Health Insurance Austria 2026: Public vs Private – Complete Expat Guide

Austrian Health Insurance: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to Austria means navigating one of Europe's best healthcare systems. Austria spends 11.5% of GDP on healthcare – one of the highest rates in the EU – and ranks among the top 10 healthcare systems globally.

But here's what confuses most expats: You don't actually "choose" public insurance – it's mandatory and automatic when you work. Private insurance is additional coverage, not a replacement.

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How Austrian Health Insurance Works

The Mandatory Public System (Pflichtversicherung)

When you start working in Austria, you're automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system. You don't fill out forms, choose a provider, or make decisions – it happens automatically.

What Public Insurance Covers

The Austrian public system covers nearly everything you'd expect:

Fully Covered (No Co-Pay):

• General practitioner visits
• Specialist consultations (with referral)
• Hospital stays in general ward
• Emergency care
• Prescription medications (€6.95 co-pay per item)
• Laboratory tests and diagnostics
• Maternity care and childbirth
• Preventive checkups

Partially Covered:

• Dental care (basic procedures, crowns/bridges have co-pay)
• Physical therapy (often requires co-pay)
• Mental health (limited sessions per year)
• Glasses and contact lenses (partial subsidy)

Not Covered:

• Single/double hospital rooms
• Chief physician treatment in hospital
• Alternative medicine
• Cosmetic procedures
• Some advanced dental work

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Public Insurance Costs 2026

Your public health insurance contribution is calculated as a percentage of your gross salary:

Example Calculation (€3,500 gross salary):

• Health insurance (employee share): €135.45/month
• Total social insurance (employee): €599.20/month
• Maximum contribution base: €6,060/month (2026)

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Private Health Insurance: When and Why?

Private health insurance in Austria is supplementary – it adds benefits on top of your mandatory public coverage.

Why Get Private Insurance?

Private Insurance Costs 2026

Private health insurance premiums depend on age, health status, and coverage level:

Compare Private Health Insurance →

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Public vs Private: Direct Comparison

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Who Should Get Private Insurance?

Private Insurance Makes Sense If You:

• Earn above €4,000/month (can afford premiums)
• Value privacy and comfort in hospital
• Need frequent specialist consultations
• Want shorter waiting times for elective procedures
• Need comprehensive dental coverage
• Are under 40 (lower premiums, lock in health status)

Public-Only Is Fine If You:

• Are young and healthy
• Rarely need medical care beyond basics
• Have tight budget constraints
• Have family (spouse/children covered free in public)
• Don't mind waiting times for non-urgent care

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Special Situations for Expats

EU/EEA Citizens

If you move from another EU country:

• Your previous insurance counts toward Austrian coverage
• No waiting periods
• Bring your S1 form from your previous country
• Register with ÖGK within 3 days of starting work

Non-EU Citizens

If you're from outside the EU:

• Health insurance often required for residence permit
• Must show proof of coverage for visa applications
• Private insurance may be needed before employment starts
• Once employed, automatically covered by ÖGK

Students

• Under 27: Co-insured with parents (if they're in Austria)
• Over 27 or parents not in Austria: Student self-insurance (~€70/month)
• Must register with ÖGK yourself

Freelancers and Self-Employed

• Covered by SVS (not ÖGK)
• Higher contribution rates (~7.65% + surcharges)
• Can opt into voluntary private insurance
• No employer contribution

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How to Get Private Insurance

Major Private Insurers in Austria

• Uniqa – Market leader, good service network
• Wiener Städtische – Vienna Insurance Group
• Generali – Strong international presence
• Merkur Versicherung – Good dental options
• Allianz – Comprehensive plans

Compare All Providers at durchblicker.at →

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FAQ

Can I opt out of public insurance?

No. Public insurance is mandatory for all employees in Austria. Private insurance is always additional, never a replacement. Even self-employed must be in the public system (SVS).

How do I get my e-card?

Your e-card (electronic health insurance card) is sent automatically to your registered address within 2-4 weeks of starting employment. Use it at any doctor or pharmacy. If it doesn't arrive, contact ÖGK at +43 50 766-0.

Are my family members covered?

Yes, for free in the public system. Your spouse and children are co-insured (Mitversicherung) at no extra cost. For private insurance, each family member needs their own policy.

What if I see a private doctor (Wahlarzt)?

You can see any doctor, but with a Wahlarzt (non-contract doctor), you pay first and submit receipts to ÖGK for partial reimbursement (usually 60-80% of what they'd pay a contract doctor). Private insurance covers the difference.

Can I switch private insurers?

Yes, but be careful. Switching resets waiting periods and your current health status is reassessed. Pre-existing conditions developed since your original policy may now be excluded or increase premiums.

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German Terms for Expats

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Conclusion

Austrian health insurance is simpler than most expats expect. The public system automatically covers you when you work, and it's genuinely excellent – ranked among Europe's best.

Our recommendation:

• Young, healthy, budget-conscious? Public only is fine
• Over 35, want comfort, can afford €100+/month? Add private hospital insurance
• Family with kids? Public only – free family coverage is unbeatable

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Related Articles

• Dental Insurance Austria 2026 - Comprehensive guide to dental coverage
• Cost of Living in Austria 2026 - Complete expense guide
• Everything That Changed in Austria 2026 - New laws and regulations
• Car Insurance Comparison Austria 2026 - Find the best rates

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Updated: February 2026 | All information without guarantee