Austria is among the few nations where health insurance protects standard medical care and spa stays. This implies that if you are feeling stressed or recovering from an illness, your physician might recommend a stay at a wellness resort or spa to conclude treatment, like mineral baths and massages. This insurance policy may assist in protecting against expenses.
Before claiming this self-care therapy, you must understand your health insurance choices in Austria.
Health Insurance In The Austrian Healthcare System
Austria’s healthcare system comprises public health services and a vast network of private healthcare providers.
The public care system, which is funded by compulsory health insurance, provides nearly universal medical protection to 99.9% of the population.
A Combination Of Public And Private Protection
Public health insurance protects all necessary care in Austria, which includes doctor’s visits and emergency care. Hence, specific therapies need co-reimbursements, and private health services are not or partially protected. That is where private health insurance is used.
Several Austrian citizens take out supplementary health insurance to ensure 100 percent protection. These private insurance top-ups also protect co-reimbursements and offer access to better and more personalized care.
Another alternative for health insurance is an international policy, which protects medical care in Austria and elsewhere. This kind of insurance is best for expats with more than one home nation.
Who Requires Health Insurance In Austria
Health insurance is only compulsory for a specific segment of the population. For instance, employees and their relatives are lawfully required to enroll in a Pflichtversicherung. This also applies to seniors with an Austrian pension.
For other individuals, taking out health insurance is by choice. Hence, while it is not a hard-line condition, it is highly suggested. Medical treatments in Austria can be costly; without insurance, you would be responsible for reimbursing the expenses.
If you are a new resident of Austria, you may be eligible to make use of the health insurance from your home nation:
- Expatriates from the EU or EFTA can use their European health insurance card (EHIC).
- Individuals from the United Kingdom can access public healthcare with their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- Other residents may complete an S1 form to use their home nation’s healthcare freedoms in Austria or take out private health insurance.
How To Apply For Health Insurance In Austria
If you do not possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), your first step before moving to Austria is to contact your nation’s health authority. They can advise you on your condition and your rights to access Austrian healthcare.
Nationals from visa-excluded nations will be required to take out private health insurance to be eligible for a visa. The application procedure is based on your condition:
- Their employers or pension funds register employees and retirees. Dependent family members, such as an unemployed partner or children, are not enrolled automatically. Ensure to contact your employer or pension provider; they may provide HR assistance or nominate someone to help with the procedure.
- Self-employed freelancers are required to enroll with the SVS.
- For voluntary self-enrollment or co-enrollment of dependent relatives, visit the SVS or OGK webpage and log in via their e-portal.