

Online Directories: Websites such as doktorfinden.at and doctena.at allow you to search for doctors by specialty and language spoken. These platforms list doctors who offer consultations in English, making it easy to find a GP or specialist who can meet your language needs.
Embassy Recommendations: Many foreign embassies in Austria provide lists of English-speaking doctors, dentists, and specialists. This is a reliable resource for expatriates or tourists needing healthcare while in the country.
Expat Communities: Social media groups and forums for expats, such as InterNations or Facebook groups, often contain recommendations and reviews for English-speaking doctors and healthcare providers.

2. General Practitioners (GPs) vs. Specialists

In Austria, it’s common to visit a Hausarzt (general practitioner) first for non-emergency medical issues. Your GP can refer you to a specialist if necessary. However, in most cases, you are free to make an appointment directly with a specialist if you prefer.

Some medical specialties where you may want to seek an English-speaking doctor include:

Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Gynecology
Dentistry
Dermatology
Mental Health Services (Psychiatrists and Psychotherapists)

3. Costs of Seeing a Doctor

If you are covered by public health insurance, seeing a doctor in Austria is usually free of charge, or you may pay a small co-payment for specific services or medications. When visiting an English-speaking doctor who is part of the public system, your e-card will cover most of the costs.

For private doctors, you will need to pay for the consultation upfront, but if you have supplementary or private insurance, you can submit the receipt for reimbursement.

Emergency Services and Pharmacies

In case of an emergency, Austria provides excellent emergency medical services and easily accessible pharmacies across the country. Here’s what you need to know about accessing emergency care and finding medication.

1. Emergency Numbers

Austria has a well-organized emergency response system. The following are the most important emergency numbers to know:

112: The European emergency number for all emergencies.
144: Austrian medical emergency services (ambulance).
141: On-call doctor service for non-life-threatening medical issues.
122: Fire department.
133: Police.

In a medical emergency, you can call 144 or 112, and an ambulance will be dispatched. Emergency care is provided regardless of your insurance status, but if you are not insured, you may be responsible for the costs afterward.

2. Hospital Emergency Departments

If you need immediate medical attention, head to the Notaufnahme (emergency department) of the nearest hospital. Austria’s hospitals are modern and well-equipped, with many having English-speaking staff, particularly in Vienna. Major hospitals in Vienna include:

Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien (AKH Wien): Vienna’s largest general hospital, known for its high standard of care and research facilities.
Rudolfstiftung Hospital: Another highly respected public hospital with a range of medical specialties.

3. 24-Hour Pharmacies

Pharmacies (Apotheken) in Austria are easily recognizable by a green cross symbol, and they are widely available in every city and town. Most pharmacies operate regular business hours (9 AM to 6 PM), but some are open 24 hours for emergencies.

To find a 24-hour pharmacy near you, visit the Apothekerkammer website or check the listing posted on the door of any pharmacy, which will provide information on the nearest open location after hours. Pharmacists in Austria are highly trained and can offer advice on over-the-counter medications or direct you to further medical help if needed.

Conclusion

The healthcare system in Austria is highly regarded for its accessibility, quality, and affordability. Whether you are an Austrian resident or an expatriate, you can expect to receive excellent care through the public health insurance system (ÖGK), or by opting for private insurance to supplement your coverage.

With an extensive network of English-speaking doctors, efficient emergency services, and numerous pharmacies, healthcare in Austria is both convenient and reliable. By understanding how the system works and your options for both public and private care, you can ensure that your healthcare needs are well met during your time in Austria.