Travel to Austria to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

When do you qualify for health care in Austria?

• In principle, everyone can claim health care in Austria, including tourists and people staying for a longer period of time.

Shorter than 3 months in Austria without temporary or permanent work

• Are you in Austria for a shorter time -for vacation or travel-and need medical care?
• If you have an European health card, or EHIC card (= your healthcare card with the EHIC label on the back) it shows that you are entitled to that medical care that cannot wait until you are back home.
• Note: when reimbursing healthcare costs in Austria, your regular healthcare insurance will always assume how much the same care costs in your home country.
• Do you receive treatment or medication in Austria that is more expensive than comparable treatment or medication in your home country? If so, you may have to pay extra.
• Only if, for example, you have supplementary health insurance or special travel insurance with a medical expenses module will you sometimes be reimbursed for the additional costs of treatment in Austria. This also applies to the costs of medically necessary repatriation back to your home country.

Longer than 3 months in Austria with a temporary or permanent job

• If you are going to live or work in Austria for a longer period of time (> 3 months), the regulations surrounding your health insurance coverage quickly become different. There are two things to consider:

1 - Registering with the Austrian authorities

• Austria is part of the European Union. This means that -if you are a EU citizen- you can live in Austria without a visa (check visa regulations if you are a non-EU citizen). However: you do have the obligation to register with the Austrian authorities, if you stay longer than three months. And often a residence permit (Niederlassungsnachweis) is required.
• Register as soon as possible, but always within three months: You register at the local Meldebehörde (usually the town hall) where you live.
• Apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung); after registration, you get a certificate of your right to stay in Austria, valid as long as you are employed by your employer.

2 - Getting a residence permit that suits your situation

• If you want to stay in Austria for more than 3 months, you need a residence permit. You can apply for this if you can prove that you have a valid ID and sufficient financial resources.
• If you are going to work in Austria temporarily, for example as a winter sports employee, you can usually get a temporary residence permit, provided you come from an EU or EEA country.
• If you are still looking for a job in Austria, you can obtain a temporary residence permit (often 6 months). Again provided you are from an EU or EEA country.
• If you start working in permanent employment for an Austrian employer, you will often automatically get a residence permit (for e.g. 5 years); you do not have to arrange this yourself.
• Are you settling permanently in Austria? Then your regular/former health insurance is no longer valid anyway.

How can you sign up with a local health insurance company in Austria?

• In Austria, everyone with a (temporary or permanent) residence permit is compulsorily insured against health costs. So you cannot decide for yourself whether you want to be insured, nor can you choose your own health insurance company.
• But beware: a residence permit in Austria does not automatically give you access to public health insurance: for this Krankenversicherung, you have to register yourself and pay contributions through a public or private health insurance company.
• As an employee in Austria, you are usually automatically covered by the public health insurance because your employer is obliged to register you and pay contributions. Of course, it is good to check this carefully.
• This also applies to seasonal and temporary workers. Once you have an employment contract, your employer is also obliged to register you with the government health insurance. This covers you for (basic) medical care and accidents. This may depend on the duration and nature of your contract, so check this well.

Note:

• An international specialized travel and/or health insurance can still be a valuable addition to the Krankenversicherung even in this case. Think for example of coverage for (possible) additional medical costs:
  • before and after your work,
  • for temporary stays outside Austria,
  • for interim visits to your home country, e.g. in connection with family circumstances,
  • for dental (emergency) care, 
  • for a supplement to the coverage up to cost price (that what it actually costs) if the local insurance covers up to a maximum rate;
  • for the cost of the compulsory deductible that applies to medical costs on the local insurance.
• In addition to additional coverage for medical expenses, you can also get coverage with an international specialized travel or expat insurance policy:
  • for repatriation by 'plaster flight' due to an accident during your (winter sports) work,
  • for sports such as skiing or snowboarding in leisure time,
  • for private liability outside your work,
  • for salvage costs (helicopter, etc. ) in leisure accidents,
  • for non-emergency specialist treatment,
  • for dental (emergency) care,
  • for (expensive) rescue operations in less accessible areas,
  • for damage to or theft of (expensive) specific work equipment or special equipment needed during your (seasonal) work

Notes:

• Some things depend on which modules you choose and, of course, coverage here also varies by insurer.
• The premiums for the Krankenversicherung are paid jointly by the employer and you as an employee, through deductions from your salary.
• You can voluntarily take out additional insurance to the public basic insurance, or opt for (international) private health insurance, with access to additional care, specific doctors or private hospitals.

What is the quality of healthcare in Austria?

• Austria has a very good health care system, the country has scored high in world rankings for “quality health care” for many years - despite budget cuts.
• Austria invests heavily in prevention, modern technology and medical research.
• As in many other countries, you will find public and private health care in Austria.

How does the public healthcare system work in Austria?

• There is easy access to public healthcare. Public healthcare is covered by social health and accident insurance. Certain costs, for example at specific doctors and private hospitals, must be paid by yourself. Certain dental procedures may also not be covered. But beware: a residence permit in Austria does not automatically give you access to the government health insurance: for this Krankenversicherung you have to register and pay contributions via a public or private health insurer.
• If you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay all costs yourself.
• There is basic and supplementary insurance in Austria. With basic insurance, a personal contribution applies to a number of cost items.
• If you need a doctor, you can only visit the doctor "free of charge" if they have a contract with your health insurer. Some doctors only treat privately insured persons.
• Make an appointment in advance, because waiting lists can be long. It is common to wait several days or even weeks before you have an appointment with a dentist or specialist.

How does the private healthcare system work in Austria?

