Health Insurance for Self-Employed in Austria: SVS Guide

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SVS Health Insurance: Mandatory Insurance for Self-Employed

As a self-employed person in Austria, you are mandatorily insured with SVS (Social Insurance for the Self-Employed). This comes with certain benefits – but also gaps that supplementary insurance can close.

SVS Mandatory Insurance: The Basics

Who Is Mandatorily Insured with SVS?

• Business owners (WKO members)
• New self-employed (above marginal earnings threshold)
• Freelancers (depending on profession)
• Farmers and foresters (SVS-LW)

Contribution Amount for Health Insurance

Income Range	Contribution Rate HI	Note
Up to max. contribution base	6.80%	From profit (after deductions)
Min. contribution base	approx. €520	Min. contribution approx. €35/month
Max. contribution base	approx. €7,000/month	Max. contribution approx. €475/month

Note: Exact values may change annually. Current contribution rates available at svs.at.

Special Feature: SVS Co-Payment

Unlike ÖGK for employees, SVS has a 20% co-payment for public doctors. This is waived if you participate in the "SVS Health Hundred" program.

SVS Benefits Overview

What SVS Covers

Medical Treatment:

• Public doctors: 80% cost coverage (20% co-payment)
• Private doctors: approx. 80% of public tariff

Hospital:

• General ward covered
• Daily contribution (approx. €15-20)

Medications:

• Prescription fee per medication
• Certain medications without prescription fee

Other Benefits:

• Medical aids (glasses, insoles, etc.)
• Rehabilitation measures
• Sick pay (from day 43 of incapacity)

Gaps in SVS Insurance

Gap	Problem	Solution
20% Co-Payment	Every public doctor visit costs	SVS Health Hundred
Private Doctor Gap	Only fraction reimbursed	Private doctor supplementary insurance
No Private Room	Shared room in hospital	Private room insurance
No Sick Pay Day 1-42	Income loss during illness	Daily sickness benefit insurance
Long Waiting Times	Same as ÖGK	Private doctor insurance

SVS Health Hundred: Avoid the Co-Payment

How Does the Program Work?

The SVS program "Self-Employed Healthy" allows you to avoid the 20% co-payment:

Requirements:

1. Agree on health goals with doctor
2. Achieve 5 of 6 goals within 3 years
3. Attend annual check-ups

Possible Health Goals:

• Normal weight (BMI 18.5-25)
• Non-smoker
• Exercise (150 min/week)
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Healthy diet
• Normal blood pressure

Benefit: €100 health bonus + no co-payment

Supplementary Insurance for Self-Employed: Is It Worth It?

Special Situation of Self-Employed

As a self-employed person, you have special needs:

• No continued salary payment: Illness = no income
• Time is money: Long waiting times are expensive
• Co-payment: Unlike employees, you pay for every doctor visit

Recommended Supplementary Insurances

Insurance Type	Benefit for Self-Employed	Priority
Private Doctor Insurance	Faster appointments, private doctor covered	Very High
Daily Sickness Benefit	Income replacement during illness	Very High
Private Room	Single room, faster surgeries	Medium
Accident Insurance	No automatic AUVA coverage	Very High

Cost-Benefit Calculation

Example: Freelancer, 35 years old

Without supplementary insurance:

• 5 private doctor visits/year at €120 = €600
• SVS reimburses: approx. €200
• Out-of-pocket: €400

With private doctor insurance (approx. €50/month):

• Annual premium: €600
• 5 private doctor visits: €600 (80-100% covered)
• Out-of-pocket: €0-120

Plus: Faster appointments, better care

Tax Aspects

Health Insurance as Business Expense

SVS Contributions:

• Fully deductible as business expense
• Reduces profit and thus tax burden

Private Supplementary Insurance:

• May be deductible as business expense under certain conditions
• If coverage corresponds to statutory health insurance
• Consult tax advisor when in doubt

Tip: Speak with your tax advisor about the tax treatment of your supplementary insurance. In many cases, (partial) deductibility is possible.

SVS Bridging Aid for Financial Difficulties

When Times Are Tight

For temporary financial difficulties, SVS offers options:

• Deferral: Postponement of contribution payment
• Installment payment: Splitting of arrears
• Reduction: When income is significantly lower

Contact SVS early if you have payment problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Have Full Private Insurance as Self-Employed?

No, in Austria there is mandatory insurance with SVS. Full private insurance as replacement is not possible. You can only take out supplementary insurance.

Am I Automatically Insured as a New Self-Employed Person?

Yes, as soon as your income exceeds the marginal earnings threshold, you are mandatorily insured with SVS. Registration is done through WKO or directly with SVS.

What Happens If I'm Both Employed and Self-Employed?

With multiple insurance, you're insured in both systems. Contributions are calculated accordingly. You have benefit entitlements with both providers.

How Much Is Sick Pay at SVS?

SVS sick pay is approx. 60% of the contribution base, from day 43 of incapacity. The first 42 days are not covered – this is where daily sickness benefit insurance helps.

Conclusion: SVS Insurance for Self-Employed

SVS provides solid basic coverage but has gaps that are particularly relevant for self-employed. Supplementary insurance can close these gaps and is often tax-advantaged.

Summary:

• SVS mandatory insurance: 6.8% of profit
• 20% co-payment (avoidable with Health Hundred)
• Important: Private doctor insurance and daily sickness benefit
• Check tax deductibility

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance. Contribution rates and regulations may change. For binding information, contact SVS or your tax advisor. CheckEverything.at assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information.