Medicine & Veterinary Austria

In Austria, health insurance is divided into two main types: mandatory state insurance and voluntary private insurance.

 

Mandatory State Insurance

Mandatory state medical insurance covers the majority of the population in Austria. It is provided by public insurance companies and funded through social contributions paid by both employees and employers.

- Coverage: State medical insurance covers most medical services, including doctor visits, inpatient hospital treatment, surgeries, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, and preventive care.

- Who is insured?: All officially employed individuals (employees and self-employed), their families, retirees, unemployed individuals, students, and those with low income.

- Cost: Contributions depend on the insured's income level and typically amount to about 7.65% of the gross income (including the employer's contribution).

 

 

Voluntary Private Insurance

Private health insurance can either complement the mandatory state insurance or completely replace it for certain populations. It allows access to a wider range of services and improved service conditions.

- Coverage: Private insurance offers a broader range of services, such as choosing a specific doctor, single or double hospital rooms, shorter waiting times for appointments, and access to certain types of therapies not covered by the state insurance.

- Who is insured?: Individuals with high income (more than 5,550 euros per month in 2024), freelancers, self-employed, and those who want to enhance their coverage despite having state insurance.

- Cost: The cost of private medical insurance varies depending on age, health status, selected service package, and level of coverage.

 

Special Types of Insurance

- Supplemental insurance for illness and accidents: This type of insurance is available as a supplement to state or private insurance and covers specific risks such as dental services, alternative medicine, or long-term treatment.

- Insurance for international students and foreigners: Foreign students working in Austria, or temporary workers, can arrange special insurance provided by state or private insurance companies.

 

Insurance Features for Immigrants

It is important for immigrants to understand that when registering their residence in Austria, they must obtain health insurance that corresponds to their status (employment, study, job search, etc.). Temporary residents are also required to have health insurance to obtain a residence permit.

 

It is also recommended to seek advice from insurance specialists to obtain more detailed information tailored to individual circumstances.

Public Hospitals

 

Public hospitals in Austria provide services under mandatory state medical insurance and are the main choice for most residents. These institutions are funded by taxes and social contributions, so patients with state insurance typically do not pay for treatment directly (except for small fees for prescriptions and services).

 

- Coverage of services: Public hospitals cover a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical treatment, obstetrics, treatment of chronic diseases, and specialized medical services.

- How to find a public hospital: Patients can find the nearest public hospital through the websites of local health insurance companies or through the National Health Portal of Austria (Gesundheit.gv.at).

- Accessibility: Public hospitals are open to patients 24/7, providing emergency and planned medical care. Patients can be referred to these hospitals by general practitioners or directly contact emergency departments.

 

The Most Popular Public Hospitals in Austria

 

Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien, Vienna

The largest hospital in Austria and one of the largest hospitals in Europe.

Services: The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including highly specialized areas such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, transplantology, and pediatrics. AKH also has intensive care units and provides emergency medical services.

 

Landeskrankenhaus Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol

One of the largest hospitals in the western part of Austria and an important medical center for the entire Tyrol region.

Services: Specializes in cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplantology, and has developed departments of intensive care and traumatology.

 

Allgemeines Krankenhaus Linz, Linz, Upper Austria

The largest hospital in Upper Austria.

Services: Offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, orthopedics, surgical and rehabilitation services.

 

Landeskrankenhaus Graz, Graz, Styria

An important medical center in the southern part of Austria and one of the largest hospitals in Styria.

Services: A wide range of medical services, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. It also provides specialized care in traumatology and rehabilitation.

 

Universitätsklinikum Salzburg, Salzburg

One of the leading medical centers in western Austria.

Services: The clinic offers a wide range of services, from general therapy to highly specialized care in oncology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, and cardiology.

 

 

Private Hospitals and Clinics

 

Private hospitals offer services with a higher level of comfort and access to specialist doctors. These institutions can work with private insurance or offer paid services to patients.

