UNIQA vs. Merkur: Private Room Comparison 2026

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UNIQA vs. Merkur: The Two Heavyweights Compared

UNIQA and Merkur are among the leading providers of private health insurance in Austria. Both have strong private room tariffs – but which one suits you better? In this comparison, we analyze the most important differences. For a comprehensive overview, see our Health Insurance Guide.

Brief Portrait of the Insurers

UNIQA

• Market Position: One of the largest insurers in Austria
• Strengths: Broad hospital network, modern app
• Focus: Full insurance and supplementary insurance
• Specialty: Strong direct billing partners

Merkur

• Market Position: Specialized in health insurance
• Strengths: Health insurance expertise, flexible tariffs
• Focus: Pure health insurance
• Specialty: Known for option tariffs

Private Room Tariffs Compared

Criterion	UNIQA	Merkur
Tariff Options	MedPlus, MedPlus Comfort, MedPlus Premium	Merkur Optimed, Optimed Plus, Optimed Max
Premium Level	Medium to high	Medium to high
Deductible Options	Yes (various levels)	Yes (various levels)
Regional Tariff	Yes	Yes
Baby Option	Yes	Yes
Option Tariff (Accident)	Yes	Yes (known as Merkur specialty)

Benefits Comparison: Private Room

Hospital Stay

Benefit	UNIQA	Merkur
Private Room	✓	✓
Free Hospital Choice	✓	✓
Chief Physician Treatment	✓	✓
Direct Billing	Extensive network	Good network
Accompanying Person (Child)	✓	✓

Direct Billing Network

An important difference: The number of hospitals with which the insurer settles directly.

UNIQA:

• Broad network throughout Austria
• Many private clinics and public hospitals
• Strong presence in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg

Merkur:

• Also good network
• Focus on established private clinics
• Good coverage in urban areas

Tip: Check whether your preferred hospital is in the network of both insurers.

Private Doctor Insurance Compared

Benefit	UNIQA	Merkur
Private Doctor Reimbursement	70-100% depending on tariff	70-100% depending on tariff
Annual Limit	€1,500 - €3,500	€1,200 - €3,200
Alternative Medicine	✓ (depending on tariff)	✓ (depending on tariff)
Physiotherapy	✓	✓
Psychotherapy	✓ (limited)	✓ (limited)

Service and App Usage

Digital Services

UNIQA:

• MyUNIQA App (iOS & Android)
• Online invoice submission
• Doctor search in the app
• Digital insurance card

Merkur:

• Merkur App
• Online portal
• Digital invoice submission
• Health services

Conclusion: Both insurers offer modern digital services. UNIQA has a slight edge in app usability.

Customer Service

UNIQA:

• 24/7 service hotline
• Many branches in Austria
• Online chat

Merkur:

• Service hotline
• Less physical presence
• Focus on digital communication

Option Tariff: A Merkur Classic

Read more in our detailed article: Option Tariff Private Room After Accident.

Merkur is known for its option tariff (private room after accident):

What is it?

• Affordable entry tariff (from approx. €10-15/month)
• Private room for accidents immediately
• Option to upgrade to full coverage later (without new health check)

UNIQA has something similar:

• UNIQA also offers option tariffs
• Not as well-known as with Merkur
• Similar concept

For whom?

• Young people with tight budget
• Those who want to keep the later upgrade option open
• Those who primarily need accident coverage

Premium Comparison (Example Values)

Age / Tariff	UNIQA (approx.)	Merkur (approx.)
30 years, Private Room Basic	€65-80/month	€60-75/month
30 years, Private Room + Private Doctor	€90-110/month	€85-105/month
40 years, Private Room Basic	€90-110/month	€85-105/month
40 years, Private Room + Private Doctor	€120-150/month	€115-140/month

Note: Premiums are guide values and vary according to health status, deductible, and specific tariff. For an exact quote, use the comparison calculator.

Conclusion: Who Wins?

UNIQA Is Better If...

• You value a broad direct billing network
• You prefer strong app usage
• You want a large insurer with many branches
• You already have other UNIQA products (bundle discount)

Merkur Is Better If...

• You prefer a specialized health insurer
• You want to use the option tariff as entry
• You're looking for slightly cheaper premiums
• You appreciate flexibility in tariff design

Tie With...

• Medical benefits (both at high level)
• Baby option (both offer it)
• Customer service (both good)

The Truth: Both Are Good

UNIQA and Merkur are both established, reputable insurers with strong health insurance products. The differences are often marginal.

More important than the insurer:

1. The specific tariff that fits your needs
2. The price-performance ratio for your situation
3. The direct billing partners in your region

Recommendation: Compare not only UNIQA vs. Merkur, but also other providers like Wiener Städtische, Generali, Allianz, Donau, Grawe, and Muki.

Related Articles:

• Private Health Insurance Austria – Main Page
• Is Private Room Insurance Worth It?
• Private Health Insurance Monthly Costs Austria
• Private Room With or Without Deductible?
• Baby Health Insurance Without Health Questions

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Disclaimer: The premium information and benefit comparisons are simplified guide values. For a binding offer and detailed benefit comparison, contact the insurers or use an independent comparison calculator.