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Healthcare Guide for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in Austria | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Waehringer Strasse Station in Vienna, Austria

Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Digital Nomads in Austria share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Austria, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.

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What are healthcare services like in Austria?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Austria, they replied:

"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," said a member 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," explained one person living in Vienna, Austria.

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What is the quality of medical care in Austria like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Austria, they replied:

"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 digital nomad living in Austria.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Austria?

"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," said one member in Austria.

What are emergency services like in Austria?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Austria wrote:

"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," commented a person living in Austria.

"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," explained one digital nomad living in Vienna, Austria.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"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," explained one person living in Austria.

"Did not have to travel outside of my area, but if I was to I would NOT need a referral," wrote one digital nomad living in Vienna, Austria.

Are common prescription medications available in Austria?

"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," wrote one digital nomad living in 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," said one foreigner in Vienna.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities 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," explained one person living in Austria.

As a foreigner living in Austria, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"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 member in Austria.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Austria if they have access to public healthcare in Austria. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

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

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Waehringer Strasse Station in Vienna, Austria

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Contribute to Austria Network Contribute
Help others in Austria by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Austria.

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