 

In Austria, private hospitals are popular due to their high level of service, personalized approach to patients, and the ability to choose doctors. Such hospitals usually offer more comfortable conditions, such as single rooms and shorter waiting times for appointments.

 

The Most Popular Private Hospitals in Austria

 

Privatklinik Döbling, Vienna

One of the most prestigious private hospitals in Austria.

Services: General and specialized surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, gastroenterology, and much more.

 

Rudolfinerhaus Privatklinik GmbH, Vienna

One of the oldest private hospitals in Vienna, founded in 1882.

Services: A wide range of medical services, including internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, dermatology, rehabilitation, and dietetics. Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

 

Confraternität Privatklinik Josefstadt, Vienna

Located in the Josefstadt district of Vienna and part of the largest private hospital group in Austria, PremiQaMed Group.

Services: Oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, general and plastic surgery, and preventive medicine (check-ups). The hospital specializes in multidisciplinary medical care and rehabilitation.

 

Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik, Vienna

Known as a center for childbirth and gynecology, as well as other medical services.

Services: Gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, internal medicine, orthopedics, surgery, plastic surgery, and preventive medicine; specializes in maternity care and postpartum care for mothers and newborns.

 

Privatklinik Graz Ragnitz, Graz, Styria

One of the leading private clinics in southern Austria.

Services: Cardiology, orthopedics, general and vascular surgery, gynecology, urology, endocrinology, and rheumatology.

Immigrants living in Austria may choose a private hospital based on their needs and capabilities. For patients with private medical insurance, many services may be covered by insurance, but it is important to clarify the insurance conditions in advance.

 

Private Practices and Polyclinics

 

Private medical practices and clinics are another popular option for obtaining medical services in Austria. Private doctors can provide both primary healthcare and specialized treatment.

- Coverage of services: Private doctors offer a wide range of medical services, including consultations, diagnostics, preventive examinations, and treatment. Many doctors accept patients with both public and private insurance.

- How to find a private doctor: The National Database of Doctors (aerztesuche24.at) and online portals such as DocFinder.at allow you to search for doctors by specialization and location.

 

Polyclinics and Primary Health Care Centers

 

Polyclinics and primary health care centers provide affordable services for primary diagnosis and treatment. These facilities often accept patients with state insurance and may provide services without prior appointments.

They typically operate on weekdays, but some may offer emergency care on weekends and public holidays.

 

It is important to remember that the choice of facility often depends on the type of health insurance, so it is recommended to check admission conditions and service coverage in advance.

Registering with a Family Doctor

The family doctor plays a key role in Austria's healthcare system. They are the first point of contact for most medical issues and can refer you to a specialist if necessary.

 

Choosing a doctor: In Austria, patients have the right to choose any family doctor who works with your health insurance policy. You can find a doctor using:

- Online portals such as DocFinder.at or Gesundheit.gv.at.

- Insurance company websites that provide lists of doctors accepting their insurance.

Registration process:

- Contact the doctor: Call the chosen doctor's office or send an email to inquire if they are accepting new patients.

- Prepare documents: On your first visit, you will need to provide your insurance card (e-card), identification, and possibly fill out a registration form.

- First appointment: The doctor will conduct an initial examination and create your medical record.

- Frequency of changing doctors: You can change your family doctor at any time, but it is recommended to do so no more than once a quarter unless there is an urgent need.

 

Making an appointment with a specialist

Scheduling an appointment with a specialist usually requires a referral from your family doctor, but in some cases, it can be done directly.

 

Referral necessity: In most cases, a referral from a family doctor is required, especially if you are insured under the state health plan.

You can find a specialist through:

- DocFinder.at or Gesundheit.gv.at — to search for specialists by location and specialty.

- Hospital and clinic websites, where doctor profiles and specialization information are often provided.

Booking an appointment:

- Contact the specialist's office: You can make an appointment by phone, email, or through clinics' online services.

- Prepare the referral and e-card: If necessary, obtain a referral from your family doctor and present it at the time of booking or appointment.

