Essential Guide to the Health System in Austria

Austria has a public healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides universal coverage to all citizens and legal residents. The public healthcare system in Austria is called the Gesundheitsfonds and covers a wide range of medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Austria, however, they may be required to pay a fee for certain services. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Public hospitals in Austria are typically clean and modern, with a wide range of services available. Austria also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it offers more personalized care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Austria are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and people generally recommend using them for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Some of the most well-known hospitals in Austria include the Vienna General Hospital (public, located in Vienna), the Medical University of Vienna (public, located in Vienna), the Wilhelminenspital (public, located in Vienna), the AKH Linz (public, located in Linz), and the LKH Graz (public, located in Graz). The most popular private health insurers in Austria are BVAEB, Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse, and SVA. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including basic coverage and more comprehensive plans. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Austria: How to Navigate the Health System

"In Austria, medical services are of a high standard. The country has a comprehensive public health system, which provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens. Austria also has a well-developed private health care system, which offers a wide range of services. The country has a number of highly-regarded hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Austria also has a number of specialized medical centers, which provide specialized treatments and services," commented one member living in Austria.

"Well worth the money, which is affordable, and no such thing as pre-existing conditions, for the insurance to give you a reason to be denied," commented one expat living in Vienna, Austria.

"Healthcare services in Austria are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all Austrian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Expats in Austria are eligible to use the public healthcare system, provided they have a valid residence permit. To access public healthcare, expats must register with their local health insurance fund and pay a monthly contribution. Private healthcare is also available in Austria, and is often used by expats who wish to access more specialized services or shorter waiting times," mentioned one expat living in Austria.