Student Health Insurance in Austria: What You Pay, What You Get
International students in Austria pay €78.84/month for ÖGK public health insurance (Selbstversicherung) in 2026. That covers GP visits, hospital stays, specialist referrals, and prescriptions. You get an e-card — Austria’s electronic health card — and access to the same healthcare system as Austrian employees. About 116,000 international students are currently enrolled at Austrian universities, and most of them use ÖGK.
This guide covers everything: how ÖGK works, who qualifies, how EU and non-EU rules differ, the registration process, what is and is not covered, and when private insurance makes more sense. For a broader overview of studying in Austria, see our Austria country guide.
How Austrian Healthcare Works
Austria runs a Bismarck-style social insurance system. Healthcare is funded through mandatory insurance contributions, and the main provider for employed people and students is the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) — Austria’s largest public health insurance fund, created in 2020 by merging nine regional funds.
Two Types of Doctors
This is the most important distinction in Austrian healthcare:
Kassenarzt (contracted doctor): Has a contract with ÖGK. You show your e-card, pay nothing out of pocket (except the €7.55 prescription fee for medications). Most GPs and many specialists are Kassenärzte.
Wahlarzt (private doctor): No ÖGK contract. You pay the full bill upfront. ÖGK reimburses 80% of the Kassentarif — which is usually far less than the actual bill. A Wahlarzt consultation might cost €120, but the Kassentarif for the same service could be €40. You get €32 back (80% of €40) and pay the remaining €88 yourself.
In Vienna, roughly 50% of doctors are Wahlärzte. In smaller cities like Graz or Innsbruck, the ratio is better. Always check whether your doctor is a Kassenarzt before booking.
The e-card
The e-card is your Austrian health insurance card. It stores your insurance status electronically. You present it at every doctor visit and pharmacy. After registering with ÖGK, your e-card arrives by mail within 2-3 weeks. The e-card service fee is €25/year (students pay this too).
Selbstversicherung for Students — Eligibility, Cost, Enrollment
Selbstversicherung means “voluntary self-insurance.” It is the ÖGK insurance product designed specifically for students who are not covered through employment or a parent’s insurance.
Who Qualifies
You qualify for the student rate if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are enrolled at a recognized Austrian university, Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), or equivalent institution
- Your regular residence (Hauptwohnsitz) is in Austria
- You are not compulsorily insured through employment or another social insurance scheme
- You have not completed a university degree (first-time students)
- You show satisfactory academic progress (günstiger Studienerfolg — as defined by the Study Support Act)
- You have not changed your field of study more than twice
- Your total study duration does not exceed the standard duration plus four semesters plus one tolerance semester
No age limit. Unlike in Germany (where the student rate ends at 30), Austria’s ÖGK student rate has no strict age cap. As long as you meet the study-progress criteria, you remain eligible.
Cost in 2026
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| ÖGK Selbstversicherung (student rate) | €78.84 |
| Geringfügig Beschäftigt + self-insurance | €83.49 |
| e-card annual service fee | €25.00 |
The €78.84 is due on the first of each month and must arrive within 15 days. You can pay via direct debit (Einzugsermächtigung) or bank transfer.
Cost context: In Vienna, a single GP visit at a Wahlarzt (private doctor) without insurance costs €80-150. One ÖGK monthly payment covers unlimited Kassenarzt visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions for the entire month.
What Changed: Historical Rates
| Year | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | €69.13 |
| 2025 | €73.48 |
| 2026 | €78.84 |
The rate increases annually based on the reference value (Aufwertungszahl) set by the Austrian government.
EU Students: EHIC + ÖGK Options
If you hold an EU/EEA citizenship, you have three paths:
Option 1: EHIC Only
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to Austrian public healthcare on the same terms as Austrian residents. Austrian universities accept the EHIC for enrollment. For details on EHIC coverage and limitations, read our comprehensive EHIC guide.
Advantages: No monthly cost. You are already covered.
Disadvantages: The EHIC does not cover medical repatriation, private doctors (Wahlärzte), or dental prosthetics. Bureaucracy is more complex — some doctors are unfamiliar with EHIC billing. If you start working in Austria, even a mini-job (geringfügige Beschäftigung), the EHIC is no longer sufficient.
Option 2: Register with ÖGK (Recommended for Stays > 6 Months)
Join ÖGK’s Selbstversicherung at €78.84/month. You get an e-card and seamless access to all Kassenärzte. No EHIC explanations needed, no reimbursement claims to your home country.
This is the recommended path if you are staying for a full degree or longer than one semester. Most Austrian student unions (ÖH) recommend ÖGK registration even for EU students.
