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Health Insurance for Students in Austria

Mandatory student insurance: Join ÖGK for €69.98/month or use private insurance. EU students can use EHIC.

5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
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Insurance Requirements

  • Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Austria
  • Students can join ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance) for €69.98/month
  • EU/EEA students with EHIC can use it but ÖGK membership recommended
  • Non-EU students must have insurance for visa and residence permit
  • Private insurance accepted if it meets Austrian equivalency standards

Available Insurance Options

ÖGK Student Insurance

€69.98/month

Best for: All students enrolled at Austrian universities

Official Austrian public health insurance for students. Same coverage as employees. Includes e-card access.

Learn more

Private Health Insurance (Comprehensive)

€90–€150/month

Best for: Students wanting premium private care and faster access

Private hospital rooms, specialists, dental, optical, and alternative medicine.

Learn more

Cost Overview

Item Cost Details
ÖGK Student Rate €69.98/month Fixed monthly rate for students. Covers health + long-term care insurance.
Private Insurance (Basic) From €55/month Equivalent coverage to ÖGK for residence permit purposes
Private Insurance (Comprehensive) €90–€150/month Premium care with private hospital, dental, and specialist access
Co-Payments €5–€10 per service Small fees for prescriptions and certain services with ÖGK
Item

ÖGK Student Rate

Cost

€69.98/month

Details

Fixed monthly rate for students. Covers health + long-term care insurance.

Item

Private Insurance (Basic)

Cost

From €55/month

Details

Equivalent coverage to ÖGK for residence permit purposes

Item

Private Insurance (Comprehensive)

Cost

€90–€150/month

Details

Premium care with private hospital, dental, and specialist access

Item

Co-Payments

Cost

€5–€10 per service

Details

Small fees for prescriptions and certain services with ÖGK

Visa & Insurance Requirements

  • Student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) requires proof of health insurance
  • ÖGK confirmation letter accepted by Austrian embassies
  • Private insurance must meet Austrian equivalency standards (coverage comparable to ÖGK)
  • EU students can show EHIC for visa purposes
  • Insurance must cover entire stay duration

How to Get Insured

1

Apply for Student Visa/Residence Permit

Submit application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, or declaration to join ÖGK/private insurance).

2

Enroll at Your University

Complete university enrollment (Inskription) and receive enrollment certificate.

3

Register with ÖGK

Apply for ÖGK student insurance online or at a local ÖGK office with enrollment certificate and passport.

4

Receive Your e-card

Your Austrian health insurance card (e-card) arrives by mail within 2–3 weeks.

5

Register at Town Hall (Meldezettel)

Register your Austrian address at the local Magistrat or Gemeindeamt within 3 days of arrival.

Student Health Insurance in Austria

Austria’s healthcare system is similar to Germany’s, with mandatory health insurance for all residents. As a student, you’ll join the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) — Austria’s public health insurance — for €69.98/month.

ÖGK Student Insurance

All students enrolled at Austrian universities can (and should) register with ÖGK. The monthly rate of €69.98 covers:

  • Doctor visits (Kassenarzt)
  • Hospital care (public hospitals)
  • Emergency treatment
  • Prescription medications (with small co-pays)
  • Maternity and preventive care

Once registered, you’ll receive an e-card, which you present when visiting doctors or hospitals.

EU Students with EHIC

EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Austrian healthcare. However, many students still join ÖGK for:

  • Easier access to doctors (no need to explain EHIC)
  • Full coverage without worrying about reimbursement
  • Access to all ÖGK-contracted providers

Private Insurance Alternative

If you prefer private care or don’t qualify for ÖGK, you can get private health insurance (from €55/month). Private insurance must meet Austrian equivalency standards to be accepted for residence permits.

Why Austria?

With over 80,000 international students, Austria offers world-class universities in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Students enjoy affordable healthcare, rich culture, and a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can EU students use EHIC in Austria?

Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Austrian healthcare. However, ÖGK membership is recommended for full coverage and easier access.

What does ÖGK cover?

ÖGK covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, prescriptions, maternity care, and preventive services. Small co-pays of €5–€10 apply to some services.

Is ÖGK or private insurance better?

ÖGK is more affordable and widely accepted. Private insurance offers faster access to specialists and private hospital rooms, but costs more.

How do I see a doctor in Austria?

Visit any doctor contracted with ÖGK (Kassenarzt). Show your e-card. No appointment needed for many practices. For specialists, a referral from your GP may be required.

Can I work while on ÖGK student insurance?

Yes, students can work part-time (mini-jobs) without affecting ÖGK coverage. Working full-time changes your insurance status to employee insurance.

Ready to Study in Austria?

Join ÖGK for affordable coverage or explore private insurance plans for premium care.

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