A recent study highlights that approximately 0.6 percent of the population, up to 57,000 individuals, will be without health insurance in Austria by early 2025. This significant finding comes from research commissioned by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).
Healthcare experts confirm that some individuals inevitably fall through the cracks. Martin Schenk, a social affairs expert at Diakonie Austria, noted that surveyed outpatient clinics alone treat thousands of uninsured patients annually. In 2025, for example, AmberMed in Vienna assisted nearly 2,700 uninsured individuals.
Meanwhile, Marienambulanz in Graz cared for over 2,200 people without coverage. Additionally, Virgilambulanz in Salzburg saw 96 uninsured patients. These figures suggest a realistic count of several thousand to tens of thousands lacking proper coverage, according to study author Michael Fuchs.
Foreigners registering as Austrian residents must possess health insurance. This requirement stems from Austria’s universal and generally mandatory healthcare system. However, temporary visitors on holiday do not need local health insurance, though travel insurance is strongly advised.
Healthcare options in Austria vary based on an individual’s occupation and personal circumstances. The ÖGK is the nation’s largest provider, covering over 80 percent of the population. Most employees automatically receive coverage through the ÖGK upon starting their jobs.
Employees typically contribute 3.87 percent of their taxable salary towards health insurance. Employers then cover an additional 3.8 percent. By contrast, self-employed individuals, including freelancers, usually obtain insurance via the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS).
In 2026, self-employed contributions will stand at 6.8 percent of their social insurance base. Furthermore, public-sector employees, such as civil servants and university staff, are insured through BVAEB. This institution covers over 1.3 million people, including their families.
These employees generally pay between 3.87 percent and 4.75 percent, depending on their employer’s specific plan. Family co-insurance also offers another route to coverage. Spouses may be co-insured with varying contributions, and children are usually covered at no extra cost.
International students also have dedicated options for health insurance in Austria. They can access student statutory insurance via the ÖGK, paying around €78.84 per month in 2026. Moreover, self-insurance through the ÖGK is available for those without other statutory coverage or co-insurance.
This standard self-contribution will be €565.25 per month in 2026, with reduced rates available in certain cases. Lastly, private health insurance remains another option. Costs for private plans depend on the chosen coverage and individual factors like age.
Several factors contribute to individuals lacking health insurance. Michael Fuchs explains that even with comprehensive coverage, people in exceptional or changing life circumstances can fall outside the system. Martin Schenk added that a blend of social disadvantages, structural gaps, limited personal resources, and lack of information are often at play.
Those most affected include individuals in precarious employment and jobseekers without benefit entitlements. Students and new arrivals to Austria, confused by bureaucracy, also face challenges. Data indicates that younger people, particularly those aged 20 to 24, show the lowest insurance coverage rates.
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for all visitors to Austria. However, it is highly advisable to avoid potentially high medical expenses. EU/EEA visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state-provided healthcare during temporary stays.
Non-EU travellers requiring a visa must generally hold medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage. Therefore, even those not needing a visa, such as visitors from the US or UK, should arrange adequate travel insurance. For permanent relocation, understanding Austrian health insurance options is crucial for visa and residence permit requirements.
