15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," said one expat living in Vienna.

"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 in Austria.

"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," wrote one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Austria are generally considered to be quite expensive. The cost of health insurance is based on a person's income, and can be quite high for those with higher incomes. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Austria is generally higher than in other countries, and many people find it difficult to afford the necessary treatments. However, the Austrian government does provide some subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance, and there are also a number of private health insurance companies that offer more affordable plans," commented one expat living in Austria.

"Emergency services in Austria are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number, which is 112. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. The operator will then connect you to the nearest ambulance service. The ambulance service will then send an ambulance to the location of the emergency," said one expat.

"We live 2 tram stops away from Wilhelminenspital der Stadt Wien (socialized health care). The emergency services there are excellent. I spent 6 months in the hospital and my time there, and care, has been excellent compared to the US hospitals, where it is about how are you going to pay for your care. In Vienna, it is focused on how can we help you get better," remarked one expat in Vienna.

"Did not have to travel outside of my area, but if I was to I would NOT need a referral," wrote one expat.

"In Austria, Vienna is often considered to have the best selection of medical specialists, as it is home to some of the country's leading academic hospitals and universities offering medical education. Additionally, Salzburg, Linz, and Graz are also known for their high-quality medical specialists, due to their well-developed healthcare infrastructure, excellent medical facilities, and highly-skilled staff. Furthermore, rural areas of Austria tend to be well-serviced with smaller health centres for general medical care, with larger regional centres for specialised care," commented one expat who moved to Austria.

"The pharmacies are virtually on every other block, and my Dr. is across the street from me. I go to the the doctor every other month to get my prescriptions filled (15 medications) and the co-payments are always under 5 Euro. Most medications have to go through the doctor. The overall experience is good and I have no complaints," remarked one expat living in Vienna.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Austria. Most medications can be obtained from pharmacies, with a valid prescription from a doctor. Some medications may require special authorization from the Austrian health authorities. In addition, some medications may not be available in Austria, and may need to be imported from other countries," said one expat living in Austria.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Austria are of a high quality and standard. The country is well-known for its excellent health services, which are renowned for their innovation and quality. The Austrian healthcare system is ranked among the best in Europe, offering access to advanced technological treatments and medical services. Austrian doctors are highly trained and highly qualified, providing top-notch medical care to their patients. Additionally, the cost for medical services is generally quite affordable compared to the high quality provided. Overall, the medical provision in Austria is highly rated and respected," commented one expat who moved to Austria.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Austria, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Austria is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and long-term care. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of services is usually covered by the public health insurance system. The system is also well-integrated, meaning that it is easy to access care from different providers," remarked one expat in Austria.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Austria. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, increased testing capacity, and the implementation of contact tracing. In addition, the government has provided financial support to healthcare providers to help them cope with the increased demand for services. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been under immense strain due to the pandemic, with long waiting times for appointments and a shortage of medical staff. Nevertheless, the healthcare system in Austria has been able to cope with the pandemic and provide quality care to those in need," said one expat.

"Hospitals conduct screenIng at the door prior to allowing entry for services, doctor's offices space out appointments and seating," remarked one expat in Lustenau.