- Online booking: Many specialists and clinics offer online appointment booking via their official websites or specialized platforms, such as:

 

- Ordinationsplattformen (online platforms for doctors) such as Ordinationsplattform.at or MySugr, where patients can choose doctors and specialists, book appointments, and manage their medical records.

- Portale der Krankenversicherungen (insurance company portals) such as Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) provide tools for finding doctors and booking appointments online.

Emergency Numbers and Services

- 112 — Universal European emergency number: You can use this number to call any emergency service (police, fire brigade, ambulance) throughout Europe, including Austria.

- 144 — Ambulance service: The main number for calling an ambulance in Austria. Calls are free, and the operator will arrange for the nearest available ambulance team to be dispatched.

- 141 — Medical assistance service outside working hours: A number to call a duty doctor who can come to your home if the emergency situation does not require immediate ambulance intervention.

- 01 313 30 — Emergency service in Vienna: A round-the-clock emergency doctor service in Vienna.

- 1450 — Medical advice line: A medical help line that can be used to get advice about symptoms or determine if you need urgent assistance. This service is available 24/7 and provides support in multiple languages.

Types of Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services in Austria are divided into several categories based on the severity and nature of the patient's condition:

- Ambulance Service: Provides assistance in cases of acute and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, and accidents. It includes qualified medical care at the scene and hospital transportation.

- Hospital Emergency Departments: Major hospitals and clinics have emergency departments where patients with severe injuries or conditions requiring immediate intervention are admitted. Most emergency departments operate 24/7.

- On-call Doctors: Include general practitioners who are available outside of working hours. They can make house calls, conduct diagnostics, and provide primary care.

- Specialized Services: In cases where urgent assistance from specialists (e.g., cardiologists, pediatricians) is needed, a call can be arranged through the ambulance service or an on-call doctor.

- Trauma Centers: Specialized departments for providing care for injuries and accidents that do not require hospitalization.

 

Who Pays for Emergency Medical Services?

- Public Insurance: Under the state healthcare system, most emergency medical services are covered by insurance if they are medically necessary. Patients must present their e-card when visiting a hospital or emergency department.

- Private Insurance: Offers additional coverage and may include more comprehensive services and comfortable conditions, such as single rooms and doctor selection.

- Self-Payment: If you do not have insurance or certain services are not covered, you may receive a bill for the assistance provided.

Features for Immigrants and Foreigners

- Language Barriers: Some services provide assistance in foreign languages, but in most cases, it is helpful to have basic German knowledge or prepare a medical phrasebook in advance.

- Using EHIC: EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access emergency care in Austria on the same terms as local residents.

- Documents and Information: Carry important documents, such as a passport, e-card, or insurance, and a list of current medications and medical conditions.

In Austria, submitting tests and undergoing medical examinations are organized in both public hospitals and clinics, as well as private laboratories and medical centers.

 

Process of Submitting Tests and Undergoing Examinations

 

1: Obtaining a Referral from a Doctor

- A family doctor or specialist may issue a referral for tests or examinations. A referral is required for insurance coverage, especially if it involves public insurance.

- Online Consultations: In some cases, referrals can be obtained online through telemedicine platforms or after an online consultation.

2: Choosing a Medical Facility

- Public institutions: Clinics and hospitals where tests and examinations can be performed with a referral. Services are usually covered by public insurance.

- Private clinics and laboratories: May offer faster appointments and additional services. Services may be covered by private insurance or paid out-of-pocket.

- You can find a suitable facility through websites like DocFinder.at or Gesundheit.gv.at, which provide information about doctors, laboratories, and medical centers.

3: Making an Appointment

- Phone Call or Email: Appointments for tests or examinations can be made by calling the laboratory or medical facility.

- Online Appointment: Many laboratories and clinics offer online appointments through their websites or platforms like Ordinationsplattform.at.

4: Receiving and Interpreting Results

- Through a Doctor: Test and examination results are sent to your doctor, who interprets them and, if necessary, prescribes treatment.