Option 3: S1 Form
If your home country issues an S1 form (formerly E106), you can register with ÖGK at no cost. The S1 form transfers your home country’s insurance coverage to Austria. Not all EU countries issue S1 forms to students easily — check with your home country’s health authority.
Non-EU Students: Insurance for Your Aufenthaltstitel
Non-EU students must have health insurance covering all risks (Krankenversicherung, die alle Risiken abdeckt) to receive a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel — Studierender). Travel insurance is not sufficient.
What Counts as “All-Risk” Insurance
Two options are accepted by Austrian immigration authorities (MA 35 in Vienna, BH in other states):
- ÖGK Selbstversicherung — Automatically accepted. You can declare your intention to join ÖGK on your visa application and enroll after arrival.
- Private insurance meeting Austrian equivalency standards — Must cover all risks comparable to ÖGK. Providers like FeelSafe (from €65.65/month) and Care Austria (from €51/month) offer policies specifically designed for Austrian residence permit applications.
Financial Requirements (2026)
For the residence permit, you must also prove sufficient funds:
| Age | Monthly Minimum | Annual Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 24 | €703.58 | €8,443 |
| 24 and older | €1,273.99 | €15,288 |
These amounts must cover living expenses and health insurance. The ÖGK contribution of €78.84/month comes on top of the minimum funds.
Timeline for Non-EU Students
- Apply for student visa (D-Visa) from your home country — include declaration of ÖGK enrollment or private insurance confirmation
- Arrive in Austria
- Register your address (Meldezettel) within 3 days
- Enroll at your university (Inskription)
- Register with ÖGK within 6 weeks of arrival (bring enrollment certificate + passport + Meldezettel)
- Receive e-card in 2-3 weeks
- Apply for Aufenthaltstitel at MA 35 or local BH with insurance confirmation
Step-by-Step: Registering with ÖGK
Step 1: Get Your Meldezettel
Within 3 days of moving into your Austrian apartment, register your address at the local Magistrat (city) or Gemeindeamt (town). You need:
- Passport or ID
- Rental contract or landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- The registration form (Meldezettel) — available at the office or online
The Meldezettel is free and takes about 15 minutes. In Vienna, you go to the MA 62 (Meldebehörde).
Step 2: Enroll at Your University
Complete your university enrollment (Inskription). You receive an enrollment certificate (Studienbestätigung/Inskriptionsbestätigung) — you need this for ÖGK.
Step 3: Apply for ÖGK Selbstversicherung
Visit your local ÖGK Kundenservice (customer service center) or apply online. Bring:
- Passport or ID
- Meldezettel (address registration)
- Enrollment certificate (Inskriptionsbestätigung)
- Austrian bank account details (IBAN) for direct debit
- Completed application form (Antrag auf Selbstversicherung für Studierende)
The application form is available at ÖGK offices or on gesundheitskasse.at.
Step 4: Receive Your e-card
Your e-card arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks. Until it arrives, you can request a temporary confirmation (Bestätigung) from ÖGK that you can use at doctors and pharmacies.
Step 5: Renew Each Semester
Each semester, submit your current enrollment certificate (Studienbestätigung) to ÖGK. You can do this online through the Meine ÖGK portal if you have an Austrian ID Austria digital identity.
What ÖGK Covers
ÖGK student insurance covers the same benefits as regular ÖGK employee insurance, with one exception: no sickness benefit (Krankengeld) and no maternity allowance (Wochengeld). Here is what is included:
Full Coverage
| Category | What’s Covered | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GP visits (Kassenarzt) | Unlimited | Free (e-card) |
| Specialist visits (Kassenarzt) | With GP referral (Überweisung) | Free |
| Hospital stays (public) | Full inpatient care | Co-payment ~€15/day (varies by state) |
| Emergency care | Ambulance + A&E | Free |
| Prescriptions | All prescribed medication | €7.55 per item (Rezeptgebühr) |
| Maternity care | Prenatal, delivery, postnatal | Free |
| Preventive care | Annual check-up (Vorsorgeuntersuchung) | Free |
| Mental health | Psychotherapy (Kassenplatz or partial reimbursement) | Free or partial co-pay |
| Physical therapy | With prescription | Small co-pay |
| Medical devices | Glasses (basic), hearing aids | ÖGK contribution toward cost |
| Dental (basic) | Fillings, extractions, check-ups | Free at Kassenarzt |
Prescriptions: The Rezeptgebühr
Every prescription item costs you €7.55 (frozen at the 2025 level for 2026). If the medication costs less than €7.55, you pay the lower price. An annual cap (Rezeptgebührenobergrenze) limits total prescription costs to 2% of your annual net income — relevant for low-income students.
Mental Health Coverage
ÖGK covers psychotherapy in two ways:
- Kassenplatz: Therapists with an ÖGK contract offer free sessions. Waiting lists can be 3-6 months.
