Health Insurance for Students in Austria 2026

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Health Insurance as a Student in Austria

As a student, you face an important question: How am I health insured? The good news: In Austria, there are several options – from free to premium. For a comprehensive overview, check our Health Insurance Guide.

The Three Pillars of Student Insurance

1. Co-Insurance with Parents (Free)

The simplest and most affordable solution for most students.

Requirements:

• Regular enrollment at a recognized university
• No or only marginal income
• Age limit: usually up to 27 years

What's Covered:

• Full statutory health insurance (ÖGK)
• Doctor visits, hospital stays, medications
• Same coverage as parents

Note: The age limit may vary depending on the insurance fund. Co-insurance automatically ends at 27 (or earlier with certain funds).

2. Self-Insurance at ÖGK

When co-insurance is no longer possible:

Category	Monthly Contribution 2026	Requirements
Student Self-Insurance	€73.48	Regular enrollment, income below marginal earnings threshold
Marginally Employed	€76.58	Marginal employment, optional
Regular Self-Insurance	€526.79	Without student status

As of 2026. Contributions are adjusted annually.

How to Apply for Self-Insurance:

1. Download the form from ÖGK
2. Attach enrollment confirmation
3. Proof of low income
4. Submit in person or online

3. Private Supplementary Insurance

Statutory insurance covers basic care. For those who want more:

Typical Benefits:

• Private doctor cost reimbursement
• Private room in hospital
• Shorter waiting times
• Dental treatments
• Alternative medicine

Costs for Students:

• Private doctor plans: from approx. €20-35/month
• Private room: from approx. €40-60/month
• Combined: from approx. €50-80/month

When Does Co-Insurance End?

Situation	End of Co-Insurance	What Then?
Age limit reached	At 27 years (varies by fund)	Self-insurance or employment
Studies completed	Upon graduation	Insured through employer
Income too high	When exceeding threshold	Mandatory insurance through job
Parents no longer insured	Immediately	Self-insurance

Special Case: Marginally Employed Students

Many students work part-time with marginal employment (under €518.44/month in 2026).

Options:

Option A: Self-Insurance for Marginally Employed

• Cost: €76.58/month
• Full health and pension insurance
• Accident insurance through employer

Option B: Keep Co-Insurance

• Free, if still possible
• Marginal income is allowed
• Only accident insurance through employer

Option C: Student Self-Insurance

• €73.48/month
• When co-insurance is not possible
• Health insurance only

Is Private Supplementary Insurance Worth It as a Student?

Pro: Arguments in Favor

1. It's Cheapest Now

• Lowest premiums of your life
• Health status is "frozen"
• No pre-existing conditions = no exclusions

2. Private Doctor Insurance Can Pay Off

• Shorter waiting times for specialists
• Better diagnostics (e.g., fast MRI)
• Specialists without insurance fund limits

3. Planning for Later

• Option tariff secures later upgrade
• From approx. €10-15/month
• Accident coverage included

Contra: Arguments Against

1. Tight Budget

• Every euro counts during studies
• Statutory insurance covers basic needs
• Set priorities

2. Low Utilization

• Young people are usually healthy
• Rarely hospital stays
• Public doctors often sufficient

3. Decide After Graduation

• More leeway with first salary
• Still young enough for affordable premiums
• Flexible decision

Cost Comparison: Student vs. Employee

Insurance Type	Student (22 years)	Employee (30 years)
Statutory Insurance	€0 (co-insurance) or €73.48	Deducted from salary
Private Room	approx. €45/month	approx. €70/month
Savings over 40 years	approx. €12,000	Reference

Simplified calculation without interest effects and premium increases.

International Students in Austria

EU/EEA Citizens

With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):

• Emergency care in Austria covered
• For longer stays: Self-insurance recommended
• Or private health insurance

Non-EU Citizens

Health insurance mandatory for visa:

• Self-insurance at ÖGK (€73.48)
• Or private health insurance with minimum coverage
• Proof required for residence permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Automatically Insured as a Student?

No. You must either be co-insured, self-insured, or have mandatory insurance through a job.

What Happens When I Turn 27 and Am Still Studying?

Co-insurance ends. You must then self-insure (€73.48/month at ÖGK) or be insured through a job.

Can I Combine Self-Insurance with a Part-Time Job?

Yes, as long as the part-time job is marginal (under €518.44/month). With higher income, you're mandatorily insured anyway.

Do I Need Private Supplementary Insurance as a Student?

Not necessarily. Statutory insurance covers basic care. Supplementary insurance is worth it for: shorter waiting times, private doctor visits, private hospital room.

Checklist: Check Your Insurance Status as a Student

• [ ] Co-insurance with parents still active?
• [ ] Note age limit (27 years)
• [ ] Enrollment confirmation current?
• [ ] Income limit complied with?
• [ ] Apply for self-insurance in time (before co-insurance ends)
• [ ] Consider private supplementary insurance (cheapest now)

Conclusion

As a student in Austria, you have good options for your health insurance:

1. Co-insurance with parents – free until 27
2. Self-insurance at ÖGK – €73.48/month
3. Private supplementary insurance – optional, but cheapest now

Check your current status and plan the transition to self-insurance in time – registration can take several weeks.

Related Articles:

• Private Health Insurance Austria – Main Page
• What Does Private Health Insurance Cost Per Month?
• Health Insurance at 30: When Is the Right Time?

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Disclaimer: Contribution amounts and regulations may change. For current information, contact the ÖGK or your responsible health insurance fund. CheckEverything.at assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information.