Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria

Austria's healthcare system is among Europe's best, providing comprehensive universal coverage to virtually the entire population through mandatory social health insurance.

The E-Card System

What is it?

The e-card is a smart card containing your personal medical information and serving as proof of insurance coverage. Present it at every medical appointment, pharmacy visit, and hospital admission.

E-Card annual fee: €14.65 (2026)

Getting your e-card:

1. Employer registers you with Austrian social security (ÖGK)
2. Social security number issued
3. E-card mailed to your address (up to 6 weeks)
4. After 12 months, request updated card with EHIC functionality on reverse

Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)

For employees:

• Automatically enrolled within 7 days of employment start
• Contributions income-based (~18% employee, ~21% employer)
• Covers spouse and children through co-insurance at no extra cost
• No pre-existing condition exclusions
• Main insurer: ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse)

For self-employed:

• Must register independently with SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen)
• Pay full contribution (~20% of income)
• Same coverage as employees

What's covered:

• General practitioner and specialist visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescriptions (€7.10 copay per prescription, 2026)
• Dental care (basic)
• Mental health (limited sessions; supplemental recommended)
• Maternity and prenatal care
• Preventive screenings
• Rehabilitation

Private Health Insurance

Many Austrians opt for supplemental private insurance (Zusatzversicherung):

Benefits:

• Choice of doctor (Wahlarzt — elective doctors)
• Private hospital rooms (Sonderklasse)
• Shorter wait times for specialists
• Extended dental coverage
• Better mental health coverage

Costs: €50-300/month depending on age, coverage, and provider

Key providers: Uniqa, Wiener Städtische, Generali, Allianz

Elective Doctors (Wahlarzt)

Austria has a unique system where you can visit Wahlarzt (elective doctors) outside the public system:

• Pay upfront, then claim up to 80% reimbursement from ÖGK
• Better availability and shorter waits
• Common for specialists and mental health

For New Immigrants

First steps:

1. Register with employer (automatic enrollment)
2. Receive social security number
3. Get e-card (6 weeks)
4. Find a Hausarzt (GP) — no formal registration required
5. Use e-card at pharmacies for prescriptions

Emergency numbers:

• 144 — Ambulance
• 112 — EU-wide emergency
• 141 — Doctor on call (nights/weekends)

Healthcare Quality

Austria's healthcare system ranks highly internationally:

• 4.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people (EU average 4.6)
• Well-equipped hospitals throughout the country
• Strong preventive care programs
• Excellent maternal and pediatric care
• Medical research at University of Vienna, Medical University of Innsbruck