Healthcare

Austria — Healthcare: Private Insurance

Third-country nationals in Austria need health insurance covering all risks for residence permits; compulsory employment insurance suffices and travel insurance does not.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceAustrian migration portal — health insuranceLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Why this matters

Private health insurance in Austria can offer additional benefits and flexibility to those who cannot or prefer not to rely on the public healthcare system.

Key facts

  • Third-country nationals generally need health insurance that covers all risks and is valid in Austria; compulsory insurance through employment is sufficient, as is private insurance matching statutory cover.
  • Travel health insurance alone does not meet the requirement.
  • Compulsory insurance covers almost all in paid employment, most self-employed persons, unemployment beneficiaries, pensioners and dependants.
  • ÖGK-insured persons receive an e-card with a European Health Insurance Card on the back; insured persons pay an annual service fee.

Steps

  1. Choosing a Private Health Insurance Plan — Relocating individuals should research and compare different private health insurance providers in Austria, considering factors such as policy coverage, premiums, and network of healthcare providers.

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