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
- 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.