- Through an Internet Portal or Email: Some laboratories and medical centers offer access to results through online portals or send results via email.

 

 

Popular laboratories for testing: Labor Dr. Bayer & Kollegen; Laboratorium für Klinische Chemie Dr. Mustafa; LABCON; Labor Strauss; Laboratory Dr. Koschat; Laboratories of the Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES); Laboratoriumsmedizin Donaustadt.

Choosing a hospital or birthing center

 

In Austria, expectant parents can choose between various types of facilities for childbirth. Each offers its own features and approaches to birth.

 

Public hospitals

- Public hospitals have modern maternity wards and are well-equipped for emergency care.

- Advantages: High level of medical care, access to qualified specialists, 24/7 emergency care.

- Disadvantages: In some cases — limited choice of doctor or midwife.

 

Private clinics

- Private clinics offer a more personalized approach and more options for choosing a doctor or midwife.

- Advantages: Personalized service, comfortable conditions, choice of doctor and midwife.

- Disadvantages: Often requires additional payment, even if you have private health insurance.

 

Birth houses and centers

- Birth houses, such as Geburtshaus von Hebammenzentrum Wien, offer a more home-like atmosphere with a focus on natural childbirth.

- Advantages: Calmer environment, fewer medical interventions, focus on natural births.

- Disadvantages: Limited options in case of complications, no 24/7 emergency care.

 

Home births

- Some women prefer to give birth at home in the presence of a midwife. This option is suitable only for low-risk births.

- Advantages: Cozy atmosphere, ability to fully control the process.

- Disadvantages: Limited medical assistance in case of complications.

 

 

Choosing a doctor or midwife: In most cases, pregnancy is overseen by a gynecologist, who may also be your obstetrician during childbirth. In Austria, you can choose a midwife to accompany you throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. A list of registered midwives can be found on websites such as hebammen.at.

 

Public health insurance: Most childbirth-related medical services are covered by public health insurance.

 

Private health insurance: Private insurance may cover additional services such as selecting a doctor, private room, extra tests, and care.

 

Self-payment: Some women choose to pay for services themselves to have more options and a personalized approach.

 

 

Partner-assisted childbirth

 

Organizing partner-assisted childbirth in Austria requires prior preparation and coordination with the chosen medical facility. It’s important to discuss all details in advance with the doctor and midwife, prepare documents, and attend joint childbirth preparation courses.

 

Vaccination

 

In Austria, vaccination is not legally mandatory, but there is a strong recommendation for all children to be vaccinated according to the national immunization schedule. Parents have the right to decide whether to vaccinate their children or not.

Most recommended vaccines are provided free of charge through public vaccination programs. The vaccination program for newborns and infants includes the following main vaccines:

Hepatitis B (HBV): The first dose is recommended within the first days of the child's life, especially if the mother has a positive hepatitis B status.

BCG (tuberculosis): This vaccine is not in the schedule for all children but is recommended for children at risk or those planning trips to countries with high disease prevalence.

Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DTPa), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and poliomyelitis (IPV): Combined vaccines are usually administered starting at 2 months of age and then repeated at specific intervals.

Pneumococcus (PCV): Vaccination against pneumococcus also starts from two months and protects against severe infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.

Rotavirus: Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended for protection against gastroenteritis and is administered orally from 6 to 12 weeks of age.

Although vaccination is not mandatory, lack of vaccinations can limit access to some preschool and educational institutions, especially during outbreaks of infections.

In the event of the death of a foreigner in Austria, it is important to know what steps to take to comply with all legal and administrative requirements.

 

Notifying authorities and medical services

 

- Reporting the death: In the event of the death of a foreigner in Austria, the first step is to immediately notify local authorities. If the person died in a hospital, this will be done automatically by the hospital staff. If the death occurred outside a medical facility (for example, at home or in a public place), the police and emergency services must be called at emergency numbers — 112 or 133 (police).

- Registering the death: The police and medical services will inspect the scene and record the death. They will then issue an official medical death certificate, necessary for obtaining a death certificate.

