Healthcare in Austria - a visual guide

For period-health questions you can go directly to a gynaecologist (Frauenärztin/-arzt) - no referral needed - or start with a GP (Hausärztin/-arzt).

When you're unsure what to do, call 1450 for free health advice (24/7).

For a medical emergency, call 144 (ambulance) or 112.

No. In Austria you can see a contracted gynaecologist directly with your e-card.

Some specific tests - certain lab work or imaging such as X-ray, CT or MRI - usually need a referral (Zuweisung) from a doctor.

Insurers typically cover one contracted specialist per specialty per quarter without a referral.

A doctor with a contract with your insurer (a 'contracted' or 'Kassa' doctor).

You show your e-card and the visit is billed directly to your insurer - at ÖGK you generally pay nothing at the appointment.

The trade-off is availability: appointments can take weeks, and many practices are not taking new patients.

A doctor without an insurer contract, who sets their own fees.

You pay the full bill upfront and then claim part of it back from your insurer.

Often shorter waiting times and more time at the appointment.

Your insurer refunds a share of the contracted tariff - not of the amount you actually paid. Because a Wahlarzt fee is usually higher, the refund is often only around a quarter of the bill.

At ÖGK the rate is about 80% of the contracted tariff; it differs by insurer (BVAEB about 90%, some municipal funds up to 100%; SVS applies its own cost share).

Ask for a fully itemised invoice (Honorarnote), including the specialist surcharge, and submit it via WAHonline, 'Meine ÖGK', or by post - within 42 months.

Austria’s health-insurance card. It stores your name, date of birth and insurance number - no medical data.

You present it at every visit to confirm your insurance.

If you forget it, the practice can still treat you by entering your insurance number.

A free health-advice line, available 24/7 across Austria.

Trained staff help you decide what kind of care you need and where to go.

If they detect an emergency, they escalate to 144 - so there is no 'wrong number' risk.

144 is the ambulance / emergency number for medical emergencies.

Use it for severe symptoms - for example heavy blood loss with faintness, or sudden severe pain.

112 is the Europe-wide emergency number and also works.

You are free to see another doctor for a second opinion.

A Wahlarzt can be a faster route if contracted appointments are far off.

Bring your previous findings so the second doctor has the full picture.

Bring your e-card and any previous findings, results or imaging.

You can view and download your findings (e-Befunde) in the ELGA portal by logging in with ID Austria.

A short note of your symptoms and questions helps you make the most of the appointment.

Is this a Kassa or Wahlarzt practice - and if Wahlarzt, what will it cost?

How long is the wait, and are they taking new patients?

Which languages are spoken?

Is the practice accessible, and can you book online?