• A growing number of foreigners living and working in Austria opt for private healthcare. There is then more choice in private doctors, specialists and hospitals and more costs are reimbursed. In addition, the waiting times are generally shorter.
• If you take out private health insurance in Austria, you do not have to pay additional costs for care such as hospital costs. This does of course depend on the type of insurance you have.

How does the system around the general practitioner and specialist work in Austria?

• There are nine federal states (Bundesländer) and each state has several hospitals.
• In Austria, the general practitioner is the first point of contact for the patient.
• In Austria, hospitals, (outpatient) clinics and practices are recognized as training centers.
• If you need urgent help, you can visit the doctor during office hours without an appointment, but expect to have to wait.

How does the system around the dentist work in Austria?

• In Austria you will find many high-quality dentists.
• In addition, most Austrian dentists, especially those in the larger cities, speak English at a good level. Basic dental care is often covered by the mandatory government health insurance (Krankenversicherung). Often, a personal contribution applies.
• Additional costs may apply for specialist treatments, such as orthodontics or aesthetic procedures.
• More and more Austrian dentists are placing a lot of emphasis on preventive care, such as regular check-ups and dental cleaning. This leads to additional costs, but also prevents higher costs later.
• Specialists are also available in Austria for specialist procedures around, for example, implants and jaw surgery.
• Looking for a dentist in Austria? You can find a reliable dentist via the Kammer der Zahnärzte (professional organization).

How does the system around maternity and obstetric care work in Austria?

• In Austria, maternity care is well organised, with a focus on medical support in hospitals. Most women give birth in hospitals, where extensive facilities and medical experts are available.
• Independent midwives are less common, and home births are rare. In Austria medical interventions such as epidural anaesthesia or caesarean sections are more often chosen instead of natural childbirth.
• After the birth, there is limited maternity care at home. In Austria, midwives are often involved in the recovery process, but these home visits are less intensive and regular. Most support is provided through hospital stays and check-ups with the gynaecologist or GP.
• If you are going to give birth in Austria, choose a hospital well in advance and register early: popular hospitals are quickly booked up. Some offer guided tours for future parents. Of course, check your health insurance to see what coverage is provided and where. Extras such as a single room or caesarean section on request can incur additional costs.
• Austrian healthcare professionals often prioritise medical intervention, so be prepared to discuss your wishes and choices with them and be proactive.
• Childcare is relatively limited in Austria and sometimes has waiting times. So start looking for suitable options well before the birth.

How does the pharmacy work in Austria?

• In Austria, you go to the Apotheke. If the pharmacy is closed, there is often a note on the door referring to the nearest pharmacy that is open (Apotheken-Notdienst). You can obtain medication at the pharmacy.
• For many medications, you need a prescription from your GP. A co-payment is often required. If you have private insurance, you can often claim the medication from your insurance later.
• In Austria, fixed prices apply to medicines, unlike in the Netherlands, where prices can vary. So there is no need to compare.
• Austria has many pharmacies that specialise in homeopathy and natural products, a popular choice among Austrians.

How does a visit to a hospital in Austria work?

• Austria has both public and private hospitals.
• Hospitals of both categories are generally well equipped in Austria; they therefore offer high-quality, accessible care. Of course, a private hospital often offers extras at an additional cost. Check in advance with your (international) health insurance which type of hospital is covered and whether there is a personal contribution.
• Many standard hospital care, such as consultations, emergency care and operations, are covered by the compulsory health insurance (Krankenversicherung).
• In emergencies, you can always go to the nearest trauma centre (Unfallkrankenhaus). Doctors are available 24/7 for emergencies.
• To visit a specialist, you often need a referral, just like in the Netherlands. Take into account longer waiting times.
• Some Austrian hospitals offer options such as single rooms and additional services, but these can entail additional costs. So inquire in advance.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Austria?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Austria?

• Austria is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crimes are rare, and most people feel safe, both in cities and in the countryside.
• In large cities such as Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, pickpocketing sometimes occurs, especially in busy tourist areas, train stations and public transport.
• Austria is popular for winter sports and mountain hiking. However, this comes with risks, such as avalanches, falls and sudden changes in the weather. Make sure you have the right equipment and follow local safety guidelines.
• In winter, heavy snow and black ice can create dangerous situations, both in nature and on the road.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Austria?

• Austria has excellent health care and there are no major risks of infectious diseases.
• In spring and summer, hay fever can occur due to pollen from grass and trees. This can be difficult for people with allergies.
• In winter, cold and hypothermia can be a risk, especially in mountainous areas. What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in Austria?

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Austria?

• Austrians drive on the right side of the road.
• A vignette is required for motorways. You can buy these at petrol stations, toll gates or online.
• Traffic violations are severely punished. Make sure you keep to the speed limit, especially in villages and towns.
• The use of winter tyres is mandatory from 1 November to 15 April in winter conditions.
• Snow chains are sometimes mandatory in mountainous areas. Check road signs and weather conditions.
• Roads can be slippery in winter due to ice and snow. Adjust your driving style and keep more distance.
• Austria has an excellent network of trains, buses and trams. It is safe, punctual and efficient.
• Cities such as Vienna have well-functioning metros and trams, which offer a reliable alternative to the car.
• Austria is bicycle and pedestrian friendly. There are well-maintained cycle paths in cities and beautiful routes in the countryside.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Austria?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Austria if you are going to live there for a while?

• Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Austria. If you live in Austria for longer than 6 months, you are considered a resident and must register for the local health insurance. For some visas, you can choose between private or public insurance. However, expats choose private insurance in addition to their public insurance. This way, you are covered for medical repatriation, for example.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.