 

Obtaining a death certificate

 

- Application to the local civil registration office: To obtain a death certificate, an application must be submitted to the local civil registration office. This is usually done by the relatives of the deceased or designated persons, such as a funeral home representative.

- Documents required for obtaining a death certificate:

- Passport of the deceased.

- A medical certificate of death issued by the doctor.

- Notification of death from the police.

- Other documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, if needed.

 

Notification of the consulate or embassy

 

- Informing the consulate or embassy: It is important to contact the consulate or embassy of the country of which the deceased was a citizen to obtain support and instructions for further actions. Consular services can assist with legal matters, organizing the repatriation of the body, as well as notifying relatives.

Organizing a funeral or repatriation of the body

- If the deceased's relatives decide to organize a funeral in Austria, they should choose a funeral agency and agree on all the details, including the type of funeral, burial, or cremation.

- In case of repatriation of the body to the homeland, it will also be necessary to contact a funeral agency specializing in international transportation of remains. The process includes preparing a number of documents, obtaining permits, and organizing transportation.

- Documents for repatriation:

- Death certificate.

- Medical report confirming the absence of infectious diseases.

- Certificate of embalming (if required).

- Permit to export the body from Austria.

 

The role of the insurance company

 

- Medical and funeral insurance: If the deceased had medical or special funeral insurance, the insurance company should be notified immediately. They can cover costs for repatriating the body, funeral, or cremation depending on the policy terms.

 

Notification to the employer and settlement of the estate

 

- Notifying the employer: If the deceased was employed in Austria, the employer should be notified of their death. This can also help in resolving issues related to salary payments, pensions, or other benefits.

- Settling the estate and inheritance: If the deceased had property or bank accounts in Austria, legal advice on inheritance may be required to ensure proper resolution of all legal and financial aspects.

 

Collection and translation of necessary documents

 

- Translation of documents: The translation of a number of documents into the language of the deceased's country of origin may be required. Consulates and embassies can assist with this by providing a list of accredited translators.

- Legalization of documents: For some countries, the legalization of Austrian documents (apostille) may be required for them to be legally recognized abroad.

 

Support from consulates, insurance companies, and experienced funeral agencies can greatly ease the process and help cope with difficulties during this challenging time.

Mandatory Vaccinations and Procedures

 

Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, especially if the animal is taken abroad or participates in public events.

 

Microchipping: Legislation requires all dogs to be microchipped and registered in a central database. This rule applies to puppies under 12 weeks old. Microchipping is also mandatory for cats if they travel or participate in international exhibitions.

 

Recommended Vaccinations and Procedures for Dogs

 

Comprehensive Vaccination: Protection against several diseases, including distemper (Staupe), parvovirus (Parvovirose), infectious hepatitis (Hepatitis contagiosa canis, HCC), parainfluenza (Parainfluenza), leptospirosis (Leptospirose), borreliosis (Lyme-Borreliose).

 

 

Recommended Vaccinations and Procedures for Cats

Comprehensive Vaccination for Cats: calicivirus (Calicivirus), viral rhinotracheitis (Felines Herpesvirus, FHV-1), panleukopenia (Feline Panleukopenia), feline leukemia virus (Feline Leukemia Virus, FeLV).

 

Registration and Identification of Pets

- Registration with local authorities: In Austria, all dog owners must register their pets with local authorities and pay a dog tax.

- Pet Passport: Mandatory for all animals traveling within the EU. The passport includes information about microchipping and vaccinations.

Types of Animal Facilities

- Animal Hotels: These establishments offer short-term and long-term accommodation for pets, such as dogs, cats, and even small animals (e.g., rodents, birds). Hotels often provide services, including feeding, walking, medical care, and even special activity programs for animals.

- Animal Boarding Houses: Animal boarding houses often focus on caring for animals in a calm home environment. Here, animals receive food, exercise, and attention, often in a more relaxed and less formal setting compared to larger hotels.

