Health cover for temporary visitors in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: The EHIC gives access to care from doctors, dentists and hospitals contracted with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) on the same basis as insured residents. Co-payments such as a prescription fee apply. Private providers, rescue and repatriation, and planned treatment are not covered.

RuleWhat applies
Health cards acceptedUnplanned care during a temporary visitEHIC [1]
What the card coversUnplanned care during a temporary visitTreatment by doctors, dentists and hospitals contracted with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) or a federal-state healthcare fund. Co-payments apply: a prescription fee (EUR 7.55 in 2026), a daily hospital charge for up to 28 days a year and a share of medical aids; dental treatment is limited. [1]
Private care coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [1]
Repatriation coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [2]
Planned treatment coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [2]
Body to contactUnplanned care during a temporary visitÖsterreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), which handles reimbursement claims. [1]

Notes

  • The Commission country page covers the EHIC. Acceptance of the UK GHIC was not checked for Austria.
  • A doctor without a contract with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Wahlarzt) charges the patient. Up to 80% of what the fund would have paid a contracted doctor can be claimed back from the fund.
  • The EU pages state this for the EHIC in general: the card does not cover rescue or repatriation.

Sources

  1. European Commission (DG EMPL): Austria - European Health Insurance Card (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Union (Your Europe): Health cover for temporary stays (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.