Health Insurance in Austria for Ukrainian Citizens
General Information
Automatic health insurance for displaced persons from Ukraine no longer applies.
To obtain full access to medical services, it is necessary to independently arrange one of the legally предусмотренных types of health insurance.
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for receiving free or partially reimbursed medical treatment in Austria.
- Voluntary Insurance (Selbstversicherung)
Persons who are not subject to mandatory insurance may apply for voluntary insurance through the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse, ÖGK).
Key Features:
- Arranged individually;
- Requires a monthly contribution;
- The contribution amount is determined based on the legally established insurance assessment base.
In certain cases, a waiting period (usually up to six months) applies, during which full coverage of medical expenses may not be granted.
The waiting period does not apply if the person:
- Was previously subject to mandatory insurance in Austria or in an EU/EEA country;
- Has the required insurance periods within the legally defined timeframe;
- Or continuously met the insurance requirements prior to submitting the application.
Official information:
ÖGK – Voluntary Insurance
https://www.gesundheitskasse.at
- Co-Insurance (Mitversicherung)
Family members may be included in the insurance coverage of an insured person.
Insurance may be obtained through:
- A spouse;
- Parents;
- Other employed family members.
In most cases, no additional contributions are required for family members if the primary insured person regularly pays insurance contributions. In certain cases, an additional contribution may apply in accordance with ÖGK regulations.
Insurance coverage begins after official inclusion in the system.
Official information:
ÖGK – Family Insurance
https://www.gesundheitskasse.at
- Health Insurance through the Basic Support System (Grundversorgung)
Persons in a difficult financial situation may apply for basic support.
If the application is approved:
- The state covers the insurance contributions;
- The person receives confirmation of insurance (temporary document – e-card replacement certificate / e-card Ersatzbeleg);
- Medical treatment is provided within the public health insurance system.
For submitting an application or receiving consultation, individuals may contact the relevant support services.
Information in Ukrainian:
BBU – Support for Ukrainian Citizens
https://www.bbu.gv.at/ukraine-info-faq-ukrainian
Documents Confirming Insurance Coverage
In cases of voluntary or family insurance, a plastic e-card is issued.
Within the framework of Grundversorgung, a temporary confirmation of insurance may be issued until the e-card is received.
Emergency Medical Care
In cases of life-threatening or emergency conditions, medical assistance is provided regardless of insurance status.
However, in the absence of valid insurance, the medical institution has the right to issue an invoice for the services provided.
It is recommended to:
- Complete official registration with the competent authorities as soon as possible;
- Apply for basic support or arrange another form of health insurance.
Information on registration:
Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA)
https://www.bfa.gv.at
Important
- Without valid insurance, medical services must be paid for independently.
- Voluntary insurance requires payment of contributions.
- Family insurance generally does not require a separate payment for the insured family member.
- Within the framework of basic support, insurance contributions are covered by the state.
- In non-emergency cases, it is advisable to resolve insurance matters first.
Legal basis:
RIS – Austrian Legal Information System
https://www.ris.bka.gv.at
Official Sources
- Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) https://www.gesundheitskasse.at
- BBU – Information for Ukrainian Citizens https://www.bbu.gv.at/ukraine-info-faq-ukrainian
- Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) https://www.bfa.gv.at
Austrian Legal Information System (RIS) https://www.ris.bka.gv.at