- Day Care Centers: These facilities operate like kindergartens, where animals can spend the day while their owners are at work or busy. They provide care, socialization, and various activities.

- Animal Shelters: Although shelters are more commonly associated with temporary housing for homeless animals and their adaptation, many also offer paid temporary accommodation or care services.

Popular Animal Hotels and Shelters in Austria

Tierhotel Villa Bunterhund (Vienna): Provides top-class services for dogs, including individual activity programs, feeding, medical care, and grooming. There are also separate areas for small and large dogs.

Animal Resort Vienna (Vienna): The hotel offers accommodation for dogs, cats, and small animals. Animals can enjoy spacious play areas, swimming pools, and personalized care.

Hundehotel Karnten (Carinthia): Specializes in hosting dogs year-round with active programs such as hiking, sports training, and individual training sessions.

Gut Aiderbichl Tierpension (Salzburg): One of the most well-known shelters and animal care centers in Austria, offering both long-term accommodation and specialized rehabilitation programs for traumatized or rescued animals.

Dogcare Austria (Graz): A boarding house specializing in dog care, providing individual programs such as physiotherapy, training, and general rehabilitation.

Rules and Requirements for Animal Accommodation

- Documents and Vaccinations: Most hotels and shelters require up-to-date vaccinations (especially against rabies) and health information for the pet. Microchipping and a veterinary passport may be mandatory.

- Behavioral Assessment: Some hotels may conduct a behavioral assessment of the animal before accommodation to ensure it is suitable for their conditions and that its behavior does not pose a threat to other animals.

Registration and Identification of Pets

Microchipping: Mandatory for all dogs in Austria. The chip contains a unique identification number that links the animal to its owner, helping to return the animal in case of loss or theft.

Registration with Local Authorities: Dog owners are required to register their pets with local authorities and pay a dog tax.

Rules for Keeping Dogs in Public Places

Use of Leash and Muzzle:

- In most regions of Austria, there is a requirement to keep dogs on a leash in public places such as parks, streets, and transport.

- For some dog breeds, as well as in certain places (e.g., public transportation), wearing a muzzle is mandatory. Breeds that fall under the category of "special handling" (e.g., fighting breeds) must wear a muzzle in all public places.

- Prohibited Breeds: In some federal states of Austria, there are lists of dog breeds considered dangerous, with stricter regulations applied. These breeds include American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull, and other fighting breeds. Owners of such dogs must complete special training to demonstrate their ability to handle the animal responsibly.

 

Requirements for Animal Care and Welfare

- Animals must be kept in appropriate conditions with adequate space, nutrition, and access to fresh water.

- Animals must receive necessary medical care and preventive vaccinations according to veterinary recommendations.

- Ban on Cruelty and Neglect: The Animal Welfare Act in Austria prohibits cruelty to animals, including beating, keeping in conditions that may cause pain or suffering, and the failure to provide proper care. Violation of the law can result in severe fines and even imprisonment.

- In some regions, dog owners are required to attend training and socialization courses. This especially applies to owners of dogs that may pose a threat to others.

Features of Keeping Cats and Other Small Animals

- Cats with outdoor access must be sterilized/castrated if they are not intended for breeding.

- Chipping and registration of cats are also recommended, especially if they travel abroad or participate in shows.

- For animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and exotic animals (e.g., reptiles), there are specific regulations depending on their species and needs. It is important to provide proper care, diet, and housing conditions to prevent stress and diseases.

Regulations for Keeping Pets in Housing Complexes and Apartment Buildings

- Agreement with the Landlord: If you are renting a property, it is important to agree on pet ownership with the landlord. Some rental agreements may prohibit certain types of pets or set restrictions. Breach of the rental agreement may lead to legal consequences, including eviction.

- Consideration for Neighbors: Pet owners should consider the interests of neighbors and prevent excessive noise, odors, or other inconveniences. Complaints from neighbors may lead to intervention by local authorities and the need to review the conditions of pet ownership.