How does the healthcare system work in Austria?

What is the quality of healthcare in Austria?

• Austria offers an excellent healthcare system that is both publicly and privately accessible. The country is known for its high medical standards and good accessibility of healthcare facilities. Austria invests a lot in prevention, modern technology and medical research.
• Almost 99% of the inhabitants are covered by public health insurance.
• Expats can use both the public and private healthcare system, depending on their insurance.
• In larger cities, many doctors speak English, but in smaller villages, knowledge of German can be useful.

How does the public healthcare system work in Austria?

• In Austria, everyone with a (temporary or permanent) residence permit is required to have health insurance. You cannot therefore decide for yourself whether you want to be insured and you cannot choose your own health insurer.
• 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.
• As an employee in Austria, you are usually automatically covered by the government health insurance, because your employer is obliged to register you and pay premiums. Of course, it is a good idea to check this carefully.
• This also applies to seasonal workers and temporary workers. As soon as you have an employment contract, your employer is also obliged to register you with the government health insurance. This means that you are covered for (basic) medical care and accidents. This may depend on the duration and nature of your contract; so check this carefully.
• 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 number of expats 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 is the general practitioner arranged 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 is the dentist arranged 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 is pregnancy care arranged 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.