- Reimbursement model: See any licensed therapist and submit the bill. ÖGK reimburses approximately €28 per session (the Kassentarif). If your therapist charges €100/session, you pay €72 yourself.
University counseling services (Psychologische Beratung) are free and available at most Austrian universities without ÖGK — a good first step.
Referral System (Überweisungen)
For most specialists, you need a referral (Überweisung) from your GP. Exceptions: gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and dentists — you can visit them directly. Your GP writes the referral on your e-card electronically.
What ÖGK Does NOT Cover
Understanding the gaps prevents surprise bills.
Not Covered or Only Partially Covered
| Category | What’s NOT Covered | Estimated Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Wahlarzt (private doctors) | Only 80% of Kassentarif reimbursed — see below | €80-250 per visit |
| Dental prosthetics | Crowns, bridges, implants | €500-3,000 |
| Orthodontics (adult) | Braces, aligners | €3,000-8,000 |
| Optical (full) | Only basic contribution toward glasses | Frames + lenses: €150-400 |
| Private hospital rooms | Sonderklasse (private ward) | €200-800/night |
| Cosmetic procedures | All elective cosmetic surgery | Varies widely |
| Alternative medicine | Homeopathy, acupuncture (most) | €50-120/session |
| Mountain rescue | Helicopter, search and rescue | €5,000-15,000 |
| Medical repatriation | Transport to home country | €15,000-40,000 |
The Wahlarzt Gap in Detail
This is the gap that affects students most often. In Austrian cities, especially Vienna, you might choose a Wahlarzt because:
- Shorter waiting times (days vs. weeks for Kassenarzt specialists)
- Longer consultation times
- Better availability of English-speaking doctors
How the reimbursement works:
- You visit a Wahlarzt and pay the full bill (e.g., €150 for a dermatologist)
- You submit the bill + diagnosis to ÖGK (online via Meine ÖGK or by mail)
- ÖGK reimburses 80% of the Kassentarif (e.g., the Kassentarif for dermatology might be €25 → you get €20 back)
- You are left paying €130 out of pocket
The reimbursement is 80% of what ÖGK would have paid a Kassenarzt — not 80% of the actual bill. Since Kassentarife are set by ÖGK and often well below market rates, the real reimbursement can be as low as 10-20% of the Wahlarzt’s bill.
For dental insurance and other supplementary coverage, private top-up insurance fills these gaps.
The Wahlarzt System Explained
Austria’s healthcare system has a growing split between public (Kasse) and private (Wahl) doctors. Understanding it saves you money.
Why Wahlärzte Exist
Doctors can choose not to sign an ÖGK contract. Reasons include: lower administrative burden, freedom to set prices, longer patient consultations. About 60% of Austrian doctors in some specialties are Wahlärzte.
When to Use a Wahlarzt
- Dermatology, psychiatry, orthopedics: Kassenarzt waiting times can be 4-12 weeks. A Wahlarzt sees you within days.
- English-speaking doctors: Many Wahlärzte in Vienna cater to international patients.
- Second opinions: When you want a specialist outside the Kasse system.
When to Stick with Kassenärzte
- GP visits: Kassenarzt GPs typically offer same-day or next-day appointments.
- Hospital treatment: Public hospitals (Kassenbereich) provide the same medical quality.
- Budget: If €78.84/month is already stretching your budget, do not add Wahlarzt bills.
How to Find Kassenärzte
Use the ÖGK doctor search at gesundheitskasse.at. Filter by specialty and location. The listing shows which doctors have an ÖGK contract. Alternatively, ask at your university’s international office for recommended English-speaking Kassenärzte near campus.
Private Insurance Alternatives
Private insurance makes sense if you are not eligible for ÖGK, want Wahlarzt coverage, or need a policy before arriving in Austria.
When You Might Choose Private Over ÖGK
- You have not yet enrolled at a university and cannot join ÖGK
- You are attending a language course (Vorstudienlehrgang) that does not qualify for ÖGK
- You want full Wahlarzt coverage without out-of-pocket gaps
- You have pre-existing conditions and want guaranteed coverage (note: private insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions, while ÖGK covers everything)
Private Insurance Providers for Students
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| FeelSafe Students | From €65.65 | Accepted for Aufenthaltstitel, cancellable monthly, all-risk |
| Care Austria | From €51.00 | Budget option, accepted by authorities, basic coverage |
| Comprehensive Private | €90-150 | Wahlarzt, private hospital, dental, optical |
ÖGK vs. Private: Key Differences
| Feature | ÖGK Selbstversicherung | Private (Basic) | Private (Comprehensive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | €78.84 | From €51 | €90-150 |
| Kassenarzt access | Full (e-card) | Depends on policy | Full + Wahlarzt |
| Hospital (public) | Covered | Covered | Covered + private rooms |
| Prescriptions | €7.55 per item | Varies | Often fully covered |
| Wahlarzt | 80% of Kassentarif | Not covered | Fully covered |
| Dental prosthetics | Not covered | Not covered | Often covered |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered | May be excluded | May be excluded |
| Accepted for Aufenthaltstitel | Yes | If all-risk certified | If all-risk certified |
| e-card | Yes | No | No |
Recommendation: For most students, ÖGK at €78.84/month offers the best value. You get e-card access, no pre-existing condition exclusions, and full public healthcare coverage. Consider adding a private Zusatzversicherung (supplementary insurance) for ~€30-50/month if you want Wahlarzt or dental coverage.
Cost Comparison: ÖGK vs. Private vs. EHIC-Only
Here is what a typical year costs under each option, assuming 2 GP visits, 1 specialist visit, 1 prescription per month, and 1 Wahlarzt visit:
| Scenario | ÖGK | Private (Basic) | EHIC Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | €78.84 | ~€55 | €0 |
| Annual premium | €946.08 | ~€660 | €0 |
| GP visits | Free | Covered | Free |
| Specialist visits | Free (with referral) | Covered | Free |
| Prescriptions (12x) | €90.60 | Varies (~€50) | €90.60 |
| 1 Wahlarzt visit (€150) | ~€130 out of pocket | €150 out of pocket | €150 out of pocket |
| Estimated annual total | ~€1,167 | ~€860 | ~€241 |
| Emergency hospital (5 days) | ~€75 co-pay | Covered | Free |
| Repatriation flight | NOT covered | NOT covered | NOT covered |
EHIC-only is cheapest but riskiest. No e-card means more bureaucracy. No Wahlarzt reimbursement. No coverage if you start working. And no medical repatriation coverage — a flight back to your home country after a serious accident can cost €15,000-40,000.
For more on choosing the right insurance, see our guide on how to choose health insurance as an international student.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ÖGK student insurance cost in 2026?
The ÖGK Selbstversicherung for students costs €78.84 per month in 2026. This is a fixed rate set annually by the Austrian government. The rate increased from €73.48 in 2025. Payments are due on the first of each month. An additional e-card service fee of €25 per year applies.
Can EU students use EHIC in Austria instead of ÖGK?
Yes. Austrian universities accept the EHIC for enrollment, and you can access Kassenärzte and public hospitals with your EHIC. However, ÖGK registration is recommended for stays longer than 6 months. The EHIC does not give you an e-card, does not cover Wahlarzt reimbursement, and becomes insufficient if you take any employment in Austria. Read our full EHIC guide for details.
What documents do I need to register with ÖGK?
You need five documents: (1) passport or ID, (2) Meldezettel (Austrian address registration), (3) enrollment certificate from your university (Inskriptionsbestätigung), (4) Austrian bank account details for direct debit, and (5) the completed application form (Antrag auf Selbstversicherung für Studierende). Visit your local ÖGK Kundenservice center or apply online.
Is there an age limit for ÖGK student insurance?
No strict age limit. Unlike Germany’s GKV (where the student rate ends at 30), Austria’s ÖGK Selbstversicherung has no age cap. You remain eligible as long as you are enrolled, show satisfactory academic progress, and have not exceeded the maximum study duration (standard duration + 4 semesters + 1 tolerance semester).
What is the difference between Kassenarzt and Wahlarzt?
A Kassenarzt has a contract with ÖGK. You show your e-card and pay nothing (except prescription fees). A Wahlarzt has no ÖGK contract. You pay the full bill upfront and submit it to ÖGK for partial reimbursement — 80% of the Kassentarif, not the actual bill. In practice, you often get back only 10-20% of what you paid.
Does ÖGK cover prescriptions?
Yes. All prescription medications prescribed by a Kassenarzt are covered. You pay a flat Rezeptgebühr of €7.55 per item (2026 rate, frozen at the 2025 level). If the medication costs less than €7.55, you pay the lower price. Annual prescription costs are capped at 2% of your net income.
Can I work while on ÖGK student insurance?
Yes, but with limits. A geringfügige Beschäftigung (marginal employment, earning up to €518.44/month in 2026) does not affect your ÖGK student insurance. If you earn more, your employer must register you for compulsory employee insurance — your student self-insurance ends, and your employer covers your health insurance contributions.
Does ÖGK cover mental health and psychotherapy?
Partially. ÖGK covers psychotherapy at Kassenplatz therapists (free but long waiting lists of 3-6 months) and reimburses approximately €28 per session for non-contracted therapists. University counseling services are free and available without ÖGK. For comprehensive mental health coverage, consider supplementary private insurance.
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