Emergency
- Call 144 or 112
- Emergency numbers and hotlines
Treatment, coverage & costs
Doctors
- Consult a doctor contracted by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse). Their services are free. They usually display the signs "Kassenarzt" (contracted doctor) or "Alle Kassen".
Dentists
- A limited range of dental treatment is available under the state healthcare system.
- Dentists who have a contract with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund will not charge you. They usually display the signs "Kassenarzt" (contracted doctor) or "Alle Kassen".
Hospital treatment
- Treatment (in the general price category) is free of charge at university and regional hospitals that have a contract with the healthcare fund of the federal state concerned ("Landesgesundheitsfonds").
- A referral from a doctor is needed (except in emergencies).
- Daily charge for the first 28 days in hospital. The fee varies from one federal state to another.
- Detailed information (in German) about hospitals and their services on Kliniksuche.at
- Patient mobility contact point
Prescriptions
- A prescription fee has to be paid, currently €6,85 (2023).
- Prescribed medicines are available in all pharmacies (standard price).
- Search for pharmacies (in German).
Ambulance
- Medically necessary transport is covered.
- Transport costs (in German)
Air ambulance
- Transport costs (in German)
Reimbursement
- If you were charged for your treatment because you selected a doctor not under contract with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (sometimes there is a sign saying "Wahlarzt" or "Keine Kassen"), you can claim up to 80% of the amount the health insurance institution would have paid for treatment by a doctor under contract.
- Reimbursements are claimed directly from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse).
- Send your original receipts with your claim. Keep copies of anything you send for your records.
- Can't submit a claim during your stay? Then contact your national health insurance provider once you return home.
Patient contribution
Hospital treatment
- There is a fee for an in-patient stay in the hospital. This varies from one federal state to another.
- You will not have to pay a fee for more than 28 calendar days per calendar year.
Prescriptions
There is a prescription fee - currently (in 2023): €6,85
Medical aids and devices
- Medical aids and devices (e.g. glasses or orthopaedic shoe inserts) are obtainable on prescription.
- If you are insured, you have to pay a share of the cost - generally 10% of the purchase costs, and currently at least €39, or for glasses, €117 (2023).
Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy
- Such treatment must be given at an institution with an appropriate contract.
- For information on the institutions concerned, contact the Austrian Health Insurance Fund.
- Dialysis information (in German)
How do I apply for an EHIC?
- No specific information for Austria available.
Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC
- All contracted doctors of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse).
- Dentists who have a contract with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund
- University and regional hospitals that have a contract with the healthcare fund of the federal state concerned ("Landesgesundheitsfonds").
Loss of card
Contacts for holders of an EHIC issued in Austria
- Information (in German)
- Tel: +43 0501243311