Living in Vienna
Health insurance
The Austrian health system is excellent, However it is also expensive. Therefore if you plan to stay for any length of time, health insurance is an absolute must.
Study abroad in Vienna
If you take part in a course at a local language school, health
insurance is generally optional. Many schools offer an additional insurance
package which is moderately priced. Alternatively, you can take out private
travel and health insurance.
Attending university in
Vienna
Public health insurance is mandatory for university attendence in
Vienna or any other Austrian cities.
Please contact the students' Foreign Office of your university for
more detailed information.
Working in Vienna
If you are working in Austria, mandatory public health insurance
is automatically deducted from your salary. It is also possible
to purchase top-up insurance in order to improve the level of cover
you receive, choice of doctor, etc.For Expatriates working in Austria
it may be wise to consider additional health insurance that covers
repatriation, etc.
However, you should always check the exact details with your employer!
Medical Emergency
Visiting a doctor in Vienna
Generally, you do not have to pay in advance. If you are a student
or in fulltime employment in Austria, you will need to bring an
insurance certificate. It is generally possible to leave a deposit
if you need urgent medical help.
If you are covered by private travel or health insurance, you will pay
via bank transfer. Afterwards, you will hopefully be reimbursed
by your insurance company (keep the receipt!).
Not all treatments are covered by public or private insurance.
Check with the doctor and/or the insurance company.
In cases of medical emergency dial 144 for help.
Hospitals in Vienna, Austria
If you are studying or working in Austria, treatment in hospitals
is free except for a small contribution called a co-payment which is dependent
on your insurance provider. When travelling in Austria always check with your insurance
company prior to departure which treatments and emergencies are
covered.
Hospitals and physicians do not generally accept credit cards.