Safety and Travel Insurance Advice for Visitors to Austria
Austria evokes decadent pastries, evenings at the opera, and twirling among lush green hills, much like The Sound of Music. It’s perfectly positioned for visitors keen to experience European life. And it’s a beautiful country, with superb healthcare.
But that doesn’t mean there is nothing for travelers to be concerned about. Here’s what you need to know about safety and Austrian travel insurance for visitors to Austria.
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Health Concerns for Foreigners in Austria
Tick-borne illnesses are a significant concern in some areas of Austria. Long-sleeve shirts and trousers offer hikers sun and mosquito protection. They are also a reassuring barrier against encephalitis and Lyme disease-carrying ticks.
Pharmacists can advise hikers about the presence of tick-borne encephalitis in the region. And pharmacies are also convenient places to buy tick-removal kits. You’ll want one by your side should you go hiking and end up making a new friend.
Pharmacies in Austria are called Apotheke and are widely available, even in small towns. But while many countries use the terms “pharmacy” and “drugstore” interchangeably, this isn’t the case in Austria. Drugstores, called Drogeries, sell toiletries.
If you’re planning a hiking or skiing holiday, Austria is where you want to be. But hiking and skiing in Austria is no joke. Always follow best practices for safe trekking and mountaineering.
This includes informing someone when to expect your return and packing essentials such as water, food, a change of clothing, and a small first-aid kit (including tick-removal tools).
Reported incidents of hate speech are on the rise in Austria. However, at least part of this increase can be attributed to more substantial efforts to ensure uniform prosecution of these crimes across all Austrian provinces.
Austrian law prohibits both hate speech and attempts to revive Nazism, which is a growing concern online. Support for the far-right political party, the FPO, has increased as Austria has experienced higher levels of refugee applications.
However, Austria is generally a very safe country. Incidents of serious crime are very low, and it remains a beloved travel destination.
Vaccine Recommendations for Visitors to Austria
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travelers receive routine, up-to-date vaccines. This includes diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B.
A vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis is also highly advisable for hiking in Austria.
Coverage for Short-Term Travelers To Austria
For travelers without insurance, a routine doctor’s visit typically costs around $100.
Meanwhile, a more complicated and urgent situation, such as a mountain rescue for a serious skiing injury, can be catastrophically expensive. You don’t want to be stuck without travel insurance.
The Best Travel Insurance for Visitors to Austria
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
- Choose between basic or more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
Emergency Assistance Numbers
The nationwide emergency medical services number in Austria is 144. This number can be called toll-free from any phone (fixed-line, mobile, or phone booth).
This also applies to all the other emergency and most of the non-emergency numbers mentioned below.
For the Fire Department, call 122. Dispatchers speak German and at least an intermediate level of English with a focus on medical issues.
Understanding Austria’s Healthcare System
Austria has a two-tier healthcare system. Under this system, virtually all Austrian citizens (over 99%) enjoy a high standard of publicly funded healthcare.
Austrians can also purchase private supplemental insurance. This supplemental insurance is sometimes called “comfort class.”
It includes flexible, comfortable, and private care options. International citizens living in Austria can also purchase a global health plan to cover them worldwide.
All employed people (and their spouses and children) are enrolled in the public healthcare system. Job security for workers on short-term medical leave and for more extended periods of disability is included. Seniors, students, and those receiving unemployment benefits are also covered.
Expatriate Health Cover in Austria
Employed expats must pay into the public healthcare system just like Austrian citizens. As the healthcare system is part of the social security network, there is the option to pay into accident insurance and pension insurance.
It’s essential to consider your choices in advance. Expats must register with their district health insurance fund (Gebietskrankenkasse) within 1 week of starting employment.
Happily, payments to the Gebietskrankenkasse are matched by employers, so there’s a bit of compensation for all your hard work.
This is just one of the many reasons why expats adore Austria. A whopping 82% report being satisfied with the quality of healthcare.
Self-employed expats must complete additional paperwork, as they don’t have an employer or a state agency acting on their behalf.
Fortunately, the cost of healthcare coverage is based on income, with no consideration of health risk factors. Therefore, it represents good value even to expats with modest revenue.
The Best International Insurance for Expats in Austria
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Healthcare in Austria is Always Improving
Since the 2008 recession, public health investments have slowly rebounded. There are occasional political tensions regarding funding and responsibilities, as healthcare in Austria is a joint venture between federal, provincial, and municipal actors.
Reforms in 2013 focused on improving the quality of care. Those enrolled in the public healthcare system are issued an “e-card,” which enables the digital processing of healthcare claims, representing a streamlined improvement over the previous voucher-based system.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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