Healthcare System in Austria: everything you need to know

How does the Austrian healthcare system work?

Austria has a comprehensive health care system, which offers coverage to its citizens and residents of the European Union. About 99% of the population is affiliated to the public system, since by having an employment contract the employer is obliged to register his employee to the system. All individuals also have the option of hiring private health insurance, in addition to the state-funded public system, provided they have the ability to pay.

The public system covers almost all medical procedures and medications.  It offers coverage to spouses and children of employees who are members of the public system.

The private system offers reduced waiting times at private clinics with doctors of choice. Private clinics, in some cases, have better specialist doctors and offer more private and comfortable hospital rooms. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

Anyone who is a member of an EU country with a European Health Insurance Card has free access to the public system.

Foreigners who move to Austria for work must be registered in the system with their families by their employer. If for some reason they are not registered in the public system, they can also pay for private insurance. Austrians consider private health insurance to be a lifetime commitment, as it provides coverage until death.

If you travel to Austria as a tourist, you have access to health services. However, if you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay in full for the service you use. It is therefore recommended that you have health insurance if you wish to travel.

If you are traveling to Austria to study, you must have a European Health Insurance Card to access free health care. Otherwise you should hire your own health insurance before you travel.

To find the best insurance for your trip to Austria, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and purchase health insurance 100% online and at no additional cost. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Austria?

If you have an emergency during your stay in Austria, there are several emergency numbers you can call. You can opt for the general emergency number in Europe: 112. This service can redirect you to the specific operator you need.

However, there are specific numbers for various emergency services. For ambulance, dial 144; for police, dial 133; and for fire department, dial 122.

The emergency service in Austria is very good and fast, in the ambulance they can stabilize you and then take you to the nearest hospital.  

How do pharmacies operate in Austria?

Pharmacies, or Apotheke as they are known in Austria, have a big red A at the entrance. They are located practically on every block and there you can buy prescription and non-prescription drugs.

If you are affiliated to the public system, you will have to pay a small fee, less than 10 euros for medicine. If you have private insurance, you can be reimbursed for the full cost of the medication.

If you need a prescription, you must go to a doctor who will prescribe the formula. You should then go to any pharmacy where the medication will be handed to you. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Austria because of Covid-19. Be sure to check if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter the European Union, and apply in time.