ÖGK Student Insurance
€78.84/month
Best for: All students enrolled at Austrian universities
Official Austrian public health insurance for students. Same coverage as employees. Includes e-card access.
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Health Insurance for Students in Austria
Mandatory student insurance: Join ÖGK for €78.84/month or use private insurance. EU students can use EHIC.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Last updated: March 2026
Insurance Requirements
- Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Austria
- Students can join ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance) for €78.84/month
- EU/EEA students with EHIC can use it but ÖGK membership recommended
- Non-EU students must have insurance for visa and residence permit
- Private insurance accepted if it meets Austrian equivalency standards
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (Basic)
From €55/month
Best for: Students preferring private care or not eligible for ÖGK
Must meet equivalency requirements for residence permit. Covers medical emergencies and treatment.
Learn morePrivate Health Insurance (Comprehensive)
€90–€150/month
Best for: Students wanting premium private care and faster access
Private hospital rooms, specialists, dental, optical, and alternative medicine.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ÖGK Student Rate | €78.84/month | Fixed monthly rate for students in 2026. Covers health + long-term care insurance. |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | From €55/month | Equivalent coverage to ÖGK for residence permit purposes |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €90–€150/month | Premium care with private hospital, dental, and specialist access |
| Co-Payments | €5–€10 per service | Small fees for prescriptions and certain services with ÖGK |
Item
ÖGK Student Rate
Cost
€78.84/month
Details
Fixed monthly rate for students in 2026. Covers health + long-term care insurance.
Item
Private Insurance (Basic)
Cost
From €55/month
Details
Equivalent coverage to ÖGK for residence permit purposes
Item
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
Cost
€90–€150/month
Details
Premium care with private hospital, dental, and specialist access
Item
Co-Payments
Cost
€5–€10 per service
Details
Small fees for prescriptions and certain services with ÖGK
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) requires proof of health insurance
- ÖGK confirmation letter accepted by Austrian embassies
- Private insurance must meet Austrian equivalency standards (coverage comparable to ÖGK)
- EU students can show EHIC for visa purposes
- Insurance must cover entire stay duration
How to Get Insured
Apply for Student Visa/Residence Permit
Submit application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, or declaration to join ÖGK/private insurance).
Enroll at Your University
Complete university enrollment (Inskription) and receive enrollment certificate.
Register with ÖGK
Apply for ÖGK student insurance online or at a local ÖGK office with enrollment certificate and passport.
Receive Your e-card
Your Austrian health insurance card (e-card) arrives by mail within 2–3 weeks.
Register at Town Hall (Meldezettel)
Register your Austrian address at the local Magistrat or Gemeindeamt within 3 days of arrival.
Student Health Insurance in Austria
Austria’s healthcare system is similar to Germany’s, with mandatory health insurance for all residents. As a student, you’ll join the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) — Austria’s public health insurance — for €78.84/month (2026).
ÖGK Student Insurance
All students enrolled at Austrian universities can (and should) register with ÖGK. The monthly rate of €78.84 (2026) covers:
- Doctor visits (Kassenarzt)
- Hospital care (public hospitals)
- Emergency treatment
- Prescription medications (with small co-pays)
- Maternity and preventive care
Once registered, you’ll receive an e-card, which you present when visiting doctors or hospitals.
EU Students with EHIC
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Austrian healthcare. However, many students still join ÖGK for:
- Easier access to doctors (no need to explain EHIC)
- Full coverage without worrying about reimbursement
- Access to all ÖGK-contracted providers
Private Insurance Alternative
If you prefer private care or don’t qualify for ÖGK, you can get private health insurance (from €55/month). Private insurance must meet Austrian equivalency standards to be accepted for residence permits.
Why Austria?
With over 80,000 international students, Austria offers world-class universities in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Students enjoy affordable healthcare, rich culture, and a high quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Austrian healthcare. However, ÖGK membership is recommended for full coverage and easier access.
ÖGK covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, prescriptions, maternity care, and preventive services. Small co-pays of €5–€10 apply to some services.
ÖGK is more affordable and widely accepted. Private insurance offers faster access to specialists and private hospital rooms, but costs more.
Visit any doctor contracted with ÖGK (Kassenarzt). Show your e-card. No appointment needed for many practices. For specialists, a referral from your GP may be required.
Yes, students can work part-time (mini-jobs) without affecting ÖGK coverage. Working full-time changes your insurance status to employee insurance.
Helpful Resources
Tools & Guides for Austria
Ready to Study in Austria?
Join ÖGK for affordable coverage or explore private insurance plans for premium care.
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