Vienna, Austria: Hygiene and Health

General Hospital of Vienna

Once occupation is taken up (in Austria), they are instantly covered by insurance. This cover extends to pensioners, university students and school students. Since 2005, all occupants have an e-card which holds all of the details of their healthcare and is used to verify their cover. These cards are automatically sent to you via mail by your health insurance institution.

You can be either fully covered by the private pay or the public program, however supplementary private insurance is also available for a more comfortable visit to the hospital. This comfort can include a private room, private doctor and flexible visiting hours.

Service charges of 10 Euro are due every year, and are collected by the employer. Every employer is responsible for the registration of the employee to the relevant social insurance office. Certain people, such as those insured with to social security institution for Trade and Industry, do not have to pay the service charge.

Railway employees, self-employed persons, civil servants and farmers must contribute (a deductible 20% charge in each case) to medical payments.

All insured people pay deductibles for healing appliances, aids or dentures and pharmaceutical drugs.

All services are mainly given by the contracting parties, such as therapists or hospitals, or specialized institutions like spas and day clinics. These are all operated by the social insurance institutions.

Upside: Great cover over most medical requirements.

Downside: Using the public system means you will be waiting awhile for appointments.

Hygiene in Vienna is considered by most people to be of a high standard. .