ÖGK Selbstversicherung: The Insurance Most International Students in Austria Use
Selbstversicherung through the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) costs €78.84 per month in 2026. It is Austria’s public health insurance option designed specifically for students who are not covered through an employer or a parent’s policy. You get an e-card, access to all contracted doctors (Kassenärzte), hospital coverage, and prescriptions at €7.55 per item.
About 116,000 international students study in Austria. The vast majority use ÖGK Selbstversicherung because it is accepted everywhere — by universities, by immigration authorities (MA 35 in Vienna), and by every doctor in the Austrian healthcare system. This guide walks through every step: who needs it, how to apply, what documents to bring, what is covered, and when supplementary insurance is worth considering.
For a broader overview of insurance options, see our complete Austria student health insurance guide.
What Is Selbstversicherung?
Selbstversicherung literally translates to “self-insurance.” It is not private insurance. It is voluntary enrollment in Austria’s public social insurance system. You pay a fixed monthly contribution and receive the same benefits as employed Austrians.
The ÖGK administers Selbstversicherung for students. Before 2020, nine separate regional health insurance funds (Gebietskrankenkassen) handled this. The ÖGK merged them into one national fund. The application process is now uniform across all Austrian states.
Key point: Selbstversicherung is “all-risk” coverage (alle Risiken abdeckend). This matters because Austrian immigration authorities require all-risk insurance for residence permits. ÖGK Selbstversicherung automatically meets this requirement.
Who Needs Selbstversicherung?
You need ÖGK Selbstversicherung if you match any of these profiles:
Non-EU Students
You hold a passport from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. Austrian immigration authorities (MA 35 in Vienna, Bezirkshauptmannschaft in other states) require all-risk health insurance for your Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit). ÖGK Selbstversicherung is the most straightforward way to meet this requirement.
EU Students Staying Longer Than 6 Months
Your EHIC works for short stays, but for a full degree program, ÖGK registration gives you an e-card and seamless access. No more explaining the EHIC at every doctor visit. Most Austrian student unions (ÖH) recommend switching to ÖGK.
Students Without Employer Coverage
If you do not work in Austria or earn below the marginal employment threshold (€518.44/month in 2026), no employer is paying insurance for you. Selbstversicherung fills this gap.
Students Not Covered by Parents
If your parents’ Austrian insurance does not extend to you (for example, you are over 27 or they live abroad), Selbstversicherung is your path to coverage.
Cost: €78.84/Month in 2026
| Item | Monthly/Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| ÖGK Selbstversicherung (student rate) | €78.84/month |
| e-card annual service fee | €25.00/year |
| Total annual cost | €971.08/year |
Payment Details
- Due on the first of each calendar month
- Must arrive within 15 days
- Pay via direct debit (Einzugsermächtigung) or bank transfer (Überweisung)
- Late payment triggers a reminder — persistent non-payment can lead to insurance gaps
Historical Rates
| Year | Monthly Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | €69.13 | — |
| 2025 | €73.48 | +6.3% |
| 2026 | €78.84 | +7.3% |
The rate increases annually based on Austria’s reference value (Aufwertungszahl).
Cost Comparison
For context: one GP visit at a Wahlarzt (private doctor) costs €80–120 without insurance. One specialist visit costs €150–200. A single month of Selbstversicherung at €78.84 covers unlimited Kassenarzt visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Register Your Address (Meldezettel)
Within 3 days of moving into your Austrian apartment, register at the local Magistrat (city) or Gemeindeamt (municipality).
Bring:
- Passport or EU ID card
- Rental contract or landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Completed Meldezettel form (available at the office or online)
In Vienna, go to the MA 62 (Meldebehörde). Takes about 15 minutes. Free of charge.
Step 2: Enroll at Your University
Complete your enrollment (Inskription) at your Austrian university or Fachhochschule. You need:
- Admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
- Passport
- ÖH membership fee payment (about €21/semester)
After enrollment, download your Studienbestätigung (enrollment confirmation) and Studienblatt from your university’s online portal. You will need both for ÖGK.
Step 3: Open an Austrian Bank Account
ÖGK requires Austrian bank details for direct debit. Most students open an account at:
- Erste Bank — Student accounts free until age 27
- Bank Austria — StudentenKonto with no fees
- N26 — Digital bank, Austrian IBAN, no branch visit needed
You need your passport and Meldezettel to open an account.
Step 4: Submit Your ÖGK Application
You have two options:
Option A: In Person at ÖGK Kundenservice
Visit your regional ÖGK office during business hours. Find your nearest office at gesundheitskasse.at.
Option B: Online via ID Austria
If you have an Austrian ID Austria (formerly Handysignatur) digital identity, apply at meineoegk.at. Most international students do not have this initially, so the in-person option is more common for first-time applicants.
Step 5: Bring These Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport (data page + visa page for non-EU) | Identity verification |
| Meldebestätigung/Meldezettel | Proof of Austrian residence |
| Studienbestätigung (enrollment confirmation) | Proof of student status |
| Studienblatt | University registration details |
| Austrian bank account details (IBAN) | Direct debit setup |
| Completed application form | ”Antrag auf Selbstversicherung für Studierende” |
Tip: The application form is available at the ÖGK office or can be downloaded from gesundheitskasse.at. Fill it out before your visit to save time.
Step 6: Processing and e-card Delivery
- Application processing: 1–2 weeks
- e-card delivery by mail: 2–3 weeks after approval
- Total timeline: About 3–4 weeks from application to receiving your e-card
You are insured from the day your application is approved, even before the e-card arrives. If you need to see a doctor before your e-card arrives, bring your ÖGK confirmation letter (Bestätigung) to the doctor’s office.
What ÖGK Selbstversicherung Covers
Full Coverage (No Extra Cost Beyond Your Monthly Contribution)
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| GP visits (Hausarzt) | Unlimited visits at any Kassenarzt — show e-card, pay nothing |
| Specialist referrals | Dermatologist, gynecologist, orthopedist, etc. — with referral from GP |
| Hospital stays | General class (Allgemeine Gebührenklasse) at public hospitals — fully covered |
| Prescriptions | All medically necessary medications — you pay €7.55 per item (Rezeptgebühr) |
| Laboratory tests | Blood tests, urine analysis, etc. ordered by your doctor |
| X-rays and imaging | Basic imaging at contracted facilities |
| Maternity care | Prenatal checkups, delivery, postnatal care |
| Preventive checkups | Annual Vorsorgeuntersuchung (preventive screening) — free |
| Psychotherapy | Partially covered — ÖGK contributes ~€28/session at non-contracted therapists |
| Rehabilitation | After hospital stays, if medically necessary |
| Medical aids | Glasses (partial subsidy), hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs |
Prescriptions: The Rezeptgebühr
You pay a flat €7.55 per prescription item in 2026. This is the Rezeptgebühr (prescription fee). If the medication costs less than €7.55, you pay the lower amount.
Annual cap: Once your prescription costs reach 2% of your annual net income, you are automatically exempt from the Rezeptgebühr for the rest of the year. For students with low income, this threshold is reached quickly.
Hospital Stays
Public hospitals in Austria treat ÖGK patients in the Allgemeine Gebührenklasse (general class). This means:
- Shared room (typically 4–8 beds)
- Treatment by the hospital team (not your chosen doctor)
- A daily co-payment of approximately €12–15/day for the first 28 days (varies by federal state)
- After 28 days: no further daily charge
In Vienna (AKH, SMZ Ost, Hietzing, etc.), the daily charge is approximately €13/day. In Styria, it is €12.48/day (2026).
Specialist Access
You can visit one specialist per specialty every quarter (3 months). You typically need a referral (Überweisung) from your GP, except for:
- Gynecologists — direct access without referral
- Ophthalmologists — direct access without referral
- Emergency departments — no referral needed
What ÖGK Does NOT Cover
This is where many students are surprised. ÖGK Selbstversicherung has clear gaps:
| Not Covered | Details |
|---|---|
| Dental prosthetics | Crowns, bridges, implants — not covered (basic fillings and extractions are covered) |
| Single/double hospital rooms | Only general class (shared room) is covered |
| Wahlarzt full costs | Private doctors: you pay upfront, get back only ~80% of the much lower Kassentarif |
| Alternative medicine | Homeopathy, acupuncture, TCM — not covered (unless by a Kassenarzt as supplementary therapy) |
| Cosmetic procedures | Elective cosmetic surgery, teeth whitening |
| Professional dental cleaning | Prophylaxis/dental hygiene |
| Medical repatriation | Transport back to your home country for treatment |
| Private hospital treatment | Privatkliniken like Rudolfinerhaus or Confraternität |
| Orthodontics (adult) | Braces for adults — only covered for severe cases in children |
The Wahlarzt Gap
This is the biggest practical limitation. When you visit a Wahlarzt (private doctor without ÖGK contract), you pay the full bill. ÖGK reimburses 80% of the Kassentarif — the fee ÖGK would have paid a contracted doctor. The Kassentarif is much lower than what a Wahlarzt charges.
Example: You visit a Wahlarzt dermatologist. The bill is €149. The Kassentarif for the same service is about €35. ÖGK reimburses €28 (80% of €35). You pay €121 out of pocket.
In Vienna, roughly 50% of doctors are Wahlärzte. In smaller cities, the ratio is better. For a deep dive into this topic, read our guide on Wahlarzt vs Kassenarzt in Austria.
EU Students: EHIC vs Selbstversicherung
If you hold EU/EEA citizenship, you have a choice. Here is when each option makes sense:
Stick with EHIC If…
- You are staying for one semester or less (exchange, Erasmus)
- You do not plan to work in Austria
- You are comfortable explaining the EHIC at every doctor visit
- You accept that some doctors may not know how to bill EHIC
For a detailed EHIC guide, see our EHIC & GHIC coverage article.
Switch to ÖGK Selbstversicherung If…
- You are staying for a full degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
- You plan to work part-time (even a mini-job makes EHIC insufficient)
- You want an e-card for hassle-free doctor visits
- You want Wahlarzt partial reimbursement (EHIC does not cover this)
- You need insurance proof for a residence permit application
The S1 Form Alternative
Some EU countries issue an S1 form (formerly E106) that transfers your home country insurance to Austria — at no cost. You register the S1 with ÖGK and get an e-card. Not all countries issue S1 forms to students. Check with your home country’s social insurance authority.
Zusatzversicherung: Is Supplementary Insurance Worth It?
Zusatzversicherung (supplementary private insurance) covers the gaps that ÖGK leaves. The three main Austrian providers for student-friendly plans are Generali, Uniqa, and Wiener Städtische.
What Zusatzversicherung Covers
| Benefit | Without Zusatz | With Zusatz |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital room | Shared (4–8 beds) | Single or double room (Sonderklasse) |
| Hospital doctor | Team doctor | Choose your specialist |
| Wahlarzt reimbursement | ~20% of actual bill | Up to 80–100% of actual bill |
| Dental prosthetics | Not covered | Partial coverage (50–80%) |
| Alternative medicine | Not covered | Often included |
| Faster specialist access | Weeks of waiting | Days |
Cost of Zusatzversicherung
For students in their 20s, expect:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Wahlarzt coverage | €25–40/month |
| Mid-range (Wahlarzt + Sonderklasse) | €40–70/month |
| Comprehensive (Wahlarzt + Sonderklasse + dental) | €60–100/month |
Is It Worth It?
For most healthy students: not essential. ÖGK covers all medically necessary treatment. You will not be turned away from a hospital, denied surgery, or left without medication.
Consider Zusatzversicherung if:
- You want shorter waiting times for specialists (Kassenarzt waits can be 3–8 weeks for dermatology, orthopedics)
- You prefer a private room during hospital stays
- You visit Wahlärzte regularly (English-speaking doctors in Vienna are often Wahlärzte)
- You need dental work beyond basic fillings
Skip it if:
- Budget is tight — the €78.84/month for ÖGK alone is comprehensive
- You rarely visit doctors
- You are comfortable with the public system
Eligibility Requirements in Detail
Not every student qualifies for the reduced student rate. Here are the conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Must be enrolled at a recognized Austrian university, FH, or equivalent |
| Residence | Ordinary residence (Hauptwohnsitz) in Austria |
| No other insurance | Not compulsorily insured through employment or other scheme |
| Study progress | Must show satisfactory academic progress (günstiger Studienerfolg) |
| Subject changes | Maximum 2 changes of study subject allowed |
| Duration limit | Standard study duration + 4 semesters + 1 tolerance semester |
| Age limit | None — unlike Germany’s GKV (age 30 cutoff), Austria has no age limit |
What If You Lose Eligibility?
If you exceed the study duration or fail to show progress, you can still get ÖGK Selbstversicherung — but at the non-student rate of approximately €491/month (2026). This is a massive increase. Maintain your academic progress to keep the €78.84 rate.
Working While Insured
A geringfügige Beschäftigung (marginal employment, up to €518.44/month in 2026) does not affect your student insurance. If you earn more, your employer must register you for mandatory employee insurance. Your student Selbstversicherung then ends — but your employer covers your health insurance through payroll contributions.
Practical Tips for International Students
Finding a Kassenarzt
Use the ÖGK doctor search at gesundheitskasse.at to find contracted doctors near you. Filter by specialty, language, and location.
English-Speaking Doctors
Many Wahlärzte in Vienna speak English. Some Kassenärzte do too, but availability is more limited outside Vienna. University health centers (Gesundheitszentren) at major universities often have multilingual staff.
Renewing Each Semester
You must submit your Studienbestätigung (enrollment confirmation) to ÖGK each semester. If you forget, ÖGK may suspend your insurance. Set a calendar reminder for the start of each semester. You can submit the confirmation online via meineoegk.at or by uploading it through the ÖGK app.
Prescription Savings
Ask your doctor for generics (Generika). The Rezeptgebühr of €7.55 applies regardless of whether you get a brand-name or generic drug. But if the generic costs less than €7.55, you pay only the lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ÖGK Selbstversicherung cost for students in 2026?
The monthly contribution is €78.84 in 2026. On top of that, there is an annual e-card service fee of €25. Total annual cost: €971.08. Payment is due on the first of each month, with a 15-day grace period.
Can I apply for ÖGK online?
Yes, if you have an Austrian ID Austria (formerly Handysignatur) digital identity. Apply at meineoegk.at. Most international students do not have ID Austria when they first arrive, so the initial application is usually done in person at an ÖGK Kundenservice office.
How long does it take to get my e-card?
Application processing takes 1–2 weeks. The e-card arrives by mail 2–3 weeks after approval. Total: about 3–4 weeks. You are insured from the approval date, even before the e-card arrives — bring your ÖGK confirmation letter to doctor visits in the meantime.
What documents do I need for the ÖGK application?
You need: (1) passport or EU ID, (2) Meldebestätigung or Meldezettel, (3) Studienbestätigung (enrollment confirmation), (4) Studienblatt, (5) Austrian bank account details (IBAN), and (6) the completed application form (Antrag auf Selbstversicherung für Studierende).
Is there an age limit for ÖGK student insurance?
No. Unlike Germany’s GKV (which cuts off the student rate at age 30), Austria’s ÖGK Selbstversicherung has no age limit. You remain eligible as long as you meet the study progress and duration requirements.
What happens if I miss a payment?
ÖGK sends a reminder. If you consistently miss payments, your insurance can be suspended. Reinstatement requires paying all outstanding contributions. Set up direct debit (Einzugsermächtigung) to avoid this.
Can I use ÖGK outside Austria?
Within the EU/EEA, your e-card functions as an EHIC for temporary stays (vacations, short trips). It covers medically necessary treatment in other EU countries under the same conditions as local residents. Outside the EU, ÖGK provides no coverage — you need separate travel insurance.
Does ÖGK cover dental treatment?
Basic dental: Yes. Fillings, extractions, root canals, and emergency treatment are covered. Dental prosthetics: No. Crowns, bridges, and implants are not covered. Dental cleaning: No. Professional prophylaxis is not covered. For dental coverage beyond basics, consider Zusatzversicherung.
Can I switch from private insurance to ÖGK mid-semester?
Yes. Cancel your private insurance according to its terms, then apply for ÖGK Selbstversicherung. There is no waiting period — coverage starts from the day of approval. Make sure there is no gap between your private insurance ending and ÖGK starting.
What is the difference between ÖGK and other Austrian social insurance funds?
ÖGK covers employees and students. Austria also has SVS (for self-employed and farmers) and BVAEB (for civil servants and railway employees). As a student, you will almost always be with ÖGK. The benefits are comparable across all funds.
Compare Student Insurance Plans for Austria
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