Austria Expat Insurance is a significant aspect for someone relocating to this advanced Central European nation, known for its age-old ethnic heritage and strong tourism industry. Austria operates a wide-ranging, largely public social health insurance system that provides coverage to the majority of the people and brings to the population a comprehensive benefits package and well-equipped hospitals. Austria has all its borders surrounded by the following eight nations: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Healthcare in Austria
Austria’s health system is based on compulsory social health insurance with near-universal coverage. More than 99% of the people are insured by statutory social health insurance funds. Governing obligations are divided among the federal government (governance of statutory regulation) and the nine federal states (which plan and operate hospital services). Covered residents use an e-card to avail services and benefits from a wide-ranging, generous package of services that covers public as well as private providers. For expats, combining public healthcare with Austria Expat Insurance can ensure smoother access to specialists and private facilities.
In 2023, Austria’s total health spending reached approximately €52.8 billion, comparable to ~11.2% of GDP. In 2021, health spending was 12.1% of GDP, more than the EU average. Health outlay per capita in Austria in 2023 was around USD $6,209.
Austria has almost 271 hospitals and clinics with nearly 64,800 beds (≈ 7.4 beds per 1,000 population). These figures highlight why many foreigners secure Health Insurance for Expats in Austria as an additional safeguard.
Insurance for Expat in Austria
Health insurance is compulsory for most people who are residents or employed in Austria. Employees are often automatically registered via their employer into the public system (the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse / ÖGK or other statutory funds), and it generally covers dependents. Non-EU/EFTA/UK citizens, as a rule, must present a legitimate health insurance for visa/residence applications, and those extending their stay for more than six months are considered residents for insurance purposes. Here, Austria Expat Insurance becomes essential, as it can help expats bridge gaps in coverage and meet immigration requirements.
If you are insured by the Austrian statutory system, you can avail public services by using the e-card. Nevertheless, employers sometimes maintain different international/corporate expat policies, and some individuals pick private or international plans for extra insurance support, quicker access or rehabilitation benefits.
Types of Coverage for Expat in Austria
Here is a list of different types of Expatriate Health Insurance Austria you would want to consider, if you are planning to become an expatriate in Austria:
- International Health Insurance Austria (covering Austria Expat Insurance)
- Expat Life and Disability Insurance
- Evacuation Coverage
- Group Expat Insurance Plans
Public vs. Private Healthcare
The government of Austria finances a universal public system, however, private healthcare is also immensely in use. Out-of-pocket spending continues to be crucial in some cases, typically for faster access to specialized care and rehabilitation services. This is the reason a large number of foreigners depend on Austria Expat Insurance as an addition to public coverage and cut down on unforeseen expenses.
If you require a quote for insurance coverage for expats in Austria, contact Expat Financial today for a quote and to discuss your Austrian expatriate health insurance requirements.
