Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Austria
- Health insurance is mandatory—employed expats auto-enroll in ÖGK (social insurance).
- Self-employed pay ~7.65% of income to SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen).
- EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC temporarily, then must register with Austrian social insurance.
- Private supplemental insurance (Zusatzversicherung) costs €80-200/month for faster care.
- Red-White-Red Card requires €2,610/month minimum income and valid health coverage.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Austria?
Austria has mandatory health insurance (Pflichtversicherung) for all residents. Employed expats are automatically enrolled in ÖGK through their employer. Self-employed must register with SVS. Non-EU expats on visas need proof of coverage—either Austrian social insurance or equivalent international coverage. The Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers requires minimum income of €2,610/month gross and comprehensive health insurance.
Insurance is required for:
- Non-EU expats before visa approval—proof required for Red-White-Red Card
- Self-employed and freelancers—must register with SVS within weeks of starting
- Short-term workers not eligible for ÖGK—international coverage needed
- Expats wanting Wahlarzt (private doctor) access without referral
- Those wanting private hospital rooms (Sonderklasse) and shorter wait times
Public vs Private Healthcare in Austria
Public Healthcare
ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse)
- Access: All employed/self-employed residents, dependents, EU citizens after registration
- Cost: ~7.65% of income (employee share ~3.87%, employer ~3.78%)
Excellent public hospitals (AKH Vienna is Austria's largest). GP referral needed for specialists. Prescription co-pay €7 per item. Dental coverage limited—most get private dental. Wait times for elective procedures can be weeks.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €80-200/month supplemental, €300-500/month comprehensive
Supplemental (Zusatzversicherung) adds Sonderklasse hospital rooms, Wahlarzt access, alternative medicine. Major private insurers: UNIQA, Wiener Städtische, Merkur. Private hospitals: Privatklinik Döbling, Rudolfinerhaus (Vienna). English widely spoken in medical settings.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Austria. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Austria
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Austria
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Austria
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- E-Card required for public healthcare—takes 2-4 weeks after registration.
- Self-employed have 6-week deadline to register with SVS after starting work.
- Dental coverage in ÖGK is minimal—budget for private dental or insurance.
- Wahlarzt (private doctors) require upfront payment, partial reimbursement from ÖGK.
- Austrian insurance often required for mortgage applications—international may not qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need private insurance if I have ÖGK?
ÖGK provides comprehensive coverage, but many expats add Zusatzversicherung (supplemental insurance) for Sonderklasse private hospital rooms, direct Wahlarzt access, and faster elective procedures. Cost is €80-200/month. Not essential, but common among higher earners.
How do I get health insurance for the Red-White-Red Card?
You need proof of coverage before the visa is approved. Options: employer confirmation of future ÖGK enrollment, international health insurance meeting Austrian standards (€30,000+ coverage), or voluntary ÖGK enrollment if eligible. Your employer's HR typically handles this.
What's the difference between ÖGK and SVS?
ÖGK covers employed persons. SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen) covers self-employed, freelancers, and farmers. SVS contributions are ~7.65% of income with minimum/maximum thresholds. Benefits are similar but SVS has slightly different co-payment structures.
Can I see any doctor in Austria?
With ÖGK, you can see any Kassenarzt (contracted doctor) directly. For specialists, you generally need a GP referral. Wahlarzt (private doctors not contracted with ÖGK) require upfront payment—ÖGK reimburses ~80% of what a Kassenarzt would cost.
How much does healthcare cost in Austria?
With ÖGK: GP visits free, €7 prescription co-pay, hospital €15/day (max 28 days/year). Private supplemental adds €80-200/month. Without insurance: GP visit €50-100, specialist €150-300, hospital €500-1,000/day.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.