Health and doctors in Austria: what you need to know in 2025

Congratulations, you live in Austria! But what about staying healthy? Now it's essential for you to understand how medical services work, what options are available for medical treatment, and how health insurance companies influence access to care. Whether you are publicly insured or rely on private health insurance, knowing your rights and available options can make a significant difference in how efficiently you receive treatment. Let’s break down these key aspects to help you be prepared in case of any medical service requirement.

Emergency Medical Services: Who to Call and When?

If you find yourself in an emergency situation in Austria, the first thing to know is which number to dial:

• 144 – Emergency medical services (Rettung). This number is for life-threatening situations such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or serious accidents.
• 1450 – Medical consultation helpline. If you are unsure whether you need medical treatment, you can call this number for professional advice.
• 141 – For non-urgent health care needs where a general practitioner (GP) is required outside of regular office hours.

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Ambulance and Emergency Care

Austria’s healthcare system provides structured emergency medical services through a combination of public and private options:

• Rettung (Ambulance Services): Typically staffed by trained paramedics who transport insured persons to the hospital. Assistance on-site is minimal.
• Notarzt (Emergency Doctor): Only dispatched for critical cases, such as heart attacks or severe trauma.

Important: Calling an ambulance for a non-critical situation can result in a hefty bill, often starting at around €500. If alcohol is involved, the cost can double. Many locals prefer to arrange their own transportation to health centers or hospitals when possible.

Hospitals and Emergency Rooms

Austria has designated trauma and emergency departments:

• Unfallambulanz (Trauma Department): Available 24/7 for injuries requiring immediate attention.
• Notaufnahme (Emergency Room): Handles severe conditions such as acute illness, high fever, or broken bones.

While emergency rooms will treat all patients, using them for minor issues is discouraged and can result in long wait times. Public health insurance covers emergency visits, but if you have private medical coverage, you may have access to faster and more specialized services.

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Health Insurance and Doctor Visits

Austria has a dual healthcare system, with both statutory health insurance (compulsory for most residents) and private health insurance for those who choose additional coverage. Most Austrians are covered by social health insurance, which is managed by health insurance funds like ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse). Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals typically have SVA insurance fund.

Types of Doctors and Specialists

1. Family Doctor (General Practitioner - GP):

• First point of contact for non-emergency medical services.
• Appointments may not be required, but long wait times can occur.
• Can provide prescriptions and referrals to doctors and specialists.

2. Specialists and Private Doctors:

• Often require a referral from a family doctor.
• Wait times for publicly insured patients can be long, while those with private health insurance often get faster access.

3. Health Centers and Outpatient Clinics:

• Specialized care within hospitals, often requiring an appointment.
• Some departments allow walk-ins but expect long waiting times.

Many health insurance companies partner with doctors and specialists, ensuring that insured persons receive the best possible care. Private doctors usually charge fees outside the public health insurance system, making private medical care more expensive but sometimes more efficient.

If you are a resident of another EU country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants you access to necessary health care services while in Austria. However, it primarily applies to statutory health insurance holders and may not cover all private medical expenses.

Expats and long-term residents may need to enroll in public health insurance or opt for private health insurance depending on their employment status. If you are publicly insured, you will typically be covered under one of Austria’s health insurance funds.

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Pharmacies and Medication

After a consultation, the doctor will prescribe medication, which you can purchase at any pharmacy. In most cases, the amount you pay will be reimbursed by your health insurance fund, as long as the medication is covered under your plan. If you are publicly insured, you typically pay a prescription fee, which is currently around €7.55 per item (as of 2025), with the rest covered by social health insurance. Pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions, but the drug name must be clearly written in Latin. Discounts are available for low-income insured persons, and electronic prescriptions are becoming more common, reducing the need for physical paperwork.

It is advisable to keep a basic home medical kit stocked with essentials, including pain relievers, fever reducers, antiseptic solutions, bandages, and any prescribed medications you use regularly. Given that pharmacies may have limited hours on weekends or holidays, having these items at home can be particularly useful.

Costs and What Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Despite Austria’s robust healthcare system, some costs fall outside statutory health insurance coverage:

• Hospital stay fee: Around €12 per day for publicly insured patients.
• Private doctors: Some specialists do not accept public health insurance and require full payment.
• Dental work: Many dental procedures, including fillings and orthodontics, are not fully covered.
• Alternative medicine: Treatments like acupuncture and homeopathy often require out-of-pocket payment.

A simple visit to a private doctor costs between €100-150, while hospital consultations range from €300-400. Surgeries can cost several thousand euros, depending on complexity.

Final Tips for Navigating Austrian Healthcare

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are from the EU, this card grants access to medical services covered by public health insurance.
• E-Card: This green insurance card is required for doctors and specialists visits. If you don’t have one yet, bring identification and proof of insurance.
• Language barrier: Not all doctors speak English; using an online translator can be helpful.
• Appointments: Booking ahead is recommended, especially for specialists and private medical consultations.
• Emergencies: If in doubt, call 1450 for advice before heading to the hospital.

Austria’s healthcare system is high-quality but bureaucratic. Understanding how it works will help you access medical treatment